The United States military under President Joe Biden is making special arrangements for service members whose families have children or dependents who are seeking sex change treatment.
Using the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), the military offers troops special assignments so their families have access to “gender transition” services. The program was originally established to help families with special needs children or dependents.
“Airmen and Guardians who wish to address assignment concerns as a result of local laws or legislation should engage their respective chain of command and assignment teams at AFPC,” Air Force spokeswoman Capt. Tanya Downsworth told The Washington Post last year.
“Family members receiving gender-affirming treatment, or likely to receive such treatment, may and should utilize the Exceptional Family Member Program to assist with any change of station movements regardless of location.”
An amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY24 that would block the Defense Department from using EFMP to accommodate gender transition services was introduced by Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.).
The House voted 220-210 in favor of the amendment.
“In my opinion, this misuse of funds is absolutely against the spirit of the law. Gender transitioning is not covered under any of the criteria for identifying individuals eligible for EFMP,” Norman said in a statement to the Daily Caller.
“Allowing ANY type of gender transition procedures through the EFMP goes against the intention for the program — which is to provide vital resources for service members’ families with special needs and chronic conditions,” he added.
It is unclear whether the amendment will be included in the final bill.
Last month, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby claimed some policies removed by Republican lawmakers from the NDAA are crucial to the country’s military readiness.
The Biden administration’s concerns center around amendments that are designed to limit the Pentagon’s abortion travel reimbursement policy, transgender procedures and the implementation of Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) programs throughout the armed forces.
Kirby indicated that Biden would not support amendments or legislation that would put troops or readiness “at risk.”
“DoD’s strategic advantage in a complex global security environment is the diverse and dynamic talent pool from which we draw,” the White House said in a statement in response to the bill. “We rely on diverse perspectives, experiences, and skillsets to remain a global leader, deter war, and keep our nation secure.”
