In a decisive move, the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday endorsed the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a $884 billion package that significantly boosts military personnel pay while taking a stand against funding gender transition procedures for certain transgender children of military personnel.
The bill, which passed with a 281-140 vote, features a substantial 14.5 percent pay increase for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5 percent raise for other military personnel, emphasizing support for those who serve. However, the passage was not without controversy, as last-minute amendments by Republicans aimed to prevent the use of taxpayer money for gender transition care that could lead to sterilization among the children of service members.
Nebraska Republican, Don Bacon, told CNN, “Citizens don’t want their tax dollars to go to this, and underaged people often regret these surgeries later in life. It’s a bad hill to die on for Democrats.”
Progressive leaders against the bill have come forward expressing their disdain, comparing child mutilation to life-saving medical care.
Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) shared his distaste for the bill, noting that, “The inclusion of this harmful provision puts the lives of children at risk and may force thousands of service members to make the choice of continuing their military service or leaving to ensure their child can get the health care they need.”