Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. This is a question, Mr. Speaker, of readiness. That is what we believe in. That is…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. This is a question, Mr. Speaker, of readiness. That is what we believe in. That is what a Defense appropriations bill is. It is grounded in the readiness of the most powerful Armed Forces in the world. It is to ensure that they are ready. Unfortunately for the Defense appropriations, we are being forced to put this bill on the floor today by the majority. It is unbelievable that they would cut vital civilian positions when the department is struggling to meet its readiness goals. Civilians are a crucial part of ensuring that our men and women, our combat soldiers, are ready to serve around the world. These are hateful policies. They want to undermine and attack the LGBTQ+ community, who have served in valor. We know them well. They have served without question. They have worn the uniform without question. It is to stop a logistical provision that has nothing to do with abortion. It is to allow for that military person to receive reproductive medical services, which may come to be in many different facets; to ensure that someone is able to ensure the reproductive life that they may desire to have.…”