The National Defense Authorization Act passed July 14 has faced backlash for controversial amendments targeting abortion access, LGBTQI+ rights and military diversity.
Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women's Law Center, urged Congress to prioritize service members' and their families' health and rights by removing these provisions, according to a NWLC release. Graves argued these amendments were part of a continued "concerted attack on abortion access, the rights of LGBTQI+ service members and people of color serving in our military."
"Shame on the House members who voted for these provisions," Graves said in the release.
Graves highlighted the negative impacts of these amendments, saying they violated the reproductive rights of service members and perpetuated discrimination against transgender and non-binary individuals, the release reported. She said these provisions dismissed their right to comprehensive and medically necessary healthcare and hindered diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the military.
Among the specific issues raised by Graves was Amendment 224 to H.R.2670 that prohibited gender transition procedures, such as surgery or medication, from being covered by the Exceptional Family Member Program and TRICARE. Amendment 223 aims to prevent the Department of Defense from providing sex reassignment surgeries and sex hormone treatments for transgender individuals. Amendment 222 seeks to prohibit the Secretary of Defense from funding or reimbursing expenses related to abortion services.
The final vote on the National Defense Authorization Act was 219-210, with most Democrats voting against it, according to the House clerk. Four Democrats, namely Reps. Don Davis, of North Carolina; Jared Golden, of Maine; Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez, of Washington; and Gabe Vasquez, of New Mexico, voted in favor of the legislation. On the other hand, four Republicans, Reps. Andy Biggs, of Arizona; Ken Buck, of Colorado; Eli Crane, of Arizona; and Thomas Massie, of Kentucky, voted against it.
Graves condemned the attempt to advance harmful and discriminatory agendas, emphasizing a lack of interest in legislating for the best interests of the country and those willing to serve, according to the NWLC release. Graves warned against the growing threat of “extremism” and expressed strong support for legislators who rejected efforts to undermine democracy and security through the military.
