National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The House passed a bipartisan military funding bill last night that some Republicans voted against because it doesn’t block “medical expenses for those who engage in transgender surgery.”

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The White House held a meeting with groups opposed to the “religious freedom” provision and told them the administration is informing lawmakers of the likelihood for a veto.

WASHINGTON — The White House on Tuesday threatened to veto a defense spending bill that includes so-called “conscience protections” that critics say would allow service members to promote anti-gay beliefs without fear of discipline.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday adopted an amendment to expand the so-called “conscience protections” in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that critics say would allow service members to promote anti-gay beliefs without fear of discipline.

President Obama signed into law a $633 billion package of major Pentagon budget legislation on Wednesday that includes a “conscience” provision prohibiting troops for being punished for their beliefs as he maintained the language “will not alter” the rights of gay service members.

The final version of major Pentagon budget legislation includes watered-down “conscience” language similar to the anti-gay provision found in the House version of the bill, according to a top House Democrat on defense issues.

Some House Republicans are pushing for inclusion of a “conscience protection” clause in the final version of Pentagon budget legislation that could enable discrimination against gay service members, according to LGBT advocates familiar with conference committee negotiations.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday approved an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill that would prohibit military chaplains from performing same-sex ceremonies and would prevent military installations from being used for such ceremonies.

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers on Capitol Hill unveiled on Monday an agreement on major defense budget legislation that omits anti-gay provisions found in the House version of the legislation — including language that would have prohibited military chaplains and facilities from being involved in same-sex marriage ceremonies.