Opposing Ban on Transgender Members of Armed Forces

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, as a veteran, I rise in support of this resolution. When this country first debated the possibility of African Americans, women, or LGBT people serving in our military, the same doubts, the same reports, and the same concerns were raised regarding their service.

One of these misleading claims is that allowing transindividuals to serve could harm our military readiness. Mr. Speaker, allowing patriotic Americans who are willing, capable, and ready to serve their country does not harm readiness.

I will tell you what does: diverting military personnel and billions of dollars in military construction funding to build an unnecessary wall to respond to a nonmilitary fabricated emergency.

I want to ask my friends who support this shameful service ban whether they believe they have the right to deny an individual their right to be who they are, to limit opportunities because of their gender identity? Are these the values America was founded upon?

We as a nation are much better than this. During the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, critics invoked fear upon America saying that it would disrupt unit morale and readiness. Today, 9 years later, we have the most powerful and capable military in the world.

For almost 3 years, transgender troops have been able to serve openly. During that time, there has been no evidence of lack of military readiness or unit cohesion. Unfortunately, in return for their service, we are requiring they suppress their identity. This is absolutely unacceptable and discriminatory.

I believe former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dempsey responded best when he stated:

``The service of the men and women who volunteer and who meet our standards of service is a blessing, not a burden.''

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