WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to a failed amendment offered last week by a member of the House Freedom Caucus that targeted the Department of Defense’s highest-ranking transgender official, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness Shawn Skelly.

“Assistant Secretary Skelly has served our country with honor and distinction for decades, including two decades as a Naval flight officer and as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness for the past two years. Her dedication and commitment to our national defense is without doubt. Her strength of character is to be commended. The same cannot be said for the Member of Congress who has repeatedly attacked Assistant Secretary Skelly simply for being transgender.

“The most recent attack was carried out via an amendment last week, resulting in a disgusting display that debased the institution we all serve. We should all stand up against bigotry and it is shameful that then-Speaker McCarthy and GOP leadership allowed the amendment to be debated. They provided an open forum for far-right extremists to spew vile and bigoted opinions and deny not only the proud service of Assistant Secretary Skelly, but her right to exist as a trans person. This is why we must stand strong with the Department of Defense in its efforts to include the trans community, and many other marginalized individuals and groups, in its outreach efforts.

“Our military is the strongest in the world. We need all the talent that we can get to ensure it remains so. There is no place for discrimination of any kind in our armed forces, particularly discrimination based on blind ignorance and pure hatred.”

###