On Thursday, the House voted down an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would have prevented any of the military’s budget from being used to pay for sex-reassignment surgeries, as 24 Republicans crossed the aisle to vote with Democrats. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi had caterwauled about the proposed amendment being “appalling,” “disgusting” and “mean spirited” and warned that it would “undermine our national security.” She further stated, “This cowardly Republican amendment targeting transgender men and women in uniform effectively bans these patriotic Americans from serving their country.”

Who knew that the number of transgenders in the military was so significant that it would “undermine our national security” if taxpayers were not forced to foot the bill to entertain the twisted notions of gender dysphoria via sex-reassignment surgery. Last we checked the military does not cover the medical costs of elective cosmetic surgery. Only surgeries deemed to be “medically necessary” are covered.

Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), the representative who filed the amendment, defended her position in June, stating, “Military service is a privilege, not a right. It is predicated on winning wars and defeating the enemy. All decisions on personnel and funding should be made with this in mind.” But now, evidently, having one’s sex-change surgery covered is a “right.”

And speaking of undermining national security, recall one Bradley Manning, the transgender poster, er, boy of the Rainbow Mafia, who was found guilty of mishandling classified information — as in deliberately distributing it to America’s foes. How much security has that cost Americans? Not only that, but Barack Obama chose to placate the Rainbow Mafia’s demands when he commuted Manning’s sentence. Americans are paying for his “transition” to female. How again does this make the American military more prepared for warfare? It doesn’t.

Update: Here are the 24 Republicans.