Larson Votes Against MAGA Culture War Attacks on Military Families

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted against this year's National Defense Authorization Act after House Republicans hijacked the bipartisan bill on the floor to insert amendments targeting the LGBTQ+ community.

In July, Larson also voted against a funding billRepublicans brought to the floor that tied funding for troop pay to abortion restrictions and a 'license to discriminate' against same sex married couples.

"After months of Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth engulfing the Pentagon in MAGA culture wars, I was pleased to see a bipartisan bill advance out of committee that does right by our troops," said Larson. "Today, that all changed. House Republicans offered amendment after amendment doubling down on Trump and Hegseth's attacks. Trump's trans military ban wasn't enough - they voted to ban trans people from bathrooms and stop kids from getting the health care they need. What does that have to do with military readiness? I will always stand with our troops and am ready to work with anyone to support them. I will not lend my vote to this push to force culture war attacks on our military families."

During House debate on the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), House Republicans added amendments that include:

• Ending coverage for servicemembers' gender-related medical treatments

• Barring gender-affirming care for military families

• Kicking transgender Americans out of gendered bathrooms on military property

• Requiring the Secretary of Defense to refuse to recognize gender identity

• Banning Pride flags from being flown on military bases