House Passes Defense Bill With Gender-Affirming Care Ban For Military Dependents Under 18

The U.S. House of Representatives passed A massive defense policy bill that includes a controversial ban on gender-affirming care for military dependents under 18. The National Defense Authorization Act authorizes Defense Department spending and policies and moves to the Democratic-controlled Senate. House Speaker Mike Johnson championed the provision, framing it as a pushback against "radical woke ideology." Critics denounced the measure, arguing it puts children's lives at risk and forces military families to make difficult choices.