House passes $895 billion defense policy bill amid transgender care debate

The House passed the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Wednesday in a 281-140 vote, authorizing $895 billion in defense spending, as reported in the Journal and elsewhere. The bill includes a contentious provision banning certain transgender medical treatments for minors under Tricare, the military’s healthcare program, which led to significant Democratic opposition.

The NDAA provides a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members, exceeding the 4.5 percent hike for other personnel. It also funds expanded child care, mental health programs for new parents, and a bolstered US military presence in the Indo-Pacific, with $2 billion earmarked for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. Additional authorizations include three guided-missile destroyers, 92 fighter jets, and critical infrastructure upgrades.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) hailed the legislation as pivotal for military readiness, but its inclusion of the transgender care ban drew criticism. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) called the provision "bigoted," arguing it could harm retention by forcing families to choose between service and necessary healthcare for their children.

Republicans were divided. House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) criticized the measure, suggesting President-elect Donald Trump’s administration would implement a similar ban administratively. Meanwhile, Freedom Caucus members praised the restriction, framing it as a conservative victory.

Notably absent were provisions on abortion travel reimbursements and in vitro fertilization coverage, despite bipartisan support for the latter. The Senate is expected to approve the bill next week, ensuring the 64th consecutive passage of the NDAA, a legislative mainstay despite partisan divides.