FY26 NDAA – Progress, Setbacks, and the Power of Lived Experience

The FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has been passed by both houses of Congress. Like many recent defense bills, it reflects a growing effort to politicize military policy, particularly when it comes to the LGBTQ+ military community and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Still, this year’s NDAA also shows what is possible when advocacy is strategic, persistent, and grounded in real-life impact.

The Wins: What Advocacy Made Possible

Through direct engagement with Congress and the voices of military families nationwide, along with our partner organizations, we were able to:

• Removed five of six anti-LGBTQ+ riders, protecting many of our hard won rights as a community.
• Soften the sports ban language at the military academies, limiting the scope and severity of the provision.

These outcomes were not accidental. They were the result of lawmakers hearing directly from OUR service members and families about how these policies impact their lives.

We brought the testimonials of our military families who have  been forced to make difficult decisions like living separately or leaving the military altogether after last year’s NDAA removed critical healthcare for military youth. Read more here. 

The Losses: Where the Bill Falls Short

Despite these wins, the final NDAA includes serious setbacks:

• IVF and assisted reproductive care access was removed. The goal was to give military families Tricare coverage for IVF that mirrors that of Congressional members. However, at the last moment, this provision was removed for the second year in a row. Military families deserve the resources and coverage necessary to start a family, not matter their health history or family dynamic. 
• DEI initiatives were gutted, eliminating programs designed to support retention, morale, and mission effectiveness. Modern Military has joined a sign on letter with other humanitarian organizations to urge congress to stand up for diversity in the military.
• Transgender service members continue to face targeted political attacks, signaling that their service remains a bargaining chip rather than a respected contribution. The ban on transgender women in service academy sports is the first federal ban on trans athletes and sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of the country. It is also the first federal definition of sex based on reproductive biology at birth that excludes intersex individuals and could be used to further harm transgender. These are yet another example of how the rights of the LGHTQ+ community are slowly being chipped away. 

These provisions reflect a broader ideological push, one that prioritizes culture-war talking points over the well-being of service members, families, and the defense of our nation. 

Preparing Now for NDAA 2027

We are not waiting for the next crisis. Work is already underway to prepare for NDAA 2027, including:

• Drafting and introducing proactive legislation
• Identifying congressional champions early
• Building rapid-response strategies to counter harmful amendments

Why Sharing Your Story Matters More Than Ever

Time and again, we see that lived experience moves Congress. Stories from military families were cited in meetings, used to counter misinformation, and helped lawmakers understand the tangible consequences of their votes.

If you’ve been affected by restrictions on reproductive care, attacks on DEI, or policies targeting transgender service members, your story can help prevent future harm.

When Congress sees the human impact, they can better serve their constituents!

Together, we will continue to fight for a military that values fairness, readiness, and the dignity of everyone who serves.