Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, my amendment prohibits the provision of gender transition procedures, including surgery or medication, through an Exceptional Family Member Program. I think I have heard it all, when my good friend on the other side mentioned that the medical profession was for the surgery. That is like saying the owners of a gas station or a petroleum company are for gasoline production. It is a given. Everything has got a price tag up here, and when I hear Viagra, I hope and pray that Viagra is not included in what the other side is wanting to do. That is not the place for that, particularly now. The Exceptional Family Member Program provides resources to military families with special needs. This program is designed for military spouses, children, or other dependent family members who require ongoing medical or educational services such as individuals with asthma, autism, chronic respiratory illness, intellectual disabilities, and much more. The military has tried to politicize this valuable program in order to get transgender procedures passed. For example, the Air Force suggested using the Exceptional Family Member Program for families who want to help their child transition. I would just say the other side is taking--and I will list some of the other things that are included in this that already exist that they are paying for--money away from the things I will mention, and I think that is unheard of. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”