Senate passes annual defense policy bill with transgender care restrictions and pay boost for junior troops

The Senate has approved a $895 billion annual defense policy bill, paving the way for President Joe Biden to sign it into law. The bill, which passed with a vote of 85 to 14, includes a pay raise for U.S. troops and a provision that restricts transgender care.

Unlike the House, where more Democrats voted against the legislation due to objections to the transgender provisions, the Senate saw a more bipartisan vote in favor of the bill. The legislation prohibits Tricare, the military health care provider, from covering transgender care that could result in sterilization for children under 18.

The bill, which spans 1,800 pages, outlines how the $895.2 billion allocated towards defense and national security will be spent. This represents a 1% increase over last year’s budget, though some defense hawks had hoped for a larger increase. The bill will be voted on more than two months after the start of the fiscal year.

A significant portion of the legislation focuses on improving the quality of life for service members, addressing recruitment challenges. This includes a 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted troops, increased access to child care for service members, and support for military spouses in finding employment.

Additionally, the bill places restrictions on Chinese-made drones, specifically targeting DJI and Autel Robotics over concerns of foreign surveillance. The legislation mandates a national security agency to determine if these drones pose unacceptable risks within one year, with potential consequences if the study is not completed.

One key aspect of the bill is the authorization of a 4.5% pay raise for all service members starting January 1, along with a 2% increase for civilian personnel within the Department of Defense. The bill also includes measures to combat drone incursions near military bases, as well as support for deploying the National Guard to the southern border.

While some Democrats expressed objections to certain provisions, such as the transgender care restrictions, others highlighted the bill’s efforts to strengthen U.S. defenses against China, raise troop pay, invest in new military technologies, and replenish weapons stockpiles.

Despite differences in opinions on certain aspects of the bill, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the need for bipartisanship to pass the legislation. The bill also opens up the possibility for airmen and Space Force personnel to grow facial hair, while addressing issues related to IVF coverage for service members and abortion reimbursement.

Overall, the bill represents a comprehensive approach to addressing national security and military readiness, with a focus on improving the lives of service members and ensuring the effectiveness of U.S. defense capabilities.