McCollum Vote on H.R. 734, the Politics over Participation Act

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 734, Republicans’ disturbing and discriminatory Politics Over Participation Act, the first standalone anti-trans legislation to ever receive a vote on the House Floor.

H.R. 734 is part of the extreme MAGA majority’s political agenda that legislates hate against our vulnerable transgender youth. This bill fails to protect America’s children and puts their privacy and physical security at risk. If passed, H.R. 734 could require girls and young women to answer deeply personal questions about their menstrual cycle and physical development; and could lead to physical inspections by adults whom they may not even know.

This bill would also deny transgender girls the community building and personal growth that comes from being part of a sports team. Participating in sports helps young people develop skills like leadership, teamwork, and building self-esteem. At a time when mental health emergencies among children and young adults are skyrocketing, House Republicans are failing to prioritize the real issues affecting America’s children. If they truly wanted to support female athletes and women’s sports, then they should be addressing issues like equal pay, ending institutional mistreatment of female athletes, and broadening opportunities for participation for historically-excluded communities.

Mr. Speaker, sports should be safe, accessible, and fair for everyone. Enforcement of H.R. 734 would do the opposite and cause irreparable damage to children. I will not stand for further restrictions on the lives and livelihoods of transgender Americans and the bullying of our transgender children.

Thank you, and I yield back.