The US House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to pass the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a comprehensive defense policy bill worth just under $900 billion, with a vote of 281-140.
The NDAA’s $895.2 billion budget, which reflects a 1% increase in defense spending from the previous year, includes provisions for a 14.5% salary increase for young enlisted soldiers and a 4.5% raise for all military personnel, as well as enhancements to military housing and childcare services.
This year’s NDAA also focuses on funding weapons development and supports the construction of seven new warships.
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However, a controversial provision introduced by Republican legislators restricts the use of TRICARE funds for gender-affirming care for minors. According to Section 708 of the NDAA, “medical interventions for the treatment of gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization may not be provided to a child under the age of 18.”
Despite bipartisan support for most of the bill, the inclusion of the anti-trans provision has sparked strong opposition from Democrats, who argue it endangers the health and well-being of service members’ children.
At the same time, the NDAA also faced opposition from some Republicans, who argued it did not go far enough in advancing conservative priorities.
In total, 200 Republicans and 81 Democrats voted for the NDAA, and 124 Democrats and 16 Republicans voted against it.
U.S. House PASSES 2025 Defense Programs & Policy bill, 281-140.
Goes now to the U.S. Senate. pic.twitter.com/EDePbiZBcw
— CSPAN (@cspan) December 11, 2024
The NDAA will now move to the Democrat-controlled Senate for further consideration. President Joe Biden has indicated he may veto the bill due to the perceived discriminatory language of the anti-trans provision, raising uncertainty about its future should it pass the higher chamber.
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