Rep. Peters Lauds Defense Bill, But Says Last-Minute Provision Needs To Go
Peters is calling for the removal of a provision that was added by Republicans at the last minute intended to prohibit the military's healthcare system from providing specialized treatments to transgender children of United States service members.
The House has voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025.
The bill contains substantial wins for San Diego, says Rep. Scott Peters, who authored legislation included in the bill.
These include Peters’ bills to support San Diego’s ship repair industry and to make it easier for servicemembers to access student loan forgiveness, as well as funds for a new healthcare center at Camp Pendleton, funds for science and technology programs that benefit San Diego’s defense economy, improvements to military housing, and a 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% raise for all other service members.
The bill did not arrive without controversy, however. Peters is calling for the removal of a provision that was added by Republicans at the last minute that are intended to prohibit the military’s healthcare system from providing specialized treatments to transgender children of United States service members.
“This move was opposed by both the Republican Chair and highest-Ranking Democratic Member of the House Armed Services Committee, because they know that our readiness for war is far more important than the culture wars,” Peters said in a statement.
“I vehemently oppose this provision and call on my colleagues in the Senate to strip it out of the final version of the legislation before it becomes law.”
The NDAA passed the House 281-140. Fewer than half of the chamber’s Democrats voted in favor of what is typically a bipartisan piece of legislation.
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