Congress eyes 14.5% pay hike for junior troops, limits on transgender treatment in $895B defense bill

Congressional leaders have reached an agreement on this year’s defense policy bill, which outlines U.S. defense and national security priorities for the fiscal year. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2023, totaling $895.2 billion in federal spending, was released over the weekend in an 1,800-page document.

The bill includes a significant raise of 14.5% for junior enlisted troops, a provision that has been lauded by Republican leaders. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., highlighted the bill’s focus on supporting law enforcement operations, strengthening national defense programs, and bolstering the nuclear posture and missile defense efforts. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will need to navigate the passage of the NDAA this month.

However, one controversial provision in the bill restricts transgender-related medical care for children of U.S. service members, specifically prohibiting medical interventions for gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization for children under the age of 18. This provision has drawn criticism from the Human Rights Council, which called it an “attack” on military families.

In addition to the pay raise and transgender-related provisions, the NDAA includes border security elements that Republicans had advocated for, such as creating a Northern Border Mission Center under the Department of Homeland Security and fully supporting the deployment of National Guard at the southwest border to intercept illegal aliens and drugs.

The bill also places limits on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-based recruitment efforts and prohibits the teaching of critical race theory in military-run schools. Despite these controversial provisions, the NDAA traditionally garners wide bipartisan support, with the House expected to vote on it next week.

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., emphasized the bill’s focus on supporting service members by boosting compensation, improving housing, supporting spouses, increasing access to childcare, and ensuring access to medical care. The passage of the NDAA, a must-pass legislation, is crucial for the ongoing operations and security of the U.S. military.

It remains to be seen how Democrats will react to the anti-DEI and anti-transgender medical care provisions within the bill. The NDAA is a critical piece of legislation that sets the tone for U.S. defense and national security priorities for the coming year.