House Passes National Defense Authorization Act Despite Controversy

The House passes a controversial $895 billion defense bill, sparking debate over transgender care and military priorities.

At a Glance

House approves $895.2 billion National Defense Authorization Act with a 281-140 vote.
Bill includes 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members.
Controversial provision restricts transgender treatments for minors under TRICARE.
Aims to eliminate DEI programs at the Pentagon and supports National Guard deployment to southern border.
Democrats oppose the bill, citing discrimination against transgender individuals.

House Passes Defense Bill with Significant Changes

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), allocating $895.2 billion for defense and national security. This represents a 1% increase over the previous year’s budget. The bill, which cleared the House with a vote of 281-140, introduces several key changes and has become a source of political controversy.

One of the most significant provisions in the bill is a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members, addressing concerns about the quality of life for military personnel. The NDAA also aims to tackle recruitment challenges and eliminate ineffective programs, with House Speaker Mike Johnson highlighting $31 billion in savings from cutting inefficient programs and obsolete weapons.

Controversial Transgender Care Provision

The most contentious aspect of the bill is a provision that restricts transgender health coverage for minors. This provision prevents TRICARE, the military’s health care plan, from covering treatments for gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization for children under 18. This has led to strong opposition from most Democrats, who view it as discriminatory and politically motivated.

Speaker Mike Johnson insisted on including this provision, stating it was necessary to prevent the sterilization of minors. However, Democrats argue that it could deny necessary treatments for mental health issues in transgender minors and is based on ignorance and bigotry.

Changes to Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

The bill also aims to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at the Pentagon and includes a hiring freeze on DEI-related roles. This move aligns with Republican priorities but has faced criticism from Democrats who view these programs as essential for fostering a more inclusive military environment.

Additionally, the NDAA supports deploying the National Guard to the southern border for illegal immigrant apprehensions and drug flow control. It also includes provisions to explore allowing airmen and Space Force personnel to grow facial hair, a small but notable change to military grooming standards.

Other Key Provisions and Omissions

The bill prohibits the Pentagon from contracting with companies that blacklist conservative news sources and does not authorize climate change programs. However, it does not include a ban on funding for gender transition surgeries for adults or a ban on mask mandates, which some conservatives had pushed for.

Democrats expressed disappointment that the bill did not expand access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) for service members, a provision they had hoped to include. The NDAA requires a separate defense spending bill to allocate funds for the programs outlined, adding another layer of complexity to the defense budget process.

As the bill moves to the Senate for evaluation, it remains to be seen how these controversial provisions will be received and whether they will survive in the final version that reaches President Biden’s desk. The debate surrounding this year’s NDAA highlights the growing politicization of defense policy and the challenges of achieving bipartisan consensus on critical national security issues.