ByHouse Passes Pentagon Policy Bill Roiled By Transgender
On 9th July 2023, the House of Representatives passed its version of the annual Pentagon policy bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. This bill authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and sets policy for the military.
Transgender Military Service
One of the most controversial provisions in this year's NDAA is the inclusion of an amendment that would prohibit transgender people from serving in the military. This amendment was added to the bill by Republican Representative Vicky Hartzler of Missouri and passed by a vote of 217-207, largely along party lines.
Supporters of the amendment argue that transgender people are not fit for military service because they are more likely to experience mental health problems and have higher rates of suicide. They also argue that allowing transgender people to serve would be a distraction and would undermine unit cohesion.
Opponents of the amendment argue that there is no evidence to support the claim that transgender people are not fit for military service. They also argue that the amendment is discriminatory and would harm the morale of transgender service members.
Other Provisions in the NDAA
In addition to the transgender military service amendment, the NDAA also includes a number of other provisions, including:
- A 4.6% pay raise for military personnel
- Funding for new weapons systems and equipment
- Authorization for the use of military force against ISIS
- A requirement for the Pentagon to develop a plan to address climate change
Debate and Vote
The NDAA was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 329-82, with most Democrats and some Republicans voting in favor. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to face a more difficult path to passage. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said that he does not support the transgender military service amendment and that he will work to remove it from the bill.
Conclusion
The passage of the NDAA by the House of Representatives is a significant development in the debate over transgender military service. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to face a more difficult path to passage. However, the fact that the House has passed a bill that includes a provision to ban transgender people from serving in the military is a major setback for transgender rights advocates.
The debate over transgender military service is likely to continue for some time. However, the passage of the NDAA by the House of Representatives is a reminder that there is still a great deal of opposition to transgender people serving in the military.
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