WASHINGTON – Over the past 24 hours, anti-equality lawmakers released text of their GOP-led reconciliation bill, detailing how they would slash programs that millions of people rely on to bankroll tax cuts for the ultra wealthy. These cuts pose significant threats to critical programs that disproportionately serve LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those who are low-income, living with HIV, or facing food insecurity. Anti-equality politicians are also hoping to sneak in provisions to cut off federal funding for medically-necessary care for many transgender people, attempting to strip them of the freedom to access the care they need.

HRC President Kelley Robinson released the following statement:

“People in this country have been clear – they want policies and solutions that make life better and expand access to the American Dream. Instead, anti-equality lawmakers drafted a handout for billionaires built on the backs of hardworking people – with devastating consequences for the LGBTQ+ community. Proposed cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP or resources like Planned Parenthood clinics, all of which  disproportionately support LGBTQ+ Americans, are not just numbers on a page. They would mean families forced to choose between seeing a doctor and paying the rent. They would mean people forced to skip check ups and testing. They would mean kids missing meals. And attempts to load up the bill with attacks on access to health care for transgender youth drive home the point that this bill is not about the American people, but inflicting harm for political gain. This country deserves better, and we’re going to fight for it.”

Key Background on Impact of GOP Reconciliation Bills to LGBTQ+ People

• Estimates from the Congressional Budget Office find that the Republican proposals could kick 13.7 million people off of Medicaid. Medicaid is a crucial source of health care for LGBTQ+ individuals, covering a disproportionate share of low-income LGBTQ+ people, including 21% of transgender individuals and 40% of people living with HIV
  • Medicaid is the largest payer for HIV care in the U.S., and any cuts would jeopardize access to essential treatment for individuals living with HIV, undermining national efforts to end the epidemic
  • Many LGBTQ+ community health centers rely on federal funding through Medicaid and Ryan White grants; any reduction would limit services like mental health support, gender-affirming care, and STI testing
  • Roughly 22-25% of LGBTQ+ adults in the US live in poverty, compared to about 16% of nontransgender, straight adults
• The bills propose to forbid the use of federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for medically-necessary health care for transgender youth under the age of 19
  • A second provision would prohibit states from defining that care as "essential health benefits" for transgender people of all ages
• The proposed cuts to SNAP, including stricter eligibility requirements, work mandates, and benefit reductions, would disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those with disabilities, caregiving responsibilities, or experiencing homelessness
  • LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of food insecurity compared to non-LGBTQ+ individuals
  • Research shows that more than 27% of LGBTQ+ adults have struggled to afford food in the past year
  • Women, younger individuals, and LGBTQ+ people of color are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity and would face heightened risks under a weakened SNAP program
• The bill also includes provisions that would bar health care centers like Planned Parenthood from receiving federal funding—targeting organizations that have worked diligently to create welcoming, affirming environments for the LGBTQ+ community and that are committed to reproductive freedom and providing care to all who need it

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

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