House Rejects Codification of Trump's Transgender Military Ban

The United States House of Representatives rejected an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act on July 21, 2026, that would have codified a January 2025 executive order by President Donald Trump banning transgender people from military service. Sponsored by Representative Lauren Boebert, the measure failed in a 212-217 vote after four Republicans joined Democrats in opposition. The vote follows a recent appeals court ruling that struck down the original executive order for lacking reasonable justification.

While the service ban failed, the House approved two amendments proposed by Representative Nancy Mace. These measures prohibit the TRICARE military health insurance plan from covering certain gender-related medical procedures and bar transgender individuals assigned male at birth from participating in girls' K-12 sports at Department of Defense-run schools. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Separately, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes questioned the Department of Defense regarding the medical distinctions between hormone treatment for transgender men and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for cisgender service members. The inquiry is part of a class-action lawsuit challenging the military ban. This follows a program announced by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to screen troops for testosterone deficiency to ensure they operate at their absolute best.