Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank the chairman and the ranking member managing this bill, and I thank Mr. Kennedy for his insight. We are reminded…”

“I thank the chairman and the ranking member managing this bill, and I thank Mr. Kennedy for his insight. We are reminded that we have nothing to fear but fear itself. Franklin Delano Roosevelt offered those great words on the precipice of World War II, the victory with the United States troops standing side by side, some of them African Americans who lived and served in the uniform but in a segregated way. But their blood was the same, and they shared their blood in the same way; they died in the same way. Do we want victory or defeat? Let me be very clear. Allowing transgenders to serve and brushing them out is a travesty. Do you realize that it is clear that the RAND report found that healthcare coverage for transgender military personnel would increase the military total account by less than zero? In addition, when all of this was banned by the Obama administration, we recognized it is honored, the sacrifices of selfless transgender servicemembers who have endured exclusion, silence, and persecution due to discriminatory policies and attitudes against LGBT and military personnel such as Don't Ask, Don't Tell, which was rightfully struck down under the Obama administration. We must be against these destructive practices. Do we want victory or defeat? There is nothing to fear but fear itself. Support this resolution to stand with those who want to serve and die for their country. I rise in support of H. Res. 124. Mr.…”