Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chair, two quick points: The United States Congress shouldn't be making medical decisions, and that is what this amendment is. It is telling the military what medical services they should provide. That, I think, is a huge mistake regardless of the context. Second, trans people have served in the military for a long time, even before it was officially allowed, and, certainly, now they are continuing to serve with the same honor and dignity as everybody else who has served. To imply otherwise is completely wrong. Various people throughout the military need healthcare. We spend money on a lot of different healthcare provisions. There is a favorite stat about how much money the United States spends on Viagra for people who serve in the military. There are different purposes. This amendment is wrong for two reasons: One, it is bigoted and discriminatory against trans people who serve and serve in the military very effectively. Number two, it has Congress making medical decisions that should be left up to medical professionals and their patients. Mr. Chair, I urge opposition to this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Rosendale). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.”