Republicans Block Duckworth IVF Coverage Provision From Senate Defense Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Despite advancing the very same provision through the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) last year, SASC Republicans blocked U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth’s (D-IL) provision to provide IVF coverage for our servicemembers from being included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Duckworth’s provision—which mirrors herIVF for Military Families Act—would have required TRICARE coverage of fertility services, including IVF, and ensure servicemembers and their families have access to the same level of IVF coverage that Members of Congress and other federal workers already receive. The SASC-passed bill will soon be considered by the full Senate.

“For the past two years, the Senate Armed Services Committee passed my legislation that would provide IVF coverage for our servicemembers who struggle with infertility. My IVF language also cleared the full Senate with a bipartisan majority last year. And yet this week, every single Republican on the committee betrayed our heroes and voted against the very same language they supported last year.

“On the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised that IVF would be free for every American. It is unacceptable that Republicans would once again stand in the way of the President keeping that promise, especially for our brave servicemembers.

“All my provision seeks to do is provide our troops with the same access to IVF that all Members of Congress already have. After everything our troops sacrifice for our nation, they should never have to sacrifice their dreams of building a family.”

Duckworth served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and had both of her daughters through IVF. Last year, Donald Trump—who promised to make IVF free for all Americans—did nothing to stop Speaker Mike Johnson from single-handedly killing her provision in the National Defense Authorization Act, despite wide bipartisan majorities voting to include IVF coverage for troops in both the House and the Senate versions of the bill.

More like this:

Duckworth Leads Congressional Democrats In Renewed Push To Establish A Nationwide Right To IVF And Lower IVF Costs For Families

Jul 23, 2026

Duckworth, Ryan Urge Passage Of Bill After Report Says Pentagon Hid Additional Iran War Deaths

5 days ago

Duckworth, SASC Democrats Call On Chairman Wicker To Hold A Hearing On The Trump Administration’s Worsening Strain On Troops From Extended War In Iran

Aug 25, 2026

Duckworth Pushes For Clarity And Due Process For Exemplary Military Officers Whose Promotions Are Blocked By Pete Hegseth

Sep 10, 2026

Duckworth Unveils Bill To Block Pentagon From Reclassifying Iran War Casualties

Aug 6, 2026