WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement regarding today’s passage of the rule for the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA). 

“As I said a few days ago, blanketly denying health care to people who need it—just because of a biased notion against transgender people—is wrong. The inclusion of this harmful provision puts the lives of children at risk and may force thousands of service members to make the choice of continuing their military service or leaving to ensure their child can get the health care they need. For that reason, I will oppose final passage of the FY25 NDAA in its current form. 

“Speaker Johnson had a clear path to considering a bill that reflected the true spirit of bipartisan compromise that has ensured that Congress has provided for the common defense for the past 63 years. Rather than take that path and ensure service members and military families get the support they need and deserve, he chose to pander to the most extreme elements of his party in an attempt to retain his speakership. 

“Speaker Johnson would rather secure his own future than easily pass a bill on suspension that invests in the greatest sources of America’s strength: service members and their families, science and technology, modernization, and a commitment to allies and partners.  

“Let me be clear; I am proud of the bipartisan work done to secure a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members and 4.5 percent pay raise for all other service members. I am proud that this bill takes important steps to improve housing, health care, childcare, and spousal support for service members and military families. I am proud that we were successful in blocking many other harmful provisions that attacked DEI programs, the LGBTQ community, and women’s access to reproductive health care. That work all required bipartisan compromise. Unfortunately, the Speaker has upended that process and injected a highly partisan provision not traditionally seen in the final defense bill.”

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