“I am pleased to extend an invitation to Lt. Col. Martha McSally for this year’s State of the Union,” said Congressman Langevin.  “I admire her for her service to her country, and her bravery, courage and willingness to stand up for American values.  In a time when our very way of life has been attacked, I am proud of Rhode Islanders such as Lt. Col. McSally for advancing freedom across the globe.” 

McSally gained national notoriety when she refuted a Pentagon policy designed to protect servicemen and women stationed in foreign nations.  She protested a military requirement that servicewomen wear black head-to-foot robes called abayas and travel in the back seat of vehicles when not on military bases in foreign countries such as Saudi Arabia.

“Men and women of our armed forces put their lives on the line each and every day in this region defending our nation and our allies around the world,” added Langevin.  “Women are playing are more prominent role than ever before in the modern military.  They should not be forced to abide by the oppressive standards to which other nations subject women.”

Langevin invited McSally to the presidential address during a phone conversation last week from his Washington, D.C. office.

-30-

NOTE: McSally will be in Congressman Langevin’s Washington, D.C. office tomorrow, January 29, 2002 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and available for interviews.