House Defense Bill Advances With Restriction on Transgender Youth Care

The National Defense Authorization Act includes a GOP-backed provision barring TRICARE from covering gender-affirming care for minors, drawing criticism from Democrats and military families.

The House has passed the $883.7 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in a 281-140 vote, sending it to the Senate for consideration.
A controversial provision added by House Speaker Mike Johnson prohibits TRICARE from covering gender-affirming care for minors, citing concerns over potential sterilization.
Democrats and LGBTQ advocates argue the provision mischaracterizes gender-affirming care and jeopardizes the well-being of transgender children in military families.
Critics warn the measure could force military families to choose between their careers and accessing essential health care for their children, potentially impacting military retention and readiness.
The Senate, where Democrats hold a slim majority, will now decide whether to retain or remove the provision before finalizing the bill.