Jefferson Reporter

Representative Gary Palmer of Alabama has addressed a letter to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, expressing concerns about recent changes in federal grant policies under the Biden-Harris administration. The letter questions the integration of gender-identity ideology into 13 federal grants aimed at aiding vulnerable populations. Palmer seeks clarification from Secretary Becerra on this policy shift, emphasizing the need for HHS to focus on public safety while respecting religious freedoms.

"Under the guise of inclusivity, this administration is forcing radical ideological changes into programs that should focus on care, not politics," stated Rep. Palmer. He expressed concerns that these new rules could compromise the safety of vulnerable groups such as women escaping abuse and children needing care by requiring them to share spaces with individuals of the opposite sex. He also highlighted potential conflicts for faith-based institutions and community organizations that might have to choose between adhering to their beliefs or losing essential funding.

Palmer further criticized what he termed "radical transgender policies," arguing they would not be accepted by many faith-based and common-sense organizations. He warned that effective organizations might lose access to grants crucial for healthcare access due to mandates he considers controversial.

"This is another example of the Biden-Harris administration putting their radical agenda over the well-being of our people," concluded Rep. Palmer, suggesting that gender identity policies could turn essential services into ideological battlegrounds.

The letter was co-signed by 20 other members of Congress, including Representatives Robert Aderholt, Vern Buchanan, Ben Cline, Michael Cloud, Rick Crawford, Jeff Duncan, Bob Good, Michael Guest, Harriet Hageman, Clay Higgins, Mike Kelly, Greg Lopez, Richard McCormick, Carol Miller, Ralph Norman, August Pfluger, John Rose, Chip Roy, Glenn Thompson and Randy Weber.

The issue stems from an expanded definition of "sex" in federal grants following the Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court decision. This expansion includes gender identity and sexual orientation but has raised legal questions regarding its application beyond employment law into HHS grants without congressional approval.

HHS finalized regulations applying this interpretation in May and later included it in universal grant guidance through an interim final rule without public comment—a process typically reserved for emergencies. Some affected grants involve medical care sectors like nursing workforce development and clinical training programs which may now require providers to perform gender-transition procedures even where state laws prohibit them for minors.