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McCain Backs Legislation To Block Trump's Transgender Military Ban

"When less than 1% of Americans are volunteering to join the military, we should welcome all those who are willing and able to serve our country."

Senator John McCain announced his support of a bipartisan bill to block President Trump's transgender military ban. McCain, along with Senators Jack Reed, Kirsten Gillibrand, Susan Collins, introduced the bill as a standalone piece of legislation.

The bill would prevent the government from removing or denying the re-enlistment of currently-serving transgender troops on the basis of gender identity. Its passage would affirm the notion that all Americans who are willing and able to serve should be eligible.

"When less than 1% of Americans are volunteering to join the military, we should welcome all those who are willing and able to serve our country," McCain said in a statement.

The legislation is a direct response to Trump's presidential memo from this August, which prohibited the enlistment of new transgender service members and the use of military funds to cover the costs of gender-affirming surgeries.

McCain has been a vocal opponent of Trump's proposed military ban since the beginning, when the issue was merely a matter of tweets.

"There is no reason to force service members who are able to fight, train, and deploy to leave the military—regardless of their gender identity," McCain said in a statement issued July 26, the morning of Trump's tweet storm.

"We should all be guided by the principle that any American who wants to serve our country and is able to meet the standards should have the opportunity to do so—and should be treated as the patriots they are."

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