The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing on June 3, 2026, to discuss concerns regarding gender transition procedures for minors. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) attended the hearing.
Senator Cassidy expressed concerns that healthcare professionals profit from recommending gender transition surgeries, stating, "We should be treating each child with the specialized care they need, not encouraging a 9-year-old boy to become a girl." He emphasized the parental responsibility to protect children from harm.
During the hearing, 21-year-old Chloe Cole, who detransitioned after undergoing a double mastectomy at age 15, testified about her experience. Cole criticized medical professionals for their decisions regarding her treatment and claimed her parents were misinformed. She stated, "I have no breasts, because they were replaced with scars," and expressed that she did not find the promised peace and acceptance from her transition.
Cole argued that some doctors exploit children and called for accountability from Congress members who support these procedures. She continues to advocate against such practices.
Senator Sanders described the hearing as a waste of time, noting that the issue affects a very small percentage of teenagers and suggesting that committee time could be better spent addressing other pressing issues like child poverty and hunger. He stated that decisions regarding gender-affirming care should remain between doctors, patients, and parents, free from political interference.
Witness Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, echoed Sanders' sentiments, asserting that parents know their children best and should make decisions without government interference. Another witness, Dr. Kurt Miceli, criticized certain organizations for not prioritizing children's best interests and claimed their guidelines are influenced by ideology rather than science.
