Senate Passes Defense Bill
The U.S. Senate’s passage of the annual defense bill, complete with a provision banning the use of military healthcare funds for sex-change procedures on minors, is a welcome example of Congress finally standing up against the radical agendas creeping into taxpayer-funded institutions.
While not without its compromises, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) signals a rare victory for commonsense governance in an era dominated by ideologically-driven policies.
At the heart of the controversy is a clause that prevents military healthcare funds from being used to provide sex-change procedures for children of military personnel. Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, championed this provision as a necessary safeguard against policies that undermine the health and well-being of military families. Unsurprisingly, many Democrats balked, portraying the move as part of a so-called “culture war.”
Here’s the reality: Americans shouldn’t be footing the bill for irreversible medical procedures on minors, let alone through a system meant to support our armed forces. The military’s mission is to defend the nation—not to play host to social experiments that jeopardize readiness and distract from its core purpose.
Psaki Says Sex Reassignment Surgery, Puberty Blockers for Kids Is ‘Best Practice,’ States Preventing It Will Be Held Accountable pic.twitter.com/ZmboFDFIYx
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) April 7, 2022
Despite the predictable outcry from the left, the bill passed both chambers with bipartisan support—281-140 in the House and 85-14 in the Senate. The inclusion of a 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% hike for higher ranks reflects a necessary investment in the people who serve, especially amid rising inflation and global instability.
Quality-of-life enhancements like better housing and childcare further underscore the importance of taking care of our military families without venturing into political territory.
The bill also addresses the growing threat from China by increasing funding for measures to counter its influence. This is critical, especially as our adversaries grow bolder while U.S. policymakers debate distractions that do little to advance national security.
While Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer highlighted “good things Democrats fought for,” Senate Republicans were quick to point out the glaring inadequacies of the 1% increase in defense spending. At a time when the world is facing the most volatile security environment since World War II, incremental budget adjustments won’t cut it.
Republicans have vowed to push for robust defense spending once they regain control of Congress and the White House—a promise that resonates with voters tired of watching America’s global leadership erode.