House Approves $900 Billion Defense Bill, Cuts Funding for Transgender Procedures for Military Minors

The House of Representatives has passed a sweeping $900 billion defense bill that prohibits taxpayer-funded transgender procedures for military minors. This provision, embedded in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), marks a significant step in rejecting radical gender ideology within the U.S. Armed Forces.

The NDAA passed with bipartisan support in a 281–140 vote. While 200 Republicans and 81 Democrats supported the measure, 124 Democrats and 16 Republicans opposed it.

Key Provisions of the NDAA:

• Banning Transgender Procedures for Minors: Section 708 prohibits taxpayer-funded medical interventions for gender dysphoria in minors if they risk sterilization.

• Securing the Border: The bill authorizes National Guard deployments to combat the escalating crisis at the southern border.

• Pay Raise for Junior Enlisted Personnel: It includes a significant 19.5% pay raise for junior service members, emphasizing the military's commitment to readiness and morale.

House Speaker Mike Johnson called the provision a “critical and necessary step” in protecting children from the dangers of radical gender ideology. “Taxpayer dollars should never be used to support procedures and treatments that could permanently harm and sterilize young people,” Johnson declared, vowing that House Republicans will continue to act in defense of America’s children.

Critics, including Democrats and left-wing activists, have lambasted the legislation, claiming it undermines healthcare for transgender individuals. Adam Smith (D-WA), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, decried the measure as “bigoted against the trans community” and argued it jeopardizes the well-being of children in military families.

Meanwhile, Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI), chair of the House Equality Caucus, accused Republicans of prioritizing “right-wing extremist dogma” over national defense.

Despite this opposition, conservative lawmakers and advocates argue the bill is a necessary course correction. Representative Michael Cloud (R-TX) praised the NDAA for rejecting “the woke agenda” and refocusing the military on its primary mission: defending the United States.

While the NDAA’s passage represents a victory for conservatives, some Republicans, like Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL), believe broader changes are on the horizon. Rogers pointed to President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to eliminating progressive social policies from federal institutions, stating, “Trump is going to stop all these social, cultural issues from being embedded as policies.”

Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project, celebrated the legislation as a win for American families. “Voters this November gave the GOP a mandate to act now they must follow through,” Schilling stated.

As the Biden administration’s focus on radical social experiments gives way to a new era of leadership, the passage of this NDAA signals a recalibration of priorities. With a mandate from voters, Republican lawmakers have taken the first step in ensuring that the U.S. military remains focused on its core mission: safeguarding the nation.

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