Rep. Chris Pappas, an out gay co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Congressional Equality Caucus, was among the bipartisan group of 281 members of Congress who voted in favor of the $895.2 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on Wednesday. The legislation includes provisions restricting gender-affirming care for minors. Pappas is the sole out LGBTQ+ member of Congress to back the legislation.
In a statement released Wednesday, Pocan said, 'Our servicemembers should be focusing on keeping our nation safe, not worrying if Congress will let their child get the healthcare that their parents, doctors, and mental health professionals agree they need...our servicemembers and their children will pay the price.'
The controversial provision would bar Tricare, the military's health insurance program, from covering gender-affirming care for transgender children under 18, while still permitting the same treatments for cisgender children.
Medical experts, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, have emphasized that gender-affirming care is evidence-based, medically necessary, and supported by every major medical and mental health association in the United States.
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