The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly rejected an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would have codified President Trump's executive order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military. The vote was 217-212 against the amendment.
The rejection of the amendment signifies a setback for efforts to codify a ban on transgender military service into law, highlighting ongoing divisions over transgender rights within the military and broader political landscape.
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly rejected an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would have permanently codified President Donald Trump's executive order barring transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. military. The amendment, sponsored by Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, failed in a 217-212 vote, with four Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.
President Trump's executive order, implemented in January, stated that expressing a gender identity divergent from an individual's sex did not meet military service standards and prohibited cross-sex facility use. However, a June ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia found that the Defense Secretary's decision to expel currently serving transgender individuals was motivated by animus and violated constitutional rights.
Republicans have cited reasons such as protecting women's sports and military readiness for policies targeting transgender Americans, while Democrats argue such measures are discriminatory. The NDAA is an annual bill that establishes policies and authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense.