Defense Bill Faces Hurdles Over Transgender Care and Pay Raises

The annual National Defense Authorization Act faces potential hurdles due to a provision concerning transgender medical care for minors, which has been included at the insistence of Republicans. This provision could complicate the bill's passage, as Democrats, led by Rep. Adam Smith, express concerns over its implications and accuse Republicans of exploiting a divisive issue. The bill, which typically garners bipartisan support, is crucial for maintaining a decades-long tradition of passing defense policy legislation. The provision's inclusion may lead to procedural challenges and negotiations to remove it, as Democrats weigh the political risks of opposing the broader $895 billion bill.