Overview
- Final negotiated NDAA language released this week removed a provision that both chambers had approved to require TRICARE to cover IVF for active-duty service members and dependents.
- Reports say Speaker Mike Johnson worked behind the scenes to block the mandate, and his office says he supports access only with unspecified pro-life safeguards.
- Democrats and several Republicans condemned the cut, with Sen. Tammy Duckworth calling out the move and GOP lawmakers including John Kennedy, Mike Rounds, Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Mike Lawler expressing disappointment.
- Anti-abortion groups including Priests for Life, Students for Life of America and Live Action praised the omission, citing objections to embryo destruction in standard IVF practices.
- TRICARE’s coverage remains limited to certain service-related infertility cases as the NDAA heads to a vote that leaders expect to pass, with the bill authorizing about $890 billion and a 4% enlisted pay raise and coming after Trump advanced only voluntary, employer-focused IVF measures in October.