Rep. McBride Blasts Trump’s Transgender Military Ban, Demands Benefits for Veterans in NDAA Debate
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Sarah McBride (DE-AL) delivered floor remarks calling out the House Majority for not allowing votes on her two amendments she introduced to the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) — H.R. 3838.
McBride’s amendments — Amendment #756 and Amendment #758 — address the Trump Administration’s discriminatory ban on transgender military servicemembers and the denial of earned retirement benefits to veterans pushed out of service because of their gender identity.
Amendment #756 repeals Donald Trump’s executive order banning transgender people from serving in the military.
Amendment #758 requires the Department of Defense to pay transgender servicemembers separated after 15–20 years of service their earned early retirement benefits under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA).
Full transcript of her remarks:
“I know a few members of this chamber can’t seem to muster any maturity when they have a transgender colleague. But members of the U.S. Armed Forces can — and have.
“For years, transgender people have been serving in our military. There was no problem — until Donald Trump decided to fire thousands of qualified, capable servicemembers simply because of their gender identity.
“These servicemembers were proudly serving — arm in arm with their peers — deploying, training, leading, sacrificing. They met the same standards, passed the same tests, earned the same promotions. And they were praised by their commanding officers.
“There was no problem — until the Trump administration created a problem: removing thousands of loyal patriots from service, squandering the investments made in their training and careers, and disrupting lives and units.
“That’s why I introduced an amendment to repeal this ban. Because this ban doesn’t strengthen our military — it weakens it. It doesn’t uphold our values — it betrays them. And it sends the cruelest message to some of our most devoted patriots: that one identity they hold matters more than their service.
“My second amendment restores retirement benefits to transgender veterans who were forced out of the Armed Forces just shy of 20 years of service. Under the law, they should qualify for early retirement benefits just like anyone else would. Many received approval only to have it revoked simply because of their gender identity.
“They wore the uniform. They kept their promise to us. It’s time we keep ours to them.
“It’s one thing for some of my colleagues to show me disrespect. But it’s another thing entirely to disrespect the people who lay down their lives for this country.
“Unfortunately, the Majority in this body refuses to let us vote on these amendments. But I will not stop standing up for every patriot that serves our country. Which, until now, I thought was a noncontroversial and bipartisan idea. I yield back.”
Full video of her remarks are available for use and download here.
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