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House Republicans have introduced new legislation seeking to prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars for gender-affirming surgeries provided to illegal immigrants. The proposed bill is part of a broader effort to address federal spending on healthcare and social services for individuals residing in the United States without legal documentation.
The bill, amid ongoing debates over the U.S. immigration system and healthcare policies, has been framed by GOP lawmakers as a measure to ensure that American taxpayer funds are directed toward U.S. citizens and legal residents. The legislation would specifically block federal agencies from allocating funds to cover gender-affirming surgeries or related treatments for undocumented immigrants.
Representative Mark Green (R-TN), who introduced the bill, argued that taxpayer dollars should not be used to provide elective medical procedures to individuals who have entered the country illegally. “This legislation is about prioritizing the needs of American citizens and ensuring that public funds are used responsibly,” said Green in a statement. “Our country’s resources are not infinite, and this bill aims to safeguard taxpayer money for those legally entitled to government benefits.”
Supporters of the bill highlight the growing cost of healthcare services for illegal immigrants, particularly at a time when many Americans struggle with rising medical expenses. They argue that gender-affirming surgeries are elective procedures and should not be funded by the government for undocumented individuals.
However, critics of the bill argue that the legislation targets vulnerable individuals and undermines access to essential healthcare. Advocacy groups for transgender rights and immigrant rights have expressed concerns, noting that denying access to gender-affirming care can have serious mental health implications for transgender individuals. “This is a cruel and unnecessary bill that denies dignity and care to people simply based on their immigration status,” said one advocate from a national LGBTQ+ organization.