FAMILY EQUALITY COUNCIL

H.R. 9260, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, FY2027; opposed provisions in the White House FY2027 Budget Appendix and subsequent House Appropriations Committee action affecting funding for education, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and Medicaid programs, in coordination with coalition partners, from subcommittee hearings in April through subcommittee and full committee markup in May and June.

John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act (H.R. 6181 / S. 3279) and other nondiscrimination protections in the child welfare system for LGBTQ+ youth in care, prospective foster and adoptive parents, and families of origin. Advocated for cosponsor recruitment and continued Congressional education on the bill. Contacted Members of Congress urging opposition to the proposed rescission of the federal Designated Placements rule (45 CFR 1355.22; ACF Docket 2026-04515), which establishes protections for LGBTQ+ youth in foster care against harassment and mistreatment, and requested that Members voice objection to the rescission. Opposed other efforts to remove federal nondiscrimination protections for transgender individuals. Where appropriate in other legislation, advocated for nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people and families in government services and programs, schools, the child welfare system, and reproductive healthcare.

Joined coalition partners in June meetings with Congressional offices to raise concerns regarding Medicaid coverage rollbacks for gender-affirming care for youth in foster care. Submitted joint and independently authored regulatory comments opposing removal of Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care.