By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBT Politics USA
WASHINGTON D.C. — (July 7, 2025) — In a surprise turn during late-stage negotiations, U.S. President Donald Trump’s highly touted One Big Beautiful Bill was stripped of its controversial anti-trans provision, marking a rare win for LGBTQ+ advocates amid a year of mounting legislative attacks.
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The provision in H.R.1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act — originally aimed at banning Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care—was removed after the Senate parliamentarian ruled it violated the Byrd Rule, which bars “extraneous” provisions in budget reconciliation legislation. Named after the late Senator Robert Byrd, the rule ensures all provisions directly relate to federal spending to avoid partisan policy pushes.
Republicans had relied on budget reconciliation to fast-track the sweeping tax and spending measure while dodging a Democratic filibuster. But the Parliamentarian’s judgment forced GOP leadership to axe the Medicaid clause.
“This is a huge relief,” said Delphine Luneau, deputy communications director for the Human Rights Campaign, in a statement to Rolling Stone. “There are still major concerns with this bill, but for trans Americans, the removal of this ban is a critical victory.”
Sinead Murano-Kinney, health policy analyst for Advocates for Trans Equality, echoed the sentiment:
“Fortunately, Republicans’ efforts to make trans people and their healthcare into political scapegoats failed. This failure is in no small part thanks to the wisdom of the parliamentarian and the actions of Senators who respect and will fight for their trans constituents’ well-being and access to lifesaving care.”
The bill now returns to the House of Representatives, where members must approve the amended Senate version before it reaches the President’s desk for final signing.
Stay tuned to JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics USA for continuing coverage of Trump-era LGBTQ legislation and Capitol Hill developments.
