House Passes Controversial Defense Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a contentious $895 billion defense policy bill with a vote of 281-140, which includes a provision banning TRICARE from covering gender-affirming healthcare for children of military service members. The legislation, which is expected to face challenges in the Democrat-controlled Senate, also features pay raises of 14.5% for junior enlisted troops and 4.5% for other service members, aiming to improve their quality of life. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the anti-transgender provision, stating it aligns with a focus on military priorities over 'woke ideology.' Critics, including Rep. Adam Smith, condemned the addition of the transgender healthcare ban as discriminatory and politically motivated. The bill underscores the ongoing political battles surrounding transgender rights, which have gained significant attention in recent months. Despite bipartisan support for many of the bill's provisions, the inclusion of the transgender care ban has sparked considerable backlash from Democratic lawmakers.