[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 6, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H1368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REVERSE TRANSGENDER MILITARY BAN

  (Mr. PAPPAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, yesterday, I welcomed a transgender 
veteran from New Hampshire named Tavion as my guest to the State of the 
Union. I am proud to say that he was warmly received here in the 
people's House.
  Tavion didn't give a big speech last night but he still delivered a 
powerful message. His story and exemplary service stand as a direct 
rebuttal to the false claims and flimsy logic used to justify the Trump 
administration's ban on transgender military service.
  By politicizing our military and marginalizing patriot 
servicemembers, this unjust policy is weakening America's Armed Forces. 
Any American who is prepared to risk life and limb in defense of our 
Nation deserves our undying respect.
  In spite of our political differences, my sincere hope is that 
members of both parties can come together to support our men and women 
in uniform, regardless of gender identity.
  Madam Speaker, the American people sent us to Washington to stand up 
for our constituents and our values. We can live up to that 
responsibility by reversing the transgender military service ban and 
honoring brave trans vets like Tavion.

                          ____________________