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national defense

Patty Murray and Chuck Schumer

Senate OK's Defense Bill Without Anti-LGBTQ+ Provisions, Setting Up Fight With House

Fights are likely over individual appropriations bills as well.

lakeview chicago lgbtq pride parade marchers and signs

Civil rights groups sue Trump over executive orders targeting DEI & transgender people

“President Trump, we will see you in court again, and we will beat you again,” Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings said.

Jeff Merkley; Tammy Baldwin; Cory Booker

40+ senators oppose anti-LGBTQ+, anti-abortion provisions in spending bills

Led by Jeff Merkley, Tammy Baldwin, and Cory Booker, they have sent a letter to Appropriations Committee leaders.

Rep. Mark Pocan and Rep. Mikie Sherrill

Out reps and allies denounce anti-LGBTQ+ provisions in House defense spending bill

“Republicans love to claim how they support our troops in one breath, just to turn around and vote to discriminate against them with the next,” said Rep. Mark Pocan, chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus.

Chris Pappas

Gay Democrat is lone LGBTQ+ vote in Congress for anti-trans national defense bill

New Hampshire U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas defended his support for the National Defense Authorization Act that strips trans kids of military members of care in a statement to The Advocate.

Rep. Robert Garcia

Democrats Push to Block Defense Funds to Uganda Over Anti-LGBTQ+ Law

Using the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act, two LGBTQ+ members of Congress have joined forces to hold up funds to the African country.

Person in military clothes with rainbow card over their mouth

The former Marine who helped end DADT predicts the road ahead for LGBTQ+ service members

Trump’s Defense nominee Hegseth’s anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and the House passing the anti-trans defense spending bill mean that the assault on LGBTQ+ soldiers is just beginning.

speaker mike johnson smirking while holding very big gavel at Republican National Convention 2024

Republicans release top bill priorities in rules package. The No. 1 priority? Trans people

The rules package released by Speaker Johnson shows that transgender people are likely to be a top priority for Republicans in 2025.

peaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) (C), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) (R) and Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY) hold a news conference following a caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center on January 30, 2024 in Washington, DC.

Nearly 300 groups urge Congress to reject anti-trans provision in defense spending bill

"This legislation has been hijacked by Speaker Mike Johnson and anti-LGBTQ+ lawmakers," says Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson.

rep Robert Garcia passionate speaker

Rep. Robert Garcia: 'The Army that defeated Hitler and saved the world included drag queens'

The California Democrat expertly demolished a Republican proposal to ban drag shows on military bases — but it passed the House of Representatives anyways.

People in voting booths

Voters Oppose Anti-LGBTQ+, Anti-Abortion Amendments to Defense Bill: Poll

Those are the findings of a Data for Progress survey of likely voters.

Tammy Baldwin speaks in opposition to anti trans provision in defense spending bill

Tammy Baldwin, 20 other senators try to strike anti-trans provision from defense bill

They introduced an amendment to the House-passed version of the bill, and Baldwin delivered floor remarks against the anti-trans language.

Joe Manchin transgender us service members

Joe Manchin joins Senate GOP to strip health care from transgender military members & their families

The former Democrat continues his right-wing inclinations.