On Wednesday, the House approved a bill authorizing a 1% increase in defense spending for the current fiscal year. This legislation also includes pay raises for junior military personnel and introduces a contentious measure prohibiting gender-affirming care for children of military members under specific conditions.
The $895 billion National Defense Authorization Act passed with a 281-140 vote, with 81 Democrats joining Republicans in support. The controversial provision restricts transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatments could lead to sterilization.
Additionally, the act provides a 14.5% pay raise for junior service members and improvements in military housing and child care.
Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., criticized the gender-affirming care provision, stating it added an unusual level of partisanship to the defense bill. He accused Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., of catering to the extreme elements of his party to maintain his position.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., mentioned that Democratic votes would be decided individually, acknowledging the act’s positive aspects despite some concerning provisions.
Speaker Johnson highlighted the bill’s significant benefits for troops and the nation, noting it would eliminate $31 billion in funding for outdated weapons, inefficient programs, and excessive Pentagon bureaucracy.