Some Dems Defect, Vote Against Defense Authorization Act Over Trans Issue
On Wednesday, the Senate voted to pass an $895 billion Defense Authorization Bill, despite a contentious provision on transgender care that drew criticism from some Democrats. The legislation now heads to President Biden for final approval.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) cleared the Senate with an 85 to 14 vote, well above the 60-vote threshold required in the 100-member chamber. The bill advanced despite including a controversial provision that restricts certain gender-affirming care for transgender children of military service members, as reported by The Hill.
“For the 64th year in a row, the Senate has passed a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act to safeguard the American people and bolster our national security,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said before the vote. “The NDAA is not perfect, but it contains key advancements that Democrats fought for to strengthen America’s defense and take a firm stand against the Chinese Communist Party.”
Last week, the House passed the legislation 281 to 140.
The typically bipartisan bill encountered challenges after Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) introduced language restricting TRICARE funds — the healthcare program for active-duty military personnel — from covering gender-affirming care for the children of service members under 18.
This provision led some Democrats, including Sens. Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), and Ed Markey (Mass.), to oppose the bill.
The inclusion of this transgender-related provision aligns with President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host, to lead the Department of Defense. Hegseth has consistently argued that gender-affirming care undermines military readiness, asserting it renders transgender troops non-deployable.
Both Trump and Hegseth have emphasized prioritizing military readiness and focusing on “lethality” over cultural or social issues, particularly in light of escalating global threats from nations like China.
A group of 21 Democratic senators sought to remove the provision through a last-minute amendment on Monday. Led by Baldwin, the effort failed to gain enough support. Baldwin expressed her disappointment, urging her colleagues to reject the NDAA and accusing lawmakers of breaking their commitment to U.S. service members.
Other Democrats, however, backed the bill, citing its critical role in national security.
“This is a robust and forward-looking piece of legislation that deserves our support,” said Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed (D-R.I.). While he acknowledged concerns about the transgender care provision, Reed noted the broader benefits of the bill.
“I share many of my colleagues’ frustration that the bill includes a provision prohibiting gender-affirming healthcare for minors in certain situations,” Reed said. “However, this is a strong National Defense Authorization Act that will equip the Department of Defense and our service members with the resources needed to address significant national security threats.”
The fiscal 2025 NDAA, a comprehensive 1,800-page document, authorizes $895 billion for Pentagon operations and outlines strategic objectives. Highlights include a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted personnel, a 4.5% increase for other service members, funding to enhance the U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific, and investments in new warships, aircraft, and vehicles.
The bill also includes measures to bar the Defense Department from supporting critical race theory — an academic framework examining the role of racism in U.S. history, which has become a contentious topic in political discourse.
Additionally, the legislation implements a one-year hiring freeze for positions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the military.