President Joe Biden signed a sweeping $895 billion defense bill into law, securing a significant pay raise for junior enlisted military personnel and bolstering U.S. strategies to counter China’s growing influence. However, the bill’s inclusion of a provision banning transgender health care for military children has sparked significant criticism from Biden and LGBTQ advocates.
The president expressed strong objections, stating that the provision unfairly targets transgender youth and interferes with parental rights in making critical healthcare decisions. “No service member should have to decide between their family’s health care access and their call to serve our nation,” Biden emphasized. He further warned that such measures could undermine military recruitment and retention efforts, creating unnecessary barriers for families who serve.
Despite Biden’s opposition, the provision remained intact after Republican lawmakers, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, insisted on its inclusion. While the bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers, a majority of House Democrats voted against it due to the controversial health care restriction.
LGBTQ advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the long-term impact of the provision, arguing that it not only stigmatizes transgender children but also creates additional challenges for military families who already face unique pressures and hardships. “This provision sends a harmful message to families who have sacrificed so much for their country,” said one LGBTQ rights advocate.
The bill, while focusing on defense priorities such as countering China and investing in artificial intelligence technologies, also highlights a growing tension between social policies and military readiness. For LGBTQ individuals and allies within the military community, the legislation represents a stark reminder of the persistent struggles for equality and recognition.