On the recordSeptember 20, 2021
Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, it is a great honor to be part of this Special Order hour, and I thank Chairman Takano, who is not only a leader in the Equality Caucus but also chair of the Veterans' Affairs Committee for organizing our Special Order hour. I know we are joined by several other members of our caucus, including one of our new members, an extraordinary gentleman from New Hampshire, Chris Pappas, who we will hear from in just a moment. As chair of the LGBTQ-Plus Equality Caucus. I am very proud to be here tonight to stand alongside my colleagues as we mark this very important anniversary. Ten years ago, a, historic wrong was corrected when Don't Ask, Don't Tell was repealed. I wish I could say it is hard to remember when members of the LGBTQ community had to push for their right to serve our country openly. But we continue to struggle for full equality in our military and in many other areas of our lives. A few years ago, President Trump imposed a ban on transgender people serving their country in the military. Thankfully, President Biden reversed that move and just in the past days his administration has taken additional steps to ensure equal access to services for those unfairly discharged. Thousands of members of the LGBTQ community have served and continue to serve in our Nation's military, and we are grateful for their service.…





