President Biden on Monday evening signed the $895 billion Defense authorization bill, despite a provision included in the massive package that restricts transgender care.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed in the Senate, 85 to 14, even with the insertion of a controversial measure that would restrict the use of funds from TRICARE — the health care program for active-duty service members — for gender-affirming care for children 18 years and younger of military members.
Biden has repeatedly promised to veto legislation that discriminates against transgender people but opted to sign the legislation just a month before leaving office. The about face is sure to anger advocates and some military families with transgender children, who say the provision is a “slap in the face” rooted in misinformation and misunderstanding about the trans community.
The bill, which sets Pentagon policy for the year, is a must-pass legislation and typically receives widespread bipartisan support. But, many Democrats voted against it after Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) inserted language that would ban some gender-affirming care for transgender children of service members last minute. It passed the House 281 to 140 last week.
Additionally, a handful of Democrats voted against it in the Senate, including Sens. Tammy Baldwin (Wis.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.) and Ed Markey (Mass.). Several Democratic senators also attempted to block the provision on Monday, introducing an amendment that would strike Johnson’s language.
The fiscal 2025 NDAA includes other provisions like a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted troops and a 4.5 percent increase for all other service members, along with funds to bolster the U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific and build new warships, aircraft and vehicles.
The compromise legislation was unveiled earlier this month after weeks of closed-door negotiations between Democrats and Republicans. It also includes language preventing the Defense Department from backing critical race theory in academic institutions, and puts a yearlong hiring freeze on positions related to diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the military.
