Congressman Pappas Fights for the Benefits of Transgender Veterans on House Floor

WASHINGTON D.C.- Following the implementation of the Trump Administration's discriminatory transgender military ban, 15,000 active duty service members face the risk of losing not only their military careers but also access to the same earned benefits as their fellow service members. This week, Congressman Pappas introduced the SERVE Act of 2019, a bill that guarantees VA benefits to any veteran who receives an Other Than Honorable (OTH) or Entry-Level Separation (ELS) discharge from the Armed Forces due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill also covers any LGBT veteran who may have been discharged under Don't Ask Don't Tell who has not yet applied to have their OTH designation altered. Congressman Pappas spoke on the House floor about the importance of living up to the promises we make to every American who serves in uniform and urged his colleagues to help pass this critical legislation.

You can watch his floor speech here.

Read the full remarks as written for delivery from Congressman Pappas's House floor speech below:

Mr. Speaker,

I rise on behalf of thousands of American heroes who may be unjustly denied the opportunity to serve the country they love.

Last month, the Administration's discriminatory ban on transgender military service took effect, telling 15,000 active duty servicemembers they don't belong in uniform.

That's completely unacceptable, Mr. Speaker.

And now these brave patriots are worried not just about the loss of a career they love, but also about the loss of health care benefits they've earned through years of service and sacrifice.

That's why yesterday I was proud to introduce the SERVE Act.

My legislation will enshrine into law a simple pledge to every veteran: you will receive the benefits you deserve no matter how you identify or whom you love.

Americans willing to lay down their lives for our country are entitled to honor and dignity.

That's the basic we promise we make to everyone who puts on the uniform, and we can never go back on that promise.

Thank you. I yield back.