Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, I thank my colleague and also Congresswoman Speier for their leadership on this critical issue. Madam Chair, I am so disappointed that in 2019 this amendment is even necessary. Our military is strong and capable because of our dedicated servicemembers, including nearly 15,000 transgender troops. This year, the Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the President's policy, and Active-Duty transgender servicemembers testified before the House for the first time. Each one was an incredibly capable, experienced, and decorated leader. The DOD's exhaustive review found no valid reason to ban these patriotic Americans who meet the same criteria as their peers. For 3 years, our military has operated under a de facto inclusive policy where thousands could serve openly with, to quote General Millie, ``precisely zero unit cohesion problems.'' {time} 1545 Eighteen militaries already have inclusive policies without incidents or impact to readiness, and the facts reveal this policy for what it is: discrimination. I urge my colleagues to support Ms. Speier's amendment.”