[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 147 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H5531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE 13TH ANNIVERSARY OF DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL

  (Mr. TAKANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 13th 
anniversary of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
  For decades thousands of servicemembers were discharged, not because 
of any serious infraction, but because of who they are.
  As ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, it has 
been a mission of my office to chronicle some of the stories of 
servicemembers affected by this regressive ban. However, more deserve 
the chance to tell their story.
  I am sponsoring a bill to create a congressional commission to 
investigate the historic and ongoing impacts of discriminatory military 
policies on LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring these servicemembers 
and veterans who sacrificed so much to serve our country.

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