Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. Trans servicemembers have served and served successfully for years. In fact, trans people are even more likely to serve in the U.S. military than cisgender people, so it is mind-boggling that we would want to deter and discriminate against a group of people who have proven their patriotism and deep commitment to our country. All of us are well aware that we are facing steep military recruitment and retention challenges. This amendment will worsen this crisis by pushing transgender servicemembers out of the military. That is because gender-affirming care is necessary and medically backed. Care that gives you the ability to be your true, authentic self is primary care, and it is not something that should be easily dismissed. If our servicemembers constantly worry about their right to exist, their ability to serve our country is jeopardized, and it harms our readiness and ability to respond quickly and effectively to national security challenges. I am not alone on this. Secretary Austin agrees that allowing people to serve as their authentic self is the right and the smart thing to do for our military operations. That is why I urge my colleagues to do the right thing for our values and our readiness and oppose this harmful amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”