By Jada Fulcher

This Wednesday, State Representative Nikki Budzinski of Illinois’ 13th district voted with 80 other democrats to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). What is usually a large bipartisan effort to pass, instead passed 281-140 due to the inclusion of anti-trans youth legislation.

Included along with the annual budget for the US military was a provision disallowing TRICARE, the healthcare service for active duty service members, from providing funds for gender-affirming care to service member’s minor children, if that care could result in sterilization.

In a press release sent out Friday, Champaign-based LGBTQ+ center Uniting Pride shared their disapproval regarding Budzinski’s vote, stating that the bill would “effectively eliminate TRICARE’s ability to cover gender-affirming care for individuals under 18.”

“We are deeply dismayed that Representative Budzinski chose to support a bill that undermines the well-being of transgender youth, despite overwhelming evidence of the importance of gender-affirming care,” said Uniting Pride in their press release.

Martha Mills, a 43-year-old agender person from Champaign, finds Budzinski’s support of HR 5009 “absolutely abhorrent.”

Mills was already disappointed by Budzinski due to the representative’s support of Israel, and wants to see her do more to help the queer community.

“I don’t want to hear any rationalization on why she voted the way she did,” said Mills, “I would like to see her take action that supports [the LGBTQ+] community and makes our kids safer.”

The NDAA will go next to the Senate for a vote. Contact your state senators to make your voice heard!

Senator Dick Durbin:

  • Springfield: (217) 492-4062
  • DC: (202) 224-2152
  • Website: https://www.durbin.senate.gov/

Senator Tammy Duckworth:

  • Springfield: (217) 528-6124
  • DC: (202) 224-2854
  • Website: https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/

Champaign Residents and Organizations Balk at Budzinski’s Support of Anti-Trans Legislation