President Joe Biden signed into law a defense bill that authorizes significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members, counters China's growing power, and boosts military spending to $895 billion. Despite objections to language stripping coverage of transgender medical treatments for children in military families, the bill passed with bipartisan support.
Biden expressed strong opposition to the provision, citing concerns about targeting individuals based on gender identity and interfering with parents' rights to decide on their children's care. He emphasized the importance of ensuring service members do not have to choose between family healthcare and serving the nation.
The Senate passed the bill with an 85-14 vote, while the House approved it by a vote of 281-140, despite most Democrats voting against it due to the inclusion of the provision banning transgender medical care for children.
In addition to the pay raises for service members, the bill prohibits the use of funds to transfer Guantanamo Bay detainees to certain countries or within the U.S. Biden called on Congress to lift these restrictions.
The legislation focuses on countering China by investing in new military technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and enhancing U.S. ammunition production. It also establishes a fund to support Taiwan and extends the ban on purchasing Chinese products for military use.
The defense bill aims to strengthen the military's capabilities and readiness while addressing strategic challenges posed by China's increasing influence. The legislation underscores the U.S. commitment to national defense and global security.
With the bill signed into law, the government will now work on a spending package to support the authorized military initiatives and priorities outlined in the legislation.
