WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) slammed President Trump’s Executive Order to ban transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military. Rep. Peters led an amendment to the FY 2018 Defense spending bill to block Trump’s transgender military ban during his first administration and supports Rep. Sara Jacobs’ (CA-51) Ensuring Military Readiness Not Discrimination Act to stop the ban and other discrimination like it.

“I can’t think of anything more backward than turning away a brave, qualified American who wants to serve in our all-volunteer military because of their gender identity,” said Rep. Peters. “Unlike Trump’s original ban, this Executive Order will also remove currently serving transgender servicemembers who have demonstrated their commitment to the United States on the battlefield. It is wrong and it is a disgrace. Our military must be focused on readiness for war and not the culture wars, and there is no evidence Trump’s original ban did anything to improve our military readiness or our national security. Just as I did in 2017, I will be using the tools available to me as Congressman to fight back against this attack against our servicemembers.”  

According to a RAND study commissioned by the Pentagon in 2015, “research on the effects of foreign military policies indicates little or no impact on unit cohesion, operational effectiveness, or readiness. Commanders noted that the policies had benefits for all service members by creating a more inclusive and diverse force." 

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