Today, I went to the floor to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Here's what I said:

Madam Speaker,

I rise today to commemorate the thirteenth anniversary of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

For decades, thousands of servicemembers were discharged, not because of any serious infraction, but because of who they are.

As Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, it has been a mission of my office to chronicle some the stories of servicemembers affected by this regressive ban; but more deserve the chance to tell their story.

I am sponsoring a bill to create a Congressional Commission to investigate the historic and ongoing impacts of discriminatory military policies on LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans.

I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring these servicemembers and veterans who sacrificed so much to serve our country.

Thank you and I yield back.

I look forward to the day where no servicemember has to feel ashamed or diminished because of who they are. Anyone who is called to serve our country should be able to, regardless of their identity. Being able to serve authentically is the best way to keep our military unified, cohesive, and ready to defend our freedoms from threats abroad and at home.

I hope you join me in commemorating and celebrating these servicemembers today.

Sincerely,