House Passes Bill Restricting Federal Funding for Transgender-Related Education

On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 2616, the “Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act,” 217-198. All 209 Republicans voted for it, joined by eight Democrats—Henry Cuellar (TX), Don Davis (NC), Cleo Fields (LA), Laura Gillen (NY), Vicente González (TX), Marcy Kaptur (OH), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA), and Eugene Vindman (VA). The bill would require schools receiving federal funds to obtain parental consent before changing a student’s gender-related identifiers and would bar those schools from teaching material labeled “gender ideology.”

The Advocate

The vote followed the committee approval of H.R. 8705, the “Civics and History Advancement to Restore Learning, Integrity, and Education Act” (CHARLIE Act), which bars federally funded civics programs from using funds for “gender ideology” or “discriminatory equity ideology.” Both bills import definitions from executive orders signed by former President Donald Trump, reflecting an effort to limit discussion of transgender identity, racism, and diversity in education.

The AdvocateThe Advocate

Vindman, a first-term Virginia Democrat who highlighted LGBTQ+ inclusion, joined the bipartisan coalition that passed the bill. His vote, alongside those of Cuellar, Davis, Fields, Gillen, González, Kaptur, and Gluesenkamp Perez, drew sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates who view the measure as a direct threat to transgender students.

The Advocate

If enacted, the law would force elementary and middle schools to secure parental permission before any change to a student’s gender-related identifiers and would prohibit schools from teaching material deemed “gender ideology.” Critics warn the forced-outing provision could expose transgender youth to family rejection, abuse, or homelessness.

The Advocate

Equality Caucus chair Rep. Mark Takano condemned the bill as an unacceptable overreach that endangers children. ACLU director Mike Zamore said every child deserves the same opportunity to thrive, including transgender students. Vindman’s office emphasized his belief that parents must be involved in school decisions, even as he acknowledged disagreement with parts of the legislation.

The Advocate

Equality Virginia executive director Narissa Rahaman condemned Vindman’s vote as a betrayal of transgender students. Human Rights Campaign labeled the measure a “Don’t Say LGBTQ+” bill and warned it endangers trans youth. ACLU warned the law would censor educators and force teachers to out students against their best judgment.

The Advocate

• “With his vote, Rep. Vindman has turned his back on transgender students, their parents, and their teachers in his district,” — Narissa Rahaman, Equality Virginia

The Advocate

• “HR 2616 is simply a national ‘Don’t Say LGBTQ+’ bill that tries to pretend trans kids don’t exist and even puts them at risk of harm.” — Sam Lau, Human Rights Campaign

The Advocate

• “All young people — including LGBTQ+ students — deserve to feel safe and respected in school.” — Human Rights Campaign

The Advocate

• “As a dad to two public school kids, I believe parents must be included in their children’s decisions in school,” — Rep. Eugene Vindman

The Advocate

The bill now awaits Senate action.

The Advocate