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In the News
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Press Release Archive
March 30, 2004
Akin Votes to Bolster Access of ROTC to College Campuses
Washington, D.C.-- Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, cosponsored legislation to strengthen federal laws that require equal access to Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and military recruiters to colleges and universities. The ROTC and Military Recruiter Equal Access to Campus Act (H.R.3966) passed the U.S. House by a vote of 343 to 21.
"To deny equal access to ROTC and military recruitment to colleges and universities is not only prejudicial, but weakens our national defense," said Akin. "The ROTC is essential to preparing young people to serve as officers, which is, in turn, important to the security of our country."
H.R.3966 ensures fair and equal access by strengthening a measure passed in 1996 granting the Secretary of Defense power to deny federal funding to institutions of higher learning if they prevent ROTC or military recruitment on campuses.
"The U.S. military is an all voluntary force," said Akin. "To deny ROTC access to a college campus not only deprives students of access to information about career opportunities, it also potentially deprives our nation of great officers."
"Thankfully, most universities welcome ROTC programs and active military recruitment. And I am proud to say that ROTC enjoys tremendous cooperation from schools in Missouri's Second District and our surrounding region," concluded Akin.
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