The House of Representatives has approved a record-shattering military budget of $886 billion for the coming fiscal year. Lawmakers approved the National Defense Authorization Act on Friday by a vote of 219 to 210, with all but four Democrats opposed. The legislation appears doomed in the Democratic-controlled Senate, after Republicans included amendments barring the Pentagon from reimbursing the expenses of personnel who travel out of state to obtain an abortion. This is Democratic Congressmember Greg Stanton of Arizona.

Rep. Greg Stanton: “Today nearly half of servicewomen no longer have access to abortion care. Many live hundreds of miles from the nearest provider. Access to abortion should not depend on where someone lives or where they are stationed. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rightly noted that the Dobbs decision would, quote, would 'interfere with the U.S. military's ability to recruit, retain and maintain the readiness of a highly qualified force.’”

Other amendments added by Republicans bar the Pentagon from paying for gender-affirming medical care and hormone therapy for transgender people, and ban the display of LGBTQIA Pride flags at military bases. House Republicans refused to allow a vote on an amendment by Democratic Congressmembers Mark Pocan and Barbara Lee that would have slashed $100 billion from the military budget.