The Senate on Dec. 18 passed a massive annual defense policy bill despite controversy over language added by House Republicans banning certain types of medical or surgical gender reassignment procedures for children of service members on the military health plan who identify as transgender.
The annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was approved by the upper chamber in a 85-14 vote, with several Democrats voting in opposition. The National Defense Authorization Act was previously approved by the House in a bipartisan 281-140 vote on Dec. 11. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the legislation into law.
House Speaker Mike Johnson sparked controversy when he added the language restricting such procedures to what is historically bipartisan legislation.
But the legislation also implements a pay increase for junior enlisted troops, as well as investments in U.S. defenses against China, new military technologies and weapons stockpiles.
In remarks on the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said, "for the 64th consecutive year, the Senate passes a bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act to protect the American people and strengthen our national security."
"The NDAA is not perfect, but it still makes several important advances Democrats fought for to secure America’s national defense and take a strong stand against the Chinese Communist Party," he said.
Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., praised the legislation in a statement, arguing it will "support our service members in Oklahoma but also military families across the nation."
"Members of the armed forces put their lives on the line to defend our nation. I will continue to stand strong to make sure they have the funding, support, and equipment they need to succeed,” Lankford said.
In a statement, Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said he voted in favor of the measure despite his concern over the provision.
"This is not a perfect bill, and I am deeply disappointed House Republicans chose to push through a last-minute, harmful provision that doesn’t trust our servicemembers to make health care decisions for their children," he said. "However, the NDAA is crucial for our national security and I’m glad to support its passage."
In early December, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops sent a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate regarding the NDAA, reiterating their objection to a Pentagon abortion policy allowing service members to be reimbursed for travel costs associated with getting an abortion, and support for policies including some refugee resettlement programs for "individuals who risked their lives and the lives of their family members to assist the U.S. mission and U.S. personnel in Afghanistan."
"We thank you for your leadership and for your dedication to supporting our country's service members through the NDAA," the letter said. "We hope you will continue to do so in a manner that genuinely supports women, children, and families and does not contribute to the destruction of life."
