US Senate advances massive defense bill, despite transgender provision
Source: Reuters
December 16, 2024 7:21 PM EST Updated 12 hours ago
WASHINGTON, Dec 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Monday voted overwhelmingly to advance an $895 billion bill setting policy for the Pentagon toward passage as soon as Tuesday, which would send it to the White House for President Joe Biden to sign into law. The tally was 83 to 12 in favor of advancing the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, to a vote on final passage, comfortably over the 60 needed in the 100-member Senate.
The bill advanced despite the inclusion of a controversial provision aimed at banning some gender-affirming care for transgender children of service members. This year's NDAA authorizes a record $895 billion in annual military spending, covering provisions on purchases of military equipment and boosting competitiveness with archrivals including China and Russia.
The 1,800-page bill also focuses on improving the quality of life for the U.S. military. It authorizes a 14.5% pay increase for the lowest-ranking troops, and 4.5% for the rest of the force, higher than usual. It also authorizes the construction of military housing, schools and childcare centers.
The bill bans the military health program, TRICARE, from covering gender-affirming care for the transgender children of service members if it could risk sterilization. Including the provision in the bill setting policy for the Department of Defense underscored how transgender issues have become a focus in U.S. politics.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senate-advances-895-billion-defense-policy-bill-voting-continues-2024-12-16/
Walleye
(36,439 posts)I mean, how many could there be anyway. What are parents afraid of, that their children will come to them and demand they get their sex changed? Thats just silly.
LymphocyteLover
(6,984 posts)it's a serious life-changing event. It happened with my kid and it was a little scary because it was so unexpected and he was all grown up. We were supportive of his decision if he felt like he needed to do it, but he ended up changing his mind. It was a hard and confusing time.
lonely bird
(1,972 posts)I am sure it is scary. So, doesnt that mean it should be between the child, their parents and doctors?
It is none of the business of congress or state legislators.
LymphocyteLover
(6,984 posts)oldmanlynn
(514 posts)Any boy do they amp up the message and its effective. We dont have a counter to their misinformation.
Lovie777
(15,246 posts)Seems we always have to have a hatred in order to succeed and continue dominates.
Biophilic
(4,995 posts)Polybius
(18,387 posts)70sEraVet
(4,239 posts)It should help the military meet recruitment goals. After all, SOMEBODY has to round up all those undocumented folks, and keep the protests tamped down.
CapnSteve
(265 posts)NT
Miguelito Loveless
(4,702 posts)But Trump is going to try the equivalent through "impoundment", which the SCOTUS will approve.
CapnSteve
(265 posts)Miguelito Loveless
(4,702 posts)Trans community under the train rather than take a principled stand.
BumRushDaShow
(144,284 posts)Dec. 16, 2024, 4:40 PM EST / Updated Dec. 17, 2024, 8:33 AM EST
By Matt Lavietes
More than 20 Democratic senators introduced an amendment Monday evening to remove language from Congress massive defense spending bill that seeks to ban coverage of gender-affirming care for transgender children of service members, the office of Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., told NBC News.
The 1,800-page National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, passed the House last week by a vote of 281-140, with 200 Republicans and 81 Democrats voting yes, and 124 Democrats and 16 Republicans voting no. The $895 billion bill authorizes the annual budget for the Defense Department and sets defense policies for the upcoming year.
The group of 21 senators, led by Baldwin who will be the Senates sole LGBTQ member in the new term is seeking to remove a provision tucked into the bill that would prohibit medical treatment for military dependents under the age of 18 who are diagnosed with gender dysphoria under the militarys health care program, Tricare.
Lets be clear: were talking about parents who are in uniform serving our country who have earned the right to make the best decisions for their families. I trust our servicemembers and their doctors to make the best healthcare decisions for their kids, not politicians, Baldwin said in a statement. Our amendment would protect military families right to make their own decisions and access sometimes lifesaving care for their children.
(snip)
The timing of the Reuters article and this one cross as the Reuters one indicated the Senate passed the NDAA yesterday 83-12 and the NBC article was updated this morning.
It's still possible to slide something onto the C.R. they are working on but I don't know if that is being considered or what.
This was the Roll Call for the NDAA in the Senate - https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1182/vote_118_2_00324.htm
Baldwin (D-WI)
Booker (D-NJ)
Lee (R-UT)
Markey (D-MA)
Merkley (D-OR)
Paul (R-KY)
Sanders (I-VT)
Schatz (D-HI)
Schiff (D-CA)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Warren (D-MA)
Wyden (D-OR)
Not Voting - 5
Cassidy (R-LA)
Fetterman (D-PA)
Romney (R-UT)
Rubio (R-FL)
Vance (R-OH)
As a note - the provision being "banned' is not the procedure itself but for TRICARE to pay for it.
maxsolomon
(35,360 posts)that the Repukes put in - and was certainly in the House version.