The US Senate overwhelmingly passed the 2025 fiscal year National Defense Authorization Act on Wednesday, authorizing $895 billion in funding for the Department of Defense, including a provision refusing to provide gender transition medical services to military personnel’s minor children.
According to Reuters, the US Senate passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a vote of 85-14 on Wednesday. With the bill already approved in the House of Representatives last week, it is now headed to the White House for President Biden’s expected signature into law.
This year’s NDAA approves record-breaking military spending of $895 billion, covering costs for ship procurement, aircraft, and weapons, with some provisions aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the US military against geopolitical rivals like China (CCP) and Russia.
The extensive 1800-page bill also focuses on improving the quality of life for US service members.
The legislation authorizes a 14.5% pay raise for the lowest-ranking personnel and a 4.5% raise for others, both above the usual levels. It also allocates billions of dollars for military housing, schools, and childcare centers.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if certain gender-affirming care poses sterilization risks, military health care plan TRICARE will be prohibited from providing this service to military personnel’s minor transgender children.
Including transgender provisions in legislation shaping policies for the Department of Defense underscores that transgender issues have become a focal point in American politics.
The annual NDAA passed in the House of Representatives last week with a vote of 281-140, although several dozen Democrats voted against it.
This year’s NDAA increases aid to Israel and allows for the augmentation of military resources to prevent illegal immigration across the southern US border from Mexico.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, the bill merely requires the Department of Defense to submit a report detailing the lessons learned from the conflict.
The 2025 fiscal year NDAA represents a compromise reached by Democrats and Republicans in both chambers after weeks of closed-door negotiations.
While the NDAA authorizes Pentagon programs, it does not provide funding. Congress must pass a separate appropriations bill for the fiscal year ending in September 2025. It is unlikely to be passed before March.