Congressman Abe Hamadeh is leading a group of House Republicans in proposing spending bills that would prohibit federal funding for animal research involving gender transition studies for fiscal year 2026.
According to a statement from Rep. Nancy Mace in early February, the federal government spent over $10 million in taxpayer money last year on this specific type of research.
The studies involved mice, rats, and monkeys at universities across the country and included surgeries and hormone treatments. Abe Hamadeh argues that taxpayers should not fund these experiments.
"No one should be forced to subsidize" this research, he argued, characterizing the experiments as "political theater disguised as science" rather than legitimate medical research.
Federal Funding
Hamadeh contends that the federal government has directed significant funding toward gender-related policies across education, healthcare, and research in recent years. He views animal studies as part of this broader funding pattern as well.
Hamadeh questioned the scientific value of the research, questioning, "what possible scientific benefit can come from mutilating a rabbit or drugging a monkey with cross-sex hormones?" He believes that these experiments should fall under existing animal cruelty protections.
Ethical or Animal Cruelty?
Rep. Nancy Mace noted that the federal government spends over $20 billion annually on animal experiments overall and cited examples of taxpayer-funded studies, including research on rats and testosterone therapy.
However, those supporting this research generally argue that animal testing is a necessary part of scientific advancement and that federal oversight ensures ethical standards are maintained.
Hamadeh said the issue oversteps partisan lines, stating that "no matter your political affiliation," people should oppose government funding for what he characterizes as animal cruelty.
The proposal would require explicit language in future spending bills to block funding for transgender animal research.
Supporters of the ban argue it represents responsible use of taxpayer money, while defenders of federally funded research maintain it serves important scientific purposes and operates under strict regulatory guidelines.
