US House passes massive defense policy bill, despite transgender provision

Patricia Zengerle - Reuters - 11/12
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a defense policy bill on Wednesday, governing a record $895 billion in annual military spending, despite inclusion of a controversial policy targeting gender-affirming care for transgender children.
  • Bill includes big pay increases for troops
  • Negotiators left out some controversial social issues planks
  • NDAA must pass Senate before heading to Biden's desk
WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives passed a defense policy bill on Wednesday, governing a record $895 billion in annual military spending, despite inclusion of a controversial policy targeting gender-affirming care for transgender children.
The tally was 281-140 in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, sending it for consideration by the Democratic-led U.S. Senate.
In addition to the typical NDAA provisions on purchases of military equipment and boosting competitiveness with archrivals like China and Russia, this year's 1,800-page bill 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, which is 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, which sets policy for the Department of Defense, underscored how much attention transgender iss...
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