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House Republicans Request Ban on Transgender Animal Experiments for Fiscal Year 2026
FIRST ON FOX: A coalition of House Republicans is advocating for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 spending legislation to explicitly prohibit federal funds from being allocated to research involving transgender experiments on animals.
The group, which includes Republican Representatives Paul Gosar, Elijah Crane, Abraham J. Hamadeh from Arizona, and others, has addressed a letter to the chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. They are urging the committee to embed language in the appropriations bill that would prevent the use of taxpayer dollars for such experiments.
The proposed stipulation states that “None of the funds made available by this or any other Act thereafter may be used for research on vertebrate animals for the purpose of studying the effects of drugs, surgery, or other interventions to alter the human body.”
Concerns Over Current Research Funding
This appeal comes in light of previous funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). During President Joe Biden’s administration, numerous grants reportedly financed experiments that involve invasive surgeries and hormone therapies aimed at creating ‘transfeminine’ and ‘transmasculine’ lab animals.
The letter sent to Chairman Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., highlights the growing concern regarding the ethical implications of these studies. House Republicans contend that these experiments often result in severe distress and suffering for the animals involved.
Alarming Practices Described
The letter describes disturbing procedures often inflicted upon these so-called transgender animals. The House Republicans allege that these animals undergo trauma, including being wounded and subjected to shocking treatments, along with injections of unregulated substances.
The advocacy to eliminate funding for these studies echoes sentiments previously expressed by former President Donald Trump. He has publicly condemned transgender animal experiments on several occasions, emphasizing the need for responsible and ethical treatment of animals in research settings.
Ongoing Legislative Efforts
Despite recent efforts to curb spending on these experiments, many of the NIH grants financing transgender animal testing remain active. House GOP members are amplifying their calls for reform, noting that taxpayer dollars should not be used for experiments they deem unnecessary and cruel.
The White Coat Waste Project, a watchdog organization focusing on government spending related to animal testing, has joined the call to action. The project indicates that there are still 29 ongoing taxpayer-funded grants that support these controversial experiments.
Advocacy from Animal Rights Groups
The White Coat Waste Project has documented the financial implications and ethical concerns surrounding taxpayer-funded transgender animal tests. Their advocacy has contributed to a national conversation about the appropriateness of such research practices. Justin Goodman, Senior Vice President of the White Coat Waste Project, noted that their investigations have helped bring attention to the gruesome nature of these studies.
Goodman stated, “Thanks to our efforts, the Trump Administration has cut significant funding for these invasive experiments which imperil countless lab animals. However, many grants still exist that waste taxpayer dollars while inflicting harm on these creatures.”
A Collective Call to Action
The coalition of House Republicans argues that the inclusion of their proposed language in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget is a step toward more ethical funding decisions. They encourage swift action from government officials to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not diverted to initiatives that cause needless suffering.
In a collective statement, the Republicans emphasize their dedication to ensuring that taxpayer interests are aligned with humane treatment standards. They stress the importance of prioritizing responsible funding that reflects the values of the American public.
Future Implications for Animal Research
As the debate surrounding this issue heats up, the potential impact could reshape the future of federal funding for animal research. The ongoing response from both lawmakers and advocacy groups will play a crucial role in determining the direction of future appropriations.
If successful, the effort to ban funding for transgender animal experiments may set a precedent that influences other areas of research funding and animal rights legislation.
Final Thoughts on the Push for Change
House Republicans continue to raise their voices against what they view as cruel and wasteful use of funds. As they seek to push their agenda forward in the upcoming budget discussions, the outcomes could have long-lasting ramifications not only for animal welfare but also for the way scientific research is funded in the United States.
With public sentiment increasingly leaning towards ethical treatment of animals, the initiatives put forth by these lawmakers may garner significant support. The next steps taken by Congress will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents of the current funding practices.
