Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act
Sponsored By: Senator Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Introduced
Summary
Blocks federal funding for research and publications related to gender transition for people under 18. It would bar federal support for studies or publications when the purpose is to affirm a minor’s perception of their sex or to affirm an asserted identity that differs from their birth sex, and it defines "sex" by reproductive biology and genetics at birth.
Show full summary
- Families and minors: Would limit federally funded studies that gather evidence on hormonal treatments or surgical procedures for people under 18, reducing the number of government-supported studies about youth care.
- Researchers and journals: Would prevent federal funds from supporting research or publications tied to those affirming purposes, narrowing grant and publication options for scholars working on youth gender care.
- Federal agencies and the evidence base: Applies regardless of other law, so agencies could not fund or support research with those stated aims, which changes what government-funded evidence is available for policy and clinical guidance.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Limits on federal research about minors' transition
If enacted, this bill would prohibit the use of Federal funds for research or publications about gender transition for people under 18. The ban would cover observational studies that collect data on giving hormones or surgery to minors when the study’s purpose is to affirm a minor’s perception of their sex or an asserted identity that differs from their sex. The bill would define “sex” only by reproductive biology and genetics at birth and would operate notwithstanding any other law. The restriction would take effect upon enactment. Researchers, clinicians, and parents would likely see less federally funded evidence and guidance about care for minors.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Lee, Mike [R-UT]
UT • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
OK • R
Sponsored 7/30/2026
Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]
WY • R
Sponsored 7/30/2026
Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
TX • R
Sponsored 7/30/2026
Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
MT • R
Sponsored 7/30/2026
Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL]
AL • R
Sponsored 7/30/2026
Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
TN • R
Sponsored 7/30/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov