WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Committees on Judiciary, Homeland Security and Budget, the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and the Chief Deputy Whip, issued this statement following the Supreme Court’s reinstatement of the Trump transgender military ban:

“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court to let proceed the Trump Administration’s ban on transgendered individuals is wrong. The ruling—along the court’s typical 5-4, conservative-liberal axis-reinstates the ban while cases challenging the ban move forward. No person should be denied their right to serve and die for our country, and certainly they should not be prevented from doing so due to their birthright to live as who they are. Previous statements from representatives of our armed forces have assuaged concerns that the matriculation of transgendered troops would not impact readiness of our armed forces. While challenges to the courts move through the nation’s appeals process, I hope that the Supreme Court will realize that Americans who defend our right to live freely should be able to serve freely. In the meanwhile, I take this moment to thank all who wear our uniform, and who are willing to serve and die for our nation. God bless them all.”