Senate Approves Defense Bill With Anti-Trans Provision

Newsweek reports:

The Senate approved a defense bill on Wednesday that includes substantial pay raises for junior enlisted service members and increases overall military spending to $895 billion. The legislation also eliminates coverage for transgender medical treatments for children of military personnel.

The annual defense authorization bill, which has passed Congress without fail for nearly six decades, typically enjoys strong bipartisan support.

In recent years, however, it has become a flashpoint for cultural debates. This year, Republicans pushed to include provisions appealing to social conservatives, leading to months of negotiations and a decline in Democratic backing.

Read the full article. The bill now goes to Biden.

On overwhelming 85-14 vote, Senate passes $895 billion FY’24 National Defense Authorization Act. Va. Senators @MarkWarner , @SenTimKaine vote yes, applaud bill’s passage. @13NewsNow pic.twitter.com/6vl1m6Sp9h

— Mike Gooding 13News Now (@13MikeGooding) December 18, 2024