- United States
- Md.
- Letter
You have betrayed military families and their children by voting for the National Defense Authorization Act which contains discriminatory provisions banning coverage of gender-affirming care for transgender youth under Tricare, the military's health insurance plan. While the amendment was drafted with language around "sterilizing" procedures, it will likely be weaponized to deny access to medically necessary hormone therapy and puberty blockers. This is an unconscionable attack on some of the most vulnerable members of military families who have made immense sacrifices to serve this nation. Retired service members have condemned this move, expressing disbelief that they are trusted to fight in combat and secure sensitive information, yet not trusted to make informed healthcare decisions for their own children. Spouses of active duty personnel feel betrayed, worrying their families could lose access to vital care. You have undermined military readiness by distracting dedicated troops trying to focus on their missions. Imposing this cruel policy creates unnecessary hardship and fails to honor the service of our military families. This provision marks the first anti-LGBTQ federal law in decades and represents a significant attack on the rights and wellbeing of the transgender community. It perpetuates discrimination under the guise of military policy. You have sided with prejudice over supporting military families and their right to access appropriate medical care based on science and evidence. This harmful decision casts doubt on your commitment to all service members and erodes trust in leadership. I urge you to reconsider this damaging path and uphold your duty to the brave individuals defending our nation's freedom.
