President Joe Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (H.R. 5009) into law Monday, but expressed strong opposition to certain provisions, including one that bans the Department of Defense from funding gender-affirming medical care for minors.
The president acknowledged the bill’s critical role in funding national defense, foreign affairs, and homeland security but criticized specific sections that he said undermine equality and the military’s ability to support its service members.
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Biden specifically condemned Division A, Title VII, Section 708, which prohibits the use of Department of Defense funds for gender-affirming care for minors. He argued that the provision:
- Contravenes clinical practice guidelines and recommendations.
- Targets individuals based on gender identity.
- Interferes with parental decision-making regarding their child’s health care.
- Undermines military recruitment and retention efforts by forcing service members to choose between their family’s healthcare needs and their military service.
“No service member should have to decide between their family’s health care access and their call to serve our Nation,” Biden said.
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Biden also highlighted other issues in the legislation, including:
- Restrictions on Guantánamo Bay Transfers: Provisions barring the transfer of detainees to certain foreign countries or into the U.S., which Biden argued impair executive branch flexibility and diplomatic efforts.
- Classified Information Disclosure: Requirements to submit reports to Congress that could include sensitive classified information, which the president said could compromise national security or executive branch confidentiality.
- Oversight Challenges: Provisions that could interfere with the executive branch’s authority to make foreign policy decisions and protect national security information.
Biden emphasized that his administration will work to address these concerns while ensuring compliance with congressional oversight requirements in ways that safeguard classified and sensitive information.
The president urged Congress to revisit and amend sections of the act he views as detrimental to national security, equality, and effective governance.
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“My administration remains committed to ensuring our military reflects the values of equality and inclusivity that strengthen our Nation and its defense,” Biden said.
The National Defense Authorization Act, which passed with bipartisan support, secures critical funding for the military while continuing to spark debates on key social and policy issues.
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First published by the Daily Caller News Foundation.