H.R.3205 - No Subsidies for Gender Transition Procedures Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3205, the "No Subsidies for Gender Transition Procedures Act," aims to deny tax deductions and federal funding for gender transition procedures. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude gender transition procedures from medical expense tax deductions. It also prohibits federal Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare funding for these procedures, and excludes them from essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would significantly restrict access to gender transition procedures by removing financial support through tax deductions and federal healthcare programs. This could disproportionately affect low-income individuals and those relying on government-funded healthcare. The bill's definitions of 'gender transition procedure' and 'sex' could also lead to legal challenges.
Potential Benefits
- Potential cost savings for taxpayers by reducing federal spending on gender transition procedures.
- Reinforces specific definitions of sex (male and female) based on biological characteristics at conception.
- May align with the moral or religious beliefs of some individuals who oppose gender transition procedures.
- Could potentially free up resources within federal healthcare programs for other medical needs.
- May reduce the demand for gender transition procedures if financial incentives are removed.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced access to healthcare for transgender individuals, potentially leading to negative health outcomes.
- Increased financial burden on transgender individuals seeking gender transition procedures.
- Potential legal challenges based on discrimination and equal protection grounds.
- May negatively impact the mental health and well-being of transgender individuals.
- Could create disparities in healthcare access based on gender identity.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Arguments for alignment could be made based on Congress's power to control federal spending (Article I, Section 8). However, arguments against alignment could be raised under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, if the bill is deemed discriminatory against transgender individuals. The bill's definitions of sex may also face challenges under evolving interpretations of gender identity and equal rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).