Ranking Member Subramanyam Statement on DOD Proposal to Cut Ties with Scouting America

LEESBURG, VA – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Ranking Member of the Military and Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee, released the following statement after a leaked proposal from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth suggested dissolving a century-old partnership between Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts) and the Department of Defense:

“If Secretary Hegseth was truly concerned about America’s young men, he wouldn’t be cutting this partnership. For generations, Eagle Scouts join the military ready to serve in leadership positions because of the character, training, and service learned in the Scouts. This decision doesn’t help our recruiting crisis; it hurts Scouts and parents across the country and cuts off an entire pipeline of motivated young folks, all because the Secretary wants to score political points. I’m calling on the Department of Defense to reverse course immediately.”