Black and female service members who were reportedly overlooked for senior military positions have an advocate in New York U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, she has requested a closed hearing to address reports of more than a dozen senior military promotions thwarted for women and Black officers in the armed forces.
Gillibrand asked Chairman Roger Wicker to review whether actions taken by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were based on performance or influenced by politics or bias. She also said the committee has a responsibility to ensure military promotions remain merit-based and free from unlawful discrimination.
The senator requested the hearing be held in a closed setting so lawmakers could review sensitive personnel information while maintaining privacy for the officers involved. Gillibrand said her goal was to reassure both Congress and the public that the military promotion system remains fair and credible.
