[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH AND AMERICA'S DIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 30, 2026

  Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
celebrate Pride Month. What makes America truly great is our diversity. 
It is the coalescence of our backgrounds, our values, and our ideas 
that makes this Nation stronger. So, when we celebrate Pride Month, we 
are celebrating America. However, as we approach America's 250th 
anniversary, the historic progress we have made together to make our 
country a better place for all is under threat.
  The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are focused more 
on weaponizing the federal government against America's diversity and 
the LGBTQ+ community than on addressing the pressing issues facing 
Americans. LGBTQ+ Americans who serve our country proudly in uniform 
and are a critical part of our military are being told they are not 
welcome and are being denied access to medical care. There have been 
more than 15 anti-LGBTQ+ votes on the floor of the House this Congress, 
but not one that would actually lower costs for American families.
  I am proud to stand up for the New Jersey LGBTQ+ community in 
Congress as a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus and fight 
back against the rising tide of homophobia, transphobia, and hatred in 
all its forms. While Republicans in Congress have attacked our 
neighbors, I reintroduced the Customer Non-Discrimination Act to ensure 
fail treatment for Americans in public spaces and commercial services 
open to the public. Too many LGBTQ+ Americans still risk being fired, 
refused housing, or even denied healthcare just because of who they 
are, and this bill would stamp out this legalized discrimination by 
adding sexual orientation, sex, and gender identity to the prohibitions 
on discrimination covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
  Celebrating Pride Month cannot be just about attending parades; it 
must also mean taking action and standing up for the rights to the 
freedoms we all deserve. America's promise of liberty and justice for 
all includes the LGBTQ+ community. As we approach our country's 250th 
anniversary, we must fight to ensure that freedom and equality are 
expanded, not rolled back, so that America can be a more inclusive and 
just Nation.

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