A $895 billion defense policy bill was approved by the House on Wednesday, which included a controversial provision prohibiting themilitarys health program, TRICARE, from covering gender-affirming care fortransgenderchildren of U.S. service members.
Although the bill is traditionally bipartisan, some Democratic lawmakers pushed back against the inclusion of the ban on transgender care for children of military members, whichstatesmedical intervention for the treatment of gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization may not be provided to a child under the age of 18.
Democrats have accused Speaker Mike Johnson, who backed the provision, of using the measure as a way of garnering conservative support.
Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.Getty Images
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House and Senate Armed Services Committee Democrats and Republicans worked across the aisle to craft a defense bill that invests in the greatest sources of Americas strength: service members and their families, science and technology, modernization, and a commitment to allies and partners, said Smith.
However, the final text includes a provision prohibiting medical treatment for military dependents under the age of 18 who are diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
Blanketly denying health care to people who clearly need it, just because of a biased notion against transgender people, is wrong.
The uproar surrounding the provision has overshadowed other bipartisan provisions of the bill, including improved housing for military families and a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members.
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have touted the bill for bolstering U.S. defenses against China, and boosting investment in advancing military technology.
