Washington: The U.S. Senate on Monday overwhelmingly voted to advance an $895 billion defense policy bill, clearing the way for its final passage and delivery to President Joe Biden for approval. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) moved forward with a bipartisan vote of 83 to 12, easily surpassing the 60-vote threshold required in the 100-member chamber.
Despite its broad support, the bill contains a contentious provision that bans certain gender-affirming care for transgender children of service members, sparking controversy.
Record-Breaking Defense Budget and Priorities
This year’s NDAA authorizes a record $895 billion for the Pentagon, underscoring the U.S. commitment to enhancing military competitiveness against global adversaries like China and Russia. The comprehensive 1,800-page legislation also prioritizes improving the quality of life for service members and their families.
Key provisions include:
- A 14.5% pay raise for the lowest-ranking troops, and a 4.5% raise for the rest of the force—both exceeding historical increases.
- Authorization for the construction of military housing, schools, and childcare facilities to support service members’ families.
The Transgender Provision and Political Dynamics
The NDAA bans the military health program, TRICARE, from covering gender-affirming care for transgender children of service members if the treatment carries a risk of sterilization. This provision highlights how transgender issues remain a significant topic in U.S. politics.
During the 2024 election campaign, then-President-elect Donald Trump and other Republicans criticized Democrats over their stance on transgender rights. The elections resulted in Republicans maintaining control of the House and gaining majorities in both the Senate and White House starting next month.
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A Hard-Fought Compromise
The fiscal 2025 NDAA represents a bipartisan compromise between House and Senate negotiators after weeks of closed-door talks. While the bill includes the transgender provision, it omits other Republican-backed social measures, such as:
- A ban on TRICARE coverage for gender-affirming care for transgender adults.
- A reversal of the Pentagon’s policy funding abortion-related travel for troops stationed in states where abortion is restricted.
The bill’s passage underscores its status as a rare bipartisan success. Lawmakers have upheld the tradition of passing the NDAA for over 60 consecutive years, cementing its importance in U.S. military policy.
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Next Steps: Funding the Defense Programs
While the NDAA sets defense priorities, it does not allocate funding for Pentagon programs. Congress must pass a separate spending bill to finance these programs for the fiscal year ending September 2025. That funding bill is not expected to be enacted before March 2025.
