Press Releases

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) voted to defend transgender servicemembers from the Administration’s discriminatory, self-defeating ban on their military service. 

“Last month, in a hearing that was the first of its kind, the Military Personnel subcommittee of HASC invited transgender servicemembers to testify about their service to our nation. We on the subcommittee were honored to hear from an impressive panel of dedicated servicemembers.  They asked for nothing more than to be permitted to continue to serve the United States honorably as they had been doing. Before the hearing I had the privilege of meeting Staff Sergeant Patricia King, one of the witnesses. Patricia grew up on Cape Cod. She’s a combat-tested and decorated infantry soldier who has served nobly for nearly 20 years in the Army. Her life was turned upside-down by a tweet nearly two years ago – one that put her military career in jeopardy,” said Rep. Trahan. “Patricia, like thousands of others caught up in this discriminatory policy, does not deserve this treatment. We know from the testimony of top military officials that this ban is not rooted in any legitimate need, only an underlying bigotry against brave servicemembers who deserve our respect. I am inspired by these servicemembers, and was honored to vote for this resolution to affirm the commitment of Congress to these brave individuals who sacrifice so much in the service of our nation.” 

Congresswoman Trahan spoke in favor of this resolution yesterday on the House Floor. Footage of her remarks can be downloaded HERE:   

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