WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump signing executive orders yesterday attacking transgender military service members and undermining diversity across the force.

“President Trump campaigned on a promise to strengthen our national security and defense. The actions he has taken since assuming office threaten to do the exact opposite.

“Transgender service members—thousands of whom have put their lives on the line in defense of our freedom and served openly with honor and distinction for nearly a decade—currently fill critical roles that require years of specialized training and expertise. They have deployed to combat zones, carried out high stakes missions, and proven their ability to strengthen unit cohesion and morale. There is no credible information suggesting that transgender service undermines military readiness and transgender service members are held to the exact same rigorous standards as every other Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Guardian, or Marine.

“Attacking fully capable, patriotic individuals who volunteer to fight for and defend the United States will weaken our national security and defense. If we don’t do our best to reach out to all communities across the incredibly diverse spectrum of our country, we will miss out on the talent we need.

“I call on the President to immediately withdraw these blatantly bigoted and partisan orders for the sake of military readiness and morale and the safety and security of our country.”

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