House Passes Bill Blocking Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Veterans

House Republicans have passed a spending bill, H.R. 3944, that would permanently block gender-affirming care for transgender veterans, continuing policies initiated under President Trump’s administration that have created a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ service members. In New Hampshire, lawmakers approved bills banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, including puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries, making it the first northeastern state to enact such bans; these bills await the signature of Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte. Supporters cite a recent Supreme Court ruling upholding a Tennessee ban as constitutional justification, while opponents argue these measures discriminate against transgender individuals and undermine medical decision-making. Meanwhile, in the Senate, parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough has blocked several anti-transgender provisions in the Republican reconciliation package, including bans on Medicaid and ACA health exchange coverage for gender-affirming care, citing violations of the Byrd Rule that limits budget reconciliation measures to budget-related items. This parliamentary ruling means Senate Republicans will need Democratic support to pass these measures, which LGBTQ+ advocates warn would severely harm transgender people relying on Medicaid and other health programs. The parliamentarian also rejected a provision restricting ACA subsidies to states based on abortion coverage requirements, further complicating the passage of the reconciliation bill known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill."