March 28, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 54 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H2907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SUPPORTING TRANSGENDER TROOPS

  (Ms. HAALAND asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. HAALAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our transgender 
troops.
  The United States is stronger and safer when our military reflects 
our Nation's diversity. This administration's transgender ban makes a 
mockery of that commitment. And let's be clear: This is a ban.
  We must not ask transgender servicemembers to go back in the closet 
or tell them: You are less than other Americans.
  I wholeheartedly support every single American who wants to serve our 
country. My father was a 30-year career marine, and he would never 
judge another marine on anything other than their ability to complete 
their mission. Why should there be another standard?
  Trans servicemembers meet the same standards as every servicemember, 
and this was confirmed during a subcommittee hearing when trans troops 
testified as witnesses. These transgender troops were highly decorated 
and earned recognition on the basis of the quality of their work.
  As all military personnel do, transgender troops deserve our respect. 
I challenge anyone who favors this kind of discrimination to look at 
their transgender constituents and tell them they are not fit to serve.
  I thank my colleagues for taking a stand for all of our 
servicemembers today.

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