If I was a guy, based on how I performed in pilot training, I would have been able to have selected a fighter. I mean, I have always said unemotionally, if we want the best fighting force, why would we have 50 percent of our population not competing for these positions?

Martha McSally

When you value people, you give them freedom.

Martha McSally

America has a long history of pride in the military uniform, and the Army has a 362-page directive on proper uniform wear. Included are guidelines that accommodate freedom of religion by outlining what religious attire or jewelry can be worn with the uniform.

Martha McSally

Raising taxes in an economic downturn is not a good idea.

Martha McSally

Before I became a fighter pilot, everyone said that women didn't have the physical strength. Well, I had just completed the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon.

Martha McSally

Our troops should not conform to customs that represent the marginalization of people and are incongruent with our fundamental values.

Martha McSally

If we want the most effective fighting force, we need to pick the most qualified capable man for the job, even if it's a woman.

Martha McSally

Wherever women succeed, businesses will succeed.

Martha McSally

I think my being a combat pilot, being a woman who has had to break down barriers and succeed in a male-dominated environment, and, I think, just being in the military for 26 years have all helped me.

Martha McSally

When I see something messed up, I'm going to challenge it.

Martha McSally

I was in Saudi Arabia on 9/11 and was part of the initial leadership team to execute the initial combat operations in Afghanistan.

Martha McSally

Former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton is exceptionally qualified to serve as President Trump's National Security Adviser, and I fully support his selection.

Martha McSally

In 2001, I was an Air Force lieutenant colonel and A-10 fighter pilot stationed in Saudi Arabia, in charge of rescue operations for no-fly enforcement in Iraq and then in Afghanistan.

Martha McSally

I'm probably one of the only people who has voted for the speaker of the House but didn't serve in Congress.

Martha McSally

I served my country in uniform for 26 years.

Martha McSally

I'm always looking for people on the other side of the aisle for any initiative I'm sponsoring - men and women - to move things forward.

Martha McSally

Ultimately, it's not our responsibility to turn Afghanistan into a 21st-century, vibrant, economic, liberal democracy with a little L. Our responsibility is to keep Americans safe, to make sure we don't have a failed state in a region. It's not our responsibility to reconstruct Afghanistan.

Martha McSally

My journey in the military solidified my tireless commitment to making sure girls and women are given the opportunity to meet their full potential, and nobody tells them they can't do something because they're a girl.

Martha McSally

I have three older brothers. I'm Irish. I'm feisty.

Martha McSally

The whole idea of deterrence is to convince your enemy that you are willing and able to make it so painful for them to continue on a threatening or bellicose course that they change their behavior.

Martha McSally

Growing up, I was told I could be anything I wanted to be. There were no limitations restraining me just because I was a girl. Then I joined the military.

Martha McSally