May 23, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 87 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page H4150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    BENEFITS FOR ALL SERVICEMEMBERS

  (Mr. PAPPAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of thousands of American 
heroes who may be unjustly denied the opportunity to serve the country 
they love.
  Last month, the administration's discriminatory ban on transgender 
military service took effect, telling 15,000 Active-Duty servicemembers 
they don't belong in uniform. That is completely unacceptable.
  And now these brave patriots are worried not just about the loss of a 
career that they love, but also about the loss of healthcare benefits 
they have earned through years of service and sacrifice.
  That is why, yesterday, I was proud to introduce the SERVE Act. My 
legislation will enshrine into law a simple pledge to every veteran 
that they will receive the benefits they deserve no matter how they 
identify or whom they love.
  Americans willing to lay down their lives for our country are 
entitled to honor and dignity. That is a basic promise we make to 
everyone who puts on the uniform, and we can never go back on that 
promise.

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