Outrage is growing after Rep. Chris Pappas, a gay Democrat from New Hampshire, supported the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). NDAA is a military spending bill that restricts health care access for transgender children of military families. The $895.2 billion NDAA passed the House with bipartisan support, 281-140, but included a controversial provision barring Tricare, the military's insurance, from covering gender-affirming care for minors. Pappas, the only queer representative in Congress to vote for the bill, is facing criticism as his vote wasn’t needed for its passage. LGBTQ advocates, including co-chair Rep. Mark Pocan, chair of the Equality Caucus have denounced the bill, calling it harmful to trans kids and military families. In defense, Pappas told The Advocate:
“I strongly oppose the riders that Speaker Johnson included in the NDAA that would limit insurance coverage for military family members. I will continue to fight for full equality for all members of the LGBTQ+ community, including transgender Americans, and my record in Congress demonstrates that.”
The bill now moves to the Senate, where Democrats aim to strip the anti-trans provisions before it reaches President Biden, who has vowed to protect trans children. However, his stance on signing the bill with such provisions remains unclear.
