Some Democrats Break Ranks, Vote Against Defense Bill Over Transgender Care Provision
The U.S. Senate passed the $895 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Wednesday, despite a controversial provision that prompted several Democrats to vote against it. The bill, which sets military policy and spending for fiscal year 2025, passed with strong bipartisan support in an 85–14 vote and now heads to President Biden’s desk for final approval.
The legislation includes a provision that restricts the use of TRICARE — the military’s health care program — for gender-affirming care for children of service members under the age of 18. The inclusion of this measure sparked pushback from a number of Democratic senators, including Tammy Baldwin (WI), Elizabeth Warren (MA), and Ed Markey (MA), who voted against the final bill.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) acknowledged the concerns but emphasized the broader significance of the bill: “Today, for the 64th consecutive year, the Senate passes a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act to protect the American people and strengthen our security.”
The NDAA passed the House last week with a vote of 281–140. The bill includes major provisions such as a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops and a 4.5% increase for other service members, increased military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, and funding for new warships, aircraft, and vehicles.
However, some Democrats voiced frustration over the inclusion of culture-war amendments. A group of 21 Democratic senators attempted to remove the transgender care restriction via an amendment led by Sen. Baldwin, but the effort did not succeed. “This provision sends the wrong message to our military families,” Baldwin said. “It undermines the trust and care they deserve.”
Supporters of the bill, including Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed (D-RI), acknowledged the controversy but stressed the bill’s strategic importance. “Ultimately, this is a strong and necessary measure to maintain our national defense,” Reed said.
The bill also includes a one-year freeze on hiring for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions within the Department of Defense, and bars the Pentagon from funding programs related to critical race theory.