The NDAA Betrayal:
Democrats Who Sold Out the LGBTQ+ Community
Recently, the United States House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a critical bill funding our military for the upcoming year. What should have been a bipartisan effort to support our armed forces instead became a tool for the GOP’s culture war, as they attached anti-trans provisions to the legislation.
The real betrayal? 81 Democrats, including Ohio Reps. Marcy Kaptur, Greg Landsman, and Emilia Sykes, voted for this bill, knowing the harm these provisions would cause.
The Harmful Provisions
Here’s what made it into the NDAA under the guise of national defense:
Prohibition on Coverage of Gender-Affirming Care: Section 717 blocks TRICARE from covering gender-affirming surgeries and services, jeopardizing the well-being of trans service members and undermining recruitment efforts.
Restrictions on Gender-Affirming Care for Dependents: Section 640C denies dependents access to care through the Exceptional Family Member Program and imposes barriers for families seeking such care, adding undue stress to military families.
Ban on Pride Flags: Section 1048 prohibits Pride flags in Department of Defense workplaces and public spaces, a clear message of exclusion for LGBTQ+ service members.
Restrictions on Educational Materials: Section 661 bans books addressing gender identity in Department of Defense schools, an attack on representation and education.
Ban on Drag Shows and Events: Section 595 bans drag shows and story hours on military bases, targeting cultural expression that often brings joy to military communities.
The Votes That Enabled This
The House passed this bill 281-140. It wasn’t inevitable—without the support of 81 Democrats, this bill would have failed. Instead, those Democrats handed the GOP a victory, normalizing a roadmap for undermining equality in future legislation.
Rep. Greg Landsman attempted to justify his vote with this statement on X:
“The NDAA is a hugely important bill. We had to pass it, which is why I voted yes. It included a 14 percent pay increase for junior enlisted soldiers. It’s the backbone of our national security and keeping everyone safe. The bill is at the core of global stability and peace during unprecedented turmoil and uncertainty. However, the anti-trans language that was attached to it was mean and awful and should never have been included. They suck for forcing it in. We need to take back the House and Senate to avoid this crap.”1
Let’s call this for what it is: bullshit. Democrats know this GOP playbook. They’ve faced this tactic—poison-pill provisions in must-pass bills—time and again. When Democrats have drawn a line in the sand and refused to cave, it’s worked. It has forced the GOP to compromise and strip out harmful language.
But this time, they didn’t draw a line in the sand. They drew a yellow line right up their own backs.
Rep. Emilia Sykes also mentioned the anti-trans provisions in the bill, signaling her “disappointment,” while still stating that she was “proud to sign this bipartisian legislation.”2
Rep. Marcy Kaptur’s statement includes no mention of the anti-trans provisions, instead touting the military pay increases.3
The Consequences
This capitulation sends a dangerous signal: the GOP now knows they can hold basic equality hostage by including these provisions in must-pass legislation. By giving in, these Democrats legitimized discrimination and allowed harmful provisions to move forward.
These votes are a betrayal of the LGBTQ+ community. The next time these representatives show up at Pride events or post rainbow emojis, let’s not forget their choice. They had the chance to stand firm against this injustice. They failed.
A Personal Note
I’m a proud Democrat, but my loyalty isn’t blind. It’s rooted in values—equality, justice, and human dignity. When leaders like Kaptur, Landsman, and Sykes abandon those principles, they lose the right to unquestioned support.
We deserve better. The LGBTQ+ community deserves better. And the next time these representatives come asking for our votes, let’s remind them of this moment. Because we won’t forget, and we won’t stop demanding better.
Rep. Greg Landsman message on X (Twitter) - https://x.com/RepGregLandsman/status/1867604676054577330
Rep. Emilia Sykes statement on the passage of the NDAA - https://sykes.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-sykes-votes-to-pass-national-defense-authorization-act
Rep. Marcy Kaptur statement on the passage of the NDAA - https://kaptur.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kaptur-backs-bipartisan-ndaa-fund-military-operations-and-provide