00:00GOP Rep. Calls Hegseth Cutting Ties with Scouting Nearsighted
00:04A lawmaker from Pennsylvania does not agree with War Secretary Pete Hegseth's proposal to sever ties with Scouting America.
00:12Representative Glenn G.T. Thompson, Republican of Pennsylvania, is calling the proposal nearsighted while extolling the virtues of Scouting, per the Hill.
00:20Thompson is the Congressional Scouting Caucus's House Co-Chairman.
00:24As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Scouting Caucus, I can think of no better recruitment tool for our military than the lessons acquired through Scouting, Thompson said.
00:34It would be nearsighted to uproot this decades-long partnership.
00:38Hegseth drafted a memo proposing that the Pentagon cut ties with Scouting America, criticizing the organization for being genderless, promoting diversity and inclusion, and undermining boy-friendly spaces.
00:50He argued that the group, once endorsed by President Theodore Roosevelt, no longer supports American boys.
00:58The memo, not yet sent to lawmakers, calls for halting logistical and medical support for the National Jamboree, Scouting America's flagship event, held every four years in West Virginia with around 20,000 attendees.
01:10Hegseth also announced that scout meetings would no longer be allowed on military facilities, domestically or abroad.
01:16Scouting America responded that it was surprised and deeply saddened, defending its strong military ties and insisting it remains a meritocracy where badges and ranks are earned, adding that both young men and women thrive in the program.
01:31Scouts wear an American flag and pledge duty to God and country, said the Congressional Scouting Caucus, co-chaired by Thompson and Representative Sanford Bishop, Democrat Georgia, which supports Scouting America on Capitol Hill.
01:44Thompson added that scouting builds character, confidence, and life skills, noting the resolution he and Bishop crafted celebrates the organization's 115th anniversary.
01:55I have been involved with scouting for more than 50 years, including time spent as a scout, Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, and Distinguished Eagle.
02:03Said Scouting America had a profound impact on his sons and grandsons.
02:08Lessons taken from scouting have helped young people from all walks of life become leaders, he said.
Be the first to comment