On July 4, the devastating ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ was passed, which prioritizes tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of the working class and the environment, while also attempting to convey a moral high ground by attacking queer groups and immigrants.
Initially, this bill included a measure that imposed a sweeping ban on gender-affirming care for transgender people on Medicaid. The original proposition specified that only minors would be excluded from receiving gender-affirming care on Medicaid, only for that narrative to shift to exclude trans people of all ages—a blatant attack on bodily autonomy and human rights. This would have gutted coverage for 276,000 trans people across the country.
However, this measure was dropped at the last minute thanks to senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, as it was found to have violated the Byrd Rule. This rule prevents issues that are irrelevant to reducing the deficit from being included in budget reconciliation legislation. Advocacy groups are rightfully celebrating this small victory, with many calling it “a huge relief.”
It cannot be understated that a win for the trans community is a win for all Americans. Once personal freedom for one group comes into the firing line based on fear mongering, misinformation, and religious imposition, it becomes a matter of when—not if—personal freedoms for all will be jeopardized.
Of course, the fight is not over. The bill still has a substantial amount of other worrisome provisions, such as those relating to the social safety net (Medicaid, SNAP, federal student aid) and egregious anti-immigration spending. The passing of this bill, despite almost half of Americans opposing it, proves again that the GOP has little regard for the wellbeing of their constituents. It is best to be wary of future oppressive propositions and be ready to contact your legislators.
The phone list for US Representatives can be found here.
The phone list for US Senators can be found here, preceded by 202-22X-XXXX.
