Seth Moulton

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, today is World Suicide Prevention Day and Firearm Suicide Prevention Day. In 2022, almost 50,000 Americans died by suicide. 1.6 million Americans attempted suicide. More than half of all gun deaths in the United States are by suicide. On average, we lose 74 people to a firearm suicide every single day. The firearms suicide rate among children in the U.S. is growing. More younger Americans are struggling with their mental health than ever before, and we know that when there is a gun in the home, the risk of suicide death jumps by 300 percent. The result is tragedy. Each of us here in this Chamber has an enormous responsibility to serve here in Washington and to help Americans, yet Americans are dying, and we are doing little to stop it. Something is seriously broken. Gun deaths are not just a fact of life we should accept. Every gun death is preventable, including self-inflicted ones. Mr. Speaker, 70 percent of those who survive a suicide attempt never attempt it again. That is a remarkable statistic. Mr. Speaker, 70 percent of those who survive a suicide attempt won't try it again. Reducing gun deaths in our country isn't a zero-sum proposition. We have to address gun safety and the mental health crisis. It is not getting too political or a copout to talk about both. First and foremost, reducing firearm-related suicides can be as simple as storing firearms safely and securely, which means locked, unloaded, and separated from ammunition. Simple, practical steps can reduce impulsive decisions and save lives. The 988 mental health lifeline is already making a huge difference. Not only are millions of Americans calling and texting to get help in a moment of crisis, but even more simply know where to get help if they need it. We also have to get back to watching out for one another, to building strong, resilient communities where people aren't lonely and isolated behind their screens, and where friends and neighbors recognize the signs when someone is struggling and find the courage to speak out. We can stand together to create a future where no one feels like they have no other choice. Together we can offer hope, and together, we can save lives.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of Negro Election Day, otherwise known as Black Picnic Holiday, which is celebrated on the third Saturday of July. Decades before the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, enslaved and free peoples participated in the colonies' first democratic voting system, holding elections of a king or governor to advocate for their community's needs. First recorded in 1741 in Salem, Massachusetts, the tradition grew to include Africans from across New England and eventually became known as the Black Picnic. Over the centuries, the event shifted to include track and field events, jazz dances, choir performances, and more. The honoring of Negro Election Day reflects the resilience of New Englanders of African descent. To enshrine its significance, the Massachusetts State Legislature passed S. 2703 on February 17, 2022, establishing the third Saturday in July as a state holiday. In the words of Massachusetts State Senator Joan B. Lovely from Salem, ``We must continue to commemorate the meaningful milestones African Americans have contributed to Massachusetts and our Nation today and in all the days going forward.'' It is with those words that I ask you to please join me in honoring the history and celebration of Negro Election Day.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Chairman, we support this bill. We are opposed to this amendment because we want this war to end. We want to bring this war to a conclusion. The Ukrainians need these munitions to fight for their freedom. No one wants to be in this position of having to argue in favor of cluster munitions, but this is the reality on the ground for Ukraine today. It is also the reality on the ground that the Russians are using far more cluster munitions with far higher dud rates. Don't think for a second that Ukraine doesn't understand they are going to have cluster munitions on the ground that need to be cleaned up. They are mostly going to be Russian munitions. The longer this war goes on, the longer it takes to push Russia back in this criminal war started by war criminal Vladimir Putin, the more unexploded cluster munitions from Russia are going to be on the ground. We have to stand by Ukraine so that Putin doesn't continue this war not only to take over Ukraine but to take over Europe. We have to stand by Ukraine to prevent American boys and girls from going to fight. That is why we are in the position we are in today. Let's defeat this amendment, and let's end this war. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), my friend.

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Chairman, I point out that we all care about Ukrainian kids, but do you know who cares about Ukrainian kids the most? Ukrainians. Ukrainians care about Ukrainian kids. They are the ones asking for these munitions to use on their own territory. They understand the consequences. They understand the dud rates. They understand the danger. Most of all, they understand the danger of losing this war to Russia, of having their kids kidnapped, taken away, or killed. That is why the Ukrainians want these munitions, and that is why we are giving them to them. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Chair, I begin by yielding 30 seconds to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers), the chairman of the committee and my friend.

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Sergeant Ian Taylor, a beloved resident of Billerica, Massachusetts, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty earlier this month. While I didn't have the privilege of knowing Sergeant Taylor personally, I admire him just from what I have learned. He was a dedicated family man with an exemplary commitment to service. Not only did he risk his own safety as an officer for decades, but he was a tireless advocate for substance abuse prevention. He helped so many people, many of whom have shared their story since he died. I am devastated for the Billerica Police Department and Sergeant Taylor's family who will feel this immense loss every day. Rest assured his legacy will live on. He will certainly inspire others to serve with selfless dedication to duty.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in celebration of MITRE's 65th anniversary of service to the Nation. MITRE, a non-profit founded in 1958 in Bedford, Massachusetts, contributions have been both profound and wide-ranging, impacting not only national security but also advancing critical technology sectors and public welfare on a global scale. For over six decades, MITRE has been at the forefront of technological and strategic development, adapting to and preempting global challenges from the Cold War era to the present day. Its pioneering work in the development of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) and its collaboration on the Apollo Mission underscore its pivotal role in shaping defense and space exploration strategies. MITRE's innovative endeavors in the fields of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence have set the benchmark for the industry. The Orange Book, penned by MITRE's Grace Hammonds Nibaldi, laid the foundation for modern cybersecurity, marking the organization as a thought leader for more than half a century. Similarly, MITRE's role in developing America's Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) exemplifies its commitment to creating the safest, most efficient airspace in the world. Today, MITRE continues to spearhead transformative projects. The MITRE ATT&CK framework has become a cornerstone in cybersecurity, guiding threat models and critical infrastructure protection. Through initiatives like ``Black Pearl,'' MITRE confronts issues such as human trafficking and narcotics, displaying its adaptability and influence across various domains. Moreover, MITRE's cutting-edge work in space traffic management, quantum computing, and BlueTech, along with its contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates its capacity to lead and innovate in response to emergent global issues. Recognizing MITRE's multifaceted impact, from the development of the Standard Health Record for Oncology to modernizing judicial records, reflects its profound influence beyond the scope of traditional research and development organizations. Fast Company's description of MITRE as ``the most important company you've never heard of'' encapsulates the silent, yet significant footprint MITRE has left on modern society. Finally, it is essential to acknowledge that MITRE's success is fundamentally a human story--driven by a team of dedicated individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, often without public acclaim, motivated by a shared commitment to the public good. As we honor MITRE on its 65th anniversary, we celebrate not just the organization's remarkable achievements but also the people who have made it all possible. Their uncredited service and relentless pursuit of innovation for the nation's benefit indeed set MITRE apart as a unique and invaluable institution. Please join me in honoring MITRE and its talented staff on MITRE's 65th anniversary.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, Americans bought nearly 60 million guns between 2020 and 2022. It is not hard to understand why. People are scared. Each day brings news of another gun violence tragedy, and most don't even make the headlines. It is natural to think that we need guns to feel safe, but the way to stop gun violence is not with more guns. The risk of homicide is three times higher when there are guns in a home. Women who own handguns are 35 times more likely to commit suicide than those who don't; men are eight times more likely. To be clear, this isn't about taking away guns from responsible gun owners. We can live in a country with a healthy Second Amendment but where we don't have multiple mass shootings or 68 gun suicides a day. Democrats want reasonable solutions to get us there, and we stand ready to work with Republicans and gun owners on policies that will save lives. A few commonsense steps are to ban high-capacity weapons of war, to expand background checks and red flag laws, to increase access to mental health care, and to hold gun manufacturers accountable. This is the number one cause of death for American children, so let's stop the denial. This crisis won't end until we take decisive action. We can't just shoot our way out of it.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of Andy Flick, who served as my Deputy Chief of Staff from 2015 to 2018. You might think a deputy chief of staff is someone you ``take under your wing,'' but from day one, Andy took me under his. When I began my service in the House on that first day, I did not know what the bells meant, did not know how to actually vote, and I couldn't find my pin. Andy was there to help and guide, to mentor and advise, every step of the way. In those first three years of serving together, Andy helped make me the most productive Freshman Democrat. We held more town hall meetings than any other Democrat in Congress, House or Senate, and we built a constituent services operation that would soon win awards across Congress. Andy Flick was the most experienced Hill hand on my team, and we couldn't have done it without him. Best of luck to Andy in his continued rise. I feel fortunate to be his friend.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, my Republican colleagues often blame the military's current recruitment crisis on DEI initiatives. They say the military is becoming too woke and that it is driving away recruits. The only problem with that is that the survey data we have actually says the exact opposite. It says that what recruits are concerned about is being welcomed into an organization that will accept who they are. With this anti-abortion policy, Republicans are effectively telling 50 percent of America and 20 percent of our current fighting force: You are not welcome here because of who you are. If you are a White guy, you are probably fine. If you are a woman, sorry, you are a second-class citizen. You don't have the healthcare options that the rest of us have. It is no wonder that every branch except the Marine Corps is struggling to meet recruitment goals. Instead of seriously focusing on how we deter a war with China, we are having politically motivated debates in this Chamber over a woman's private healthcare decisions. What my Republican colleagues won't say is that the DOD's abortion travel policy does not even pay for this medical care. It doesn't even pay for it. It simply allows a woman who has put her life on the line for our country the necessary leave if she is stationed in a State where abortions are not available. I voted against the NDAA because it doesn't support our servicemembers. It makes them political pawns. It is a slap in the face to every woman who serves or might consider it in the future. We need to treat women with the respect they deserve for serving our country.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of my friend, the six-term Congressman from Utah, Chris Stewart, who retires from Congress this week. Of all the things we have worked on together, I am most proud of passing the bill that created the 988 Mental Health Lifeline. Since it went live last summer, millions of Americans have received help in a moment of mental health crisis, with countless lives saved as a result. As fellow veterans, we have seen firsthand the consequences of inadequate mental health care. We knew it could be an uphill battle to pass our bill, and it was. You wouldn't believe some of the stories. That is why you need a partner you can trust. That is Chris. Beyond his admirable commitment to his family and this job, it is just hard not to like Chris. He is an Air Force veteran who broke the world record for the fastest nonstop flight around the world. He is a successful businessman. He has authored multiple best-selling books. What can't this guy do? Well, one thing he didn't have to do was take a lot of political risk to work across the aisle with a Democrat on a big bill like 988. Political courage means something to Chris. We need more leaders like him in Washington. Chris, thank you for your service. We will miss you, and I wish you and your family only the best. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record letters of congratulations and appreciation from the Massachusetts and Utah chapters of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. September 12, 2023. Hon. Chris Stewart, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Stewart: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP), Massachusetts chapter writes to congratulate you and wish you well as you leave Congress this month. We extend our thanks and appreciation for your outstanding leadership in finding bipartisan solutions to prevent suicide and help save lives. Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States in 2021. We are grateful for your partnership with Representative Seth Moulton to establish the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and build out a comprehensive crisis response system. Since its launch just over a year ago, the 988 Lifeline has responded to millions of calls, texts, and chats from people needing life-saving support. Our chapter also appreciates your work to address the youth mental health crisis and Veteran suicide prevention. Veterans are about 1.5 times more likely to die from suicide than their non-Veteran peers, and we appreciate your collaboration with Representative Moulton to bring needed attention to this important issue. During your 11 years in Congress, you successfully worked across the aisle to help ensure that people struggling with their mental health are connected to timely supports and services. We thank you for your service, and we wish you and your family well. Sincerely, Jessica van der Stad, Executive Director, Massachusetts Chapter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Chairman, let me just start by associating my remarks with the remarks of my friend, Mr. Joe Wilson, from South Carolina. It is not often that we get to do that on the floor of this House. Joe and I come from different places but we believe in America. We believe in America and we want to protect America. It has been a long time since we have had to stand here and talk about the Republican Party being pro-Russia, the Republican Party being pro-Putin. Just to be clear, 62 percent of Americans in the last poll want to support Ukraine, so it is just factually inaccurate to say that most Americans are against this. Why is it important? It is important that we support Ukraine because American lives are on the line. Serving in Iraq in the Marines, it was our allies that saved American marines lives. It was our allies that made a difference. If you are soft on Russia, by being hard on Ukraine today, you are being soft on China because American lives will be on the line if China thinks they can do what Putin is trying to do in Ukraine.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to support the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act as passed out of the House Armed Services Committee. While this bill includes some provisions that are not in line with Democratic priorities, it does represent a truly bipartisan product that was overwhelmingly supported by our committee. I thank Chairmen Rogers and Lamborn for working with me during our markup process, particularly on critical areas such as restoring funding for critical National Nuclear Security Administration efforts on nonproliferation and National Missile Defense policy. Overall, I am proud of what is in this bill. It adds critical oversight to the nuclear weapons modernization enterprise, and while I firmly believe this world would be a better, safer place for our children without nuclear weapons--a view shared by many of us--the reality is that our nuclear deterrent is a key component of strategic stability so long as we have determined adversaries unwilling to engage in serious discussions of arms reduction. Given that sobering reality, I support the administration's nuclear modernization plans, but I continue to have serious concerns about requiring the U.S. Navy to develop a nuclear-capable sea-launched cruise missile, as this bill would require. I believe we need to better understand the impacts to both the Navy and NNSA before we direct a program of record. Across space, missile defense, and hypersonic weapons, this bill advances key technologies and capabilities while also requiring more in-depth study on how these systems will contribute to a future conflict and impact strategic stability. I want to particularly call out Chairman Rogers' noting the $40 billion of cuts to old weapons systems we don't need to make room for the new. That is politically tough to do, and it is incredibly important that we accomplish it. While this bill largely represents continuity and bipartisanship, my ability to support it going further depends on what a small group of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle might try to add on to it. Targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion; reproductive and women's rights; and the LGBTQ+ community, in addition to cutting off our assistance to Ukraine, are areas that I cannot support in a bipartisan bill. Over hours of politically motivated debate attacking these programs, the majority offered zero evidence that they actually hurt recruiting. Indeed, what evidence is available tells the opposite story. Good luck recruiting women if they can't get healthcare based on the whims of which base they are assigned. Good luck recruiting minorities if they think they won't be respected in the service. Finally, I will take this opportunity to again thank our subcommittee staff, Ryan Tully, Whitney Verett, Peter Schirtzinger, Maria Vastola, and Zach Calderon; my personal staff, Caroline Jones; and our Navy fellow, Kurt Shulkitas.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce H.R. 1096, a bill to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. This is a particular honor for me as a Marine Corps veteran myself. Serving as an infantry officer in the Iraq war, I was proud to lead some of the best Americans I have ever met--brave, selfless, honorable heroes who could have let others go in their place. Indeed, marines are on watch tonight, standing on the ramparts of freedom around the globe so that we all can sleep softly in our beds at home. The first time I remember meeting a marine was on my under-10 soccer field in my hometown of Marblehead, Massachusetts. Marblehead has the distinction of being the birthplace of Marine Corps Aviation because it was back in 1912 that Lieutenant Alfred Cunningham took his first solo flight out of Marblehead and became the first marine aviator. A marine landed a Cobra helicopter on our soccer field, and I had never seen something like this before. I remember walking around this remarkable machine in awe. Then, I came up to the Marine Corps major who was the pilot, and I looked up at him and said: Wow, you are lucky to get to fly this every day. That Marine Corps major looked down at me and said: I am not lucky, kid. I am good. Indeed, marines know that nobody cares if you are lucky or not. Marines make their own luck and have throughout history, being the first to fight in every clime and place, in battles that defined our Nation for two-and-a-half centuries: Belleau Wood in World War I, where the marines earned our reputation as Devil Dogs; the beaches of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima in World War II; the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean war; the grueling jungles of Vietnam; and, of course, the Gulf wars, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. I will never forget the bravery of the young marines that I witnessed at Abbey Gate during the final days of the Afghanistan withdrawal. After 13 American heroes lost their lives, what happened next is the definition of what it means to be a marine: Another platoon of marines went right back out to continue the mission, saving hundreds more of our Afghan allies. Yet, the thing about the Marines is that we don't dwell on our history. We charge forward. Under the leadership of now-retired General Berger, the 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, the force is undertaking the most aggressive modernization plan of any service in the last 50 years. Force Design 2030 addresses everything from personnel to warships. It shifts resources from armor, artillery, and manned aircraft to invest in longer range missiles and unmanned aerial systems, better sensors and surveillance on the battlefield, and developing and retaining new cyber forces. If we are to deter a war with China--and we must deter a war with China-- this type of forward-thinking is essential across all the services, and once again, the Marine Corps is setting the example and leading the way. The Marine Corps is, therefore, at an inflection point, so it is particularly fitting that we have this opportunity to honor the indomitable spirit of the corps while also looking forward to its future. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my esteemed colleagues to support this bill and to recognize the valor, bravery, and sacrifice of ``The Few, The Proud, The Marines.'' Madam Speaker, I conclude with the final verse of ``The Marines' Hymn'' If the Army and the Navy Ever look on Heaven's scenes; They will find the streets are guarded By United States Marines. Semper Fidelis.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Marblehead, who received its charter on May 11, 1923. The Rotary Club of Marblehead is home to like-minded individuals dedicated to making the world a better place. This club has provided support to the town of Marblehead since 1956, holding over 5,000 meetings. They have supported food banks, homeless shelters, and mental health and disability endeavors, and have given over 1 million dollars in college scholarships to high school seniors, as well as over $300,000 in summer camp scholarships. Not only have they served Marblehead residents and the surrounding communities, but the world at large. Internationally, they have provided aid to Haiti, Syria, Ukraine, Iraq, Africa, Uganda and Mexico. Their aid programs range from providing shelter boxes for housing to clean water and education programs. In honor of their 100th anniversary on May 11, 2023, they are generously gifting the town of Marblehead a two-faced town clock. Please join me in thanking them for their valiant effort in helping not only our community but the world.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, I share the general consensus that we should re-debate the AUMF. That is Congress' job. I have voted for measures similar to this in the past that will force that debate. We should force Congress to debate the AUMF, but we should not force our troops to withdraw.

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, the safety and security of the United States over 21 years since 9/11 is no accident. It is due to the sweat, toil, and blood of thousands of young Americans. Many Americans have enjoyed the fruits of this labor with not contributing anything to the cost. As a veteran of the war on terror myself, I stand here today and, from the bottom of my heart, genuinely wish I could tell you, Mr. Speaker, that I could tell my colleagues: ``Mission accomplished. We can go home.'' I truly wish I could say that, but the mission is not accomplished yet. It is not finished. There is still work to do, which our troops in Syria carry on today. ISIS remains the deadliest terrorist threat in the world. The work that these troops do day in and day out is a relatively small investment in our security and the security of our allies.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, our lives are dominated by smart devices, not just smart cars, smartphones, and smartwatches, but dryers, refrigerators, and even toasters. These technologies make our lives easier, but most Americans don't know that their refrigerator has the ability to listen or to watch. Despite the fact that well over 60 million homes are actively using smart home devices, our laws regulating this technology have lagged. Big Tech has been able to move the privacy goalposts with impunity, so it is past time for a new generation of digital privacy laws. That is why I put forward the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act along with my colleagues, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Curtis) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis). This bill would require the Federal Trade Commission to establish guidelines for properly disclosing the audio or visual recording capabilities of smart devices. There is widespread support for this legislation, from consumer advocacy groups to the tech companies themselves. Americans deserve the chance to make informed decisions about the electronic eavesdroppers we allow into our homes. Let's pass this bill so that our consumers know when Big Tech is listening.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from California for her incredible leadership on this and so many other issues on the House Committee on Armed Services. She has truly built a legacy which will be hard to repeat. Signing up for the military is a sacrifice. In return, our servicemembers should never have to worry about their own healthcare being criminalized by the very country they have volunteered to defend. But for an estimated 5,000 to 7,400 Active-Duty servicemembers and DOD civilians who find themselves in need of an abortion each year, this is exactly what could happen. Thousands serve in States they did not choose. Many of these places now deem abortion a criminal act. So what happens next? Many of my colleagues would just simply suggest: Take leave and travel to a State that provides abortions. Are we going to force servicemembers to disclose a sexual assault to justify leave? What about those who aren't authorized to travel due to training status? What about women with complications who need emergency services? Forty percent of Active-Duty servicewomen in the U.S. could now be faced with significant challenges accessing critical healthcare in the wake of the Dobbs decision--40 percent. Let me be clear, there will be an operational impact on military recruitment and retention. The Department of Defense must defend all of its servicemembers. We entrust these brave young Americans with the toughest life-and-death decisions. We ought to trust them to make their own healthcare decisions, too. This is not only a human right, but it is a matter of national security.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Madam Speaker, I want to start by thanking my remarkable colleague for his courageous leadership, truly courageous leadership, on this and so many other issues for the House of Representatives. I rise today to celebrate and honor the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month. As we uplift this diverse and resilient community, I would like to use my time to spotlight the unique challenges faced by two important groups: LGBTQ+ youth and LGBTQ+ veterans. Today, a growing contingent of the Republican Party is scapegoating LGBTQ+ youth and veterans through ignorant rhetoric and irresponsible policies. Their words and actions are worsening an already devastating mental health crisis among these kids. Being a teenager is hard enough. You are finding your place, figuring out who you are and what you want to do. Now imagine waking up each day and hearing the people who are supposed to be leaders tearing you down, villainizing who you are, all for political gain. This is unconscionable, and it has real-life consequences. The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people attempt or seriously consider suicide every year in the United States. Another group whose challenges we don't talk about enough are LGBTQ+ veterans, who experience higher rates of depression and more frequent thoughts of suicide than others. I served with gay and bisexual great Americans in the Marines. For years under ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell,'' one of my very good friends, Joe, kept the fact that he is gay hidden so that he could put his life on the line for our country in Iraq. Then when he got out of the Marines, he came out of the closet. But a year after that, in 2007, he got recalled to Active Duty. All he had to do to avoid another deployment was to pick up the phone and say two words to the Department of Defense: ``I'm gay.'' But he didn't. He didn't want anyone to go in his place. So he went back into the closet so that he could go back to the war, putting his life on the line again for another tour. Joe, like so many others in his shoes, chose to serve our country. Yet, simply because of who they are, these patriots have dealt with unforgivable discrimination. For many LGBTQ+ vets, the mental health impacts are lifelong. The scope of this mental health crisis is broad. We have come a long way, but we are facing a moment where that progress is at risk of moving backward instead of forward. On July 16, we will take one big step forward when the 988 mental health emergencies hotline goes live. Just like dialing 911 during a medical emergency, every single American will now have access to another easy-to-remember number. This is just the first step. It is my hope that in the future, dialing 988 will give LGBTQ+ people the option to speak with someone who is specially trained to address the unique challenges faced by this community. LGBTQ+ Americans need to know that they can have access to the mental health resources they need just by picking up the phone. Because every American should know, in a time of crisis, you are not alone.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for yielding. Hanna Tripp served in the Air Force from 2009 to 2013. Hanna is also a Team Moulton alum, where she did extraordinary work for veterans in Massachusetts' Sixth District. Today, as a senior policy adviser at Minority Veterans of America, she continues to advocate for veterans everywhere. I am grateful to be here on this year's 10th anniversary of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and I am honored to share Hanna's story with you all. This is her story, in her words: ``I graduated flight school at the top of my class; flew 20 combat missions in Iraq; and later brought back the remains of our fallen from Afghanistan. ``Objectively, I was a good airman. However, nothing that I did or could do would supersede the fact that I was trans. In coming out, my service to this country would have been made irrelevant simply by this one aspect of who I was. ``So, in order to remain, I chose to bifurcate myself; to project a facade of the person the military expected me to be. The catch-22 was that while I heard members of my squadron talk about how `the gays' would destroy our combat effectiveness, I was unable to demonstrate that it didn't. This is the most enduring aspect of Don't Ask, Don't Tell for me. It was not that people like me were banned. It is that we were denied the opportunity to show our worth. ``Being trans in the Air Force was to live two versions of a lie: the lie you showed to the world in denying this fundamental truth and the lie that you told to yourself in doing so. ``There was also a feeling of betraying the community. How can I expect change if I don't have the courage to be the change I want to see? Why would those who had negative perceptions of `the gays' think any differently if I was too cowardly to show them? ``With absolutely no hubris, I can say that my service to this country was both valuable and needed. I enlisted in the middle of a war to serve in a career field that guaranteed I would be sent to the front lines. I recognize the contributions I made, but I can't say I am proud of my service, as I failed to stand up for the very values that I was fighting for. ``What is strange to me is that being trans is such a small part of who I am, but because of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, it has become a large part of how my service is perceived. ``I still feel the legacy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell even to this day. At the VA, I was denied emergency care for no other reason than I was trans. Even now, I remain cut off from most of the people I served with. ``When squadmates died from suicide, when Iraq fell to ISIS, and while I battled my own experiences from the war, I did so alone. To this day, people with no service in the military still freely challenge the veracity of trans service. ``For people such as myself, Don't Ask, Don't Tell meant that our accomplishments, our stories, and our service was hidden because we were forced to remain hidden.'' That is powerful testimony from Hanna Tripp, an American hero.

Mr. MOULTON

Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, 51, that is how many days until our official withdrawal from Afghanistan; 800, that is how many days it takes to process a single special immigrant visa; 21,000, that is how many of our Afghan allies put their lives on the line, not just for their country, but for ours, who are at risk of being beaten, tortured, beheaded, and slaughtered by the Taliban. And make no mistake, if they can get their hands on our friends, that is what the Taliban will do. So the math is clear. We are out of time. The stakes are clear. Our reputation as a country, our ability to find allies in future conflicts, the willingness of people all over the globe to work for America because they trust us to uphold our own values, that is what is on the line. We have to pass the Allies Act. The administration needs to conduct a full evacuation because we do not leave people behind. We are the United States of America. Let's remind the world of that today.