Matt Rosendale: “Today I rise in support of my amendment No. 10. Amendment No. 10 is a very simple amendment. It would prohibit TRICARE…”

“Today I rise in support of my amendment No. 10. Amendment No. 10 is a very simple amendment. It would prohibit TRICARE from covering sex reassignment surgeries and hormone treatment for transgender individuals. The most recent numbers tell us that the Department of Defense has performed over 240 gender reassignment surgeries, costing taxpayers approximately $3.1 million. Unfortunately, that is just a small part of the cost associated with this transaction. The Department has spent over $11.5 million on psychotherapy. That is it; psychotherapy for servicemembers with gender dysphoria. The amount of funds paid out for this psychotherapy shows that the surgery alone cannot solve the root issue for these individuals. This does nothing to help our troops continue to be the most effective fighting force on Earth and is nothing but a distraction and a waste of valuable taxpayer dollars. The government has no business funding these procedures on the taxpayer's dime. The question that must be asked is whether having trans individuals makes the United States a more lethal force and whether it helps recruit the best and most effective talent for the United States military. The answer to that is a clear and resounding no. A report commissioned by General Mattis found that servicemembers with claims of gender dysphoria are eight times more likely to attempt suicide than other servicemembers.…”