Democratic senators introduce defense bill amendment to block GOP transgender restriction

A large group of Democratic senators introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Monday that would ensure the right for the children of service members to access gender-affirming care.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) led 20 other Democratic senators in introducing the amendment that would strike the language included in the House-passed version of the NDAA that prohibits transgender children of service members from accessing gender-affirming care.

“Let’s be clear: we’re talking about parents who are in uniform serving our country who have earned the right to make the best decisions for their families," Baldwin said in a statement. "I trust our servicemembers and their doctors to make the best healthcare decisions for their kids, not politicians."

The restriction on medical care for transgender children of service members would put limitations on the care for up to 7,000 youth, according to Baldwin.

The House passed its version of the NDAA last week, with 140 Democrats objecting. Several Democrats had objected to the transgender restriction before the vote.

It's unclear how much pushback Democrats will muster in the Senate on the NDAA, which went into conference for months to reconcile House and Senate versions, if the amendment does not pass.

The annual defense bill is a must-pass piece of legislation every year, providing critical funding for the Department of Defense. This year's NDAA includes $884 billion for the Pentagon.