Oppose Anti-Transgender Amendments in NDAA

I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the six anti-transgender amendments recently added to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These amendments represent a dangerous and discriminatory attack on the rights and dignity of transgender individuals serving in our military and their families. The proposed amendments include alarming restrictions on health insurance for transgender service members and their families, bans on transgender participation in women's athletic programs, bathroom restrictions, exclusion of gender identity from military surveys, and a ban on Pride flags at Department of Defense workplaces. These measures are not only unjust but also undermine the readiness and cohesion of our armed forces. It is particularly distressing that 17 Democrats voted to advance this bill despite these harmful amendments. This is not a partisan issue; it is a matter of basic human rights and respect for all who are willing to serve our country. The impact of these amendments would be far-reaching and devastating. They would deny necessary healthcare to transgender service members and their families, exclude transgender individuals from participating fully in military life, and send a clear message that they are not valued or welcome in our armed forces. This goes against the principles of equality and inclusion that our military should embody. I urge you to take a stand against discrimination and vote against these anti-transgender amendments. Our military should be a place of equal opportunity and respect for all who serve, regardless of their gender identity. Removing these amendments is crucial to maintaining the strength, diversity, and integrity of our armed forces. Please remember that transgender service members have been serving openly and with distinction since 2016. They have proven their commitment and capability time and again. To now strip away their rights and dignity is not only morally wrong but also detrimental to our national security. I implore you to protect the rights of all service members and vote against any version of the NDAA that includes these discriminatory amendments. Our country's values and the well-being of our military personnel depend on your action. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.