Amid confusion and distress following false reports of Charlie Kirk’s assassination on Wednesday, Democrats clashed with Republicans over a suite of anti-LGBTQ+ provisions included in the 2026 National Defence Reauthorization Act (NDAA).
Despite their vocal objections, Democrats failed to stop six last-minute amendments aimed at restricting the rights of transgender individuals in the U.S. military, all of which passed via voice vote. Seventeen Democrats ultimately sided with Republicans in voting for the amended bill.
Sweeping Anti-Trans Provisions Approved
The controversial amendments included:
- Two bans on medically necessary gender-affirming healthcare — including mental health services — for transgender service members and their families.
- A ban on transgender women participating in sports at military academies.
- A prohibition on the Department of Defence collecting gender identity data, requiring surveys to refer only to sex assigned at birth.
- Restrictions preventing trans individuals from using gender-aligned facilities on military installations.
- A ban on Pride flag displays at any U.S. military facility.
Four of the six amendments were introduced by Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC), a staunch anti-trans advocate and current gubernatorial candidate.
House Floor Clashes Over Pride Flag and Healthcare
Representative Maxine Dexter (D-OR) attempted to defend the right to display the Pride flag, challenging the reversal of a previous NDAA compromise that gave base commanders discretion on such displays. She called the amendment “cruel and callous” and placed a small Pride flag on the podium as she spoke.
Her gesture sparked immediate backlash from Republican members. A Florida representative objected, backed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who demanded the flag be removed.
“That flag violates our House rules,” said the presiding officer.
“I am not waving it, Mr. Speaker,” Dexter replied, continuing her statement. “This obsession with attacking, dehumanising, and villainising our LGBTQIA community is as sick as it is a waste of time. Trump is using the same tired playbook authoritarian regimes have used throughout history.”
Heated Exchanges Over Gender-Affirming Care
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) also took the floor to oppose Mace’s amendment banning TRICARE coverage for gender-affirming procedures. When Jacobs highlighted procedures such as breast augmentation and filler treatments as medically recognised forms of gender-affirming care, Mace shouted across the chamber, “You are absolutely ridiculous! What the hell is your problem?”
Mace later escalated the exchange on social media, implying Jacobs, who is Jewish, needed a “nose job,” a comment widely condemned as antisemitic.
LGBTQ+ Advocates Condemn the Legislation
Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Mark Takano released a statement after the bill’s passage, condemning Republicans for what he described as injecting “poison-pill riders” into a bill meant to improve the lives of military personnel.
“Republicans’ sacrifice of a strong bipartisan vote for a politicised NDAA to appease the Trump Administration and a small slice of their base cannot undo the sacrifice of the transgender servicemembers, cadets, or military dependents that will be hurt by this bill,” Takano stated. “Congress should be fighting for those who fight for us—but it’s clear the GOP has other priorities.”
The legislation now heads to the Republican-led Senate, where it is expected to pass.
