The U.S. House of Representatives approved a defense policy bill on Wednesday, which outlines a historic $895 billion in annual military expenditures, despite the inclusion of a contentious provision aimed at gender-affirming care for transgender minors. The vote concluded with a count of 281-140 in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will now be reviewed by the Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate.

Beyond the standard NDAA elements concerning military equipment procurement and enhancing competitiveness against adversaries such as China and Russia, this year’s extensive 1,800-page legislation emphasizes improving the living conditions for U.S. military personnel.

It authorizes a 14.5% salary increase for the lowest-ranking service members and a 4.5% increase for the remainder of the force, which is notably higher than typical adjustments. Additionally, it provides for the construction of military housing, educational facilities, and childcare centers.

The bill prohibits the military health program, TRICARE, from covering gender-affirming care for the transgender children of service members if such care could potentially lead to sterilization. The inclusion of this provision highlights the significant focus on transgender issues within U.S. politics and suggests that Republicans intend to continue emphasizing this divisive topic.

President-elect Donald Trump and numerous Republicans criticized Democrats for their support of transgender rights during the 2024 election campaign, which concluded with Republicans maintaining control of the House and gaining control of the Senate and the White House starting next month.

‘WOKE IDEOLOGY’

Following its passage, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson commended the legislation for realigning the military with its primary mission. “Our service members should understand that their foremost duty is to safeguard our nation, not to adhere to woke ideology,” he stated.

The legislation did not encompass several other Republican initiatives concerning social issues, such as a proposal to prevent TRICARE from covering gender-affirming care for transgender adults and an initiative aimed at reversing the Pentagon’s policy of funding travel for troops seeking abortions in states where the procedure is restricted.

This extensive bill represents one of the few significant legislative measures that Congress enacts annually, with lawmakers taking pride in its passage for over sixty years.

The bill is a product of compromise between Democrats and Republicans in both the House and Senate, achieved after weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations. Its approval in the House sends it to the Democratic-controlled Senate, where passage would forward it to the White House for President Joe Biden’s signature or veto.

The NDAA authorizes programs for the Pentagon but does not provide funding for them. Congress must separately approve funding through a spending bill for the fiscal year ending in September 2025, which is unlikely to be passed before March.