Senator Roger Marshall Proposes Bill to Permanently Ban Federal Funding for Transgender Procedures

FIRST ON FOX: Senator Roger Marshall, representing Kansas, is set to unveil new legislation aimed at creating a permanent prohibition on the use of federal funds for transgender surgical procedures. This legislative effort seeks to carry forward President Donald Trump’s executive order, ensuring its impacts last well beyond his presidency.

Marshall’s initiative, titled the End Taxpayer Funding of Gender Experimentation Act, will prohibit any federal funding for gender transition procedures. Furthermore, it would prevent healthcare facilities, physicians, and providers receiving federal funds from conducting such procedures.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Marshall emphasized the necessity of legislating this ban. He expressed concern that without such a law, a future president could easily revoke the executive order. “Heaven forbid we don’t get a Republican back in the White House in four years; the next president could end that order just as easily,” said Marshall, who is also a practicing OB/GYN. “That’s why we need legislation to give this a permanent fix.”

Limitations and Exceptions Ahead

The proposed legislation would explicitly prevent federal healthcare facilities, physicians, and providers from offering gender transition procedures. However, there are exceptions for individuals born with verifiable sex-development disorders and for medical treatments related to complications arising from previously conducted gender transition surgeries.

This bill would eliminate federal funding for sex change surgeries for active military personnel and veterans, as well as for civilians covered under Medicare and Medicaid. Marshall highlighted that approximately one-third of transgender individuals currently rely on Medicaid, meaning taxpayer dollars would be heavily involved in these medical procedures.

“The military likely spends $2 to $3 million each year on these specific treatments,” he noted. “I just don’t think Americans want federal taxpayer dollars used for this purpose.”

Trump Administration’s Stance on Transgender Policies

Since taking office, President Trump has adopted a stringent approach toward issues surrounding gender identity. His administration has issued multiple executive orders addressing various aspects of transgender rights, including the prohibition of trans women from participating in women’s sports, limitations on gender transition treatments for minors, and establishing a definitive definition of sex as strictly male or female.

While Marshall’s proposed legislation seeks to restrict taxpayer funds related to gender transition surgeries across all age groups, he underscored that youths represent the most vulnerable demographic. “I just think the last thing we want to do is make irreversible changes on someone young who is going through puberty,” he stated. Marshall strongly believes decisions about such significant medical interventions should be postponed until individuals reach adulthood, allowing for the treatment of underlying issues that may influence their gender identity.

Public Sentiment Reflects Moderation Among Democrats

Public opinion appears to show a shift toward moderation on this issue, even within the Democratic voter base. Recent polling data from a New York Times/Ipsos survey conducted in January indicated that 67% of Democratic respondents opposed the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. However, the contention remains a central theme in current party platforms.

Marshall pointed out an incongruity, saying, “But the Democrats are so dug in, they just won’t give an inch on this particular issue,” referring to elected leaders from the Democratic Party and their resistance to reconsidering their position.

A Broad Republican Coalition Supports the Bill

The bill is co-sponsored by a diverse coalition of Republican senators, including Jim Risch from Idaho, Lindsey Graham from South Carolina, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, Tim Sheehy from Montana, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Mike Lee from Utah, Ted Budd from North Carolina, Josh Hawley from Missouri, Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee, Roger Wicker from Mississippi, Jim Banks from Indiana, and Cindy Hyde-Smith from Mississippi.

Additionally, Representative Doug LaMalfa, a Republican from California, plans to introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Anticipating the Legislative Journey

As this bill gains traction in Congress, it signals an ongoing commitment from certain legislative factions to reshape and redefine policies regarding transgender health care. With a significant portion of the Republican Party rallying behind this initiative, observers will be keenly watching how the debate evolves in the coming weeks.

The introduction of this legislation highlights the complexities surrounding gender identity and related healthcare practices, as well as the ongoing dialogue about the appropriate use of taxpayer funds in sensitive medical domains. Ongoing discussions will likely influence both public perceptions and the political landscape surrounding these critical issues in the near future.