A recently resurfaced questionnaire from Vice President Kamala Harris' 2019 presidential campaign has raised eyebrows, prompting a new GOP-led bill to block federal funding for gender reassignment surgeries for illegal immigrants. The questionnaire reveals Harris' support for policies that some Republicans argue are too far-left.
Vice President Kamala Harris' policy positions from her 2019 presidential campaign have come under fire, leading to a new House GOP-led bill that seeks to prohibit federal funding for gender reassignment surgeries for illegal immigrants. The bill, introduced by Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), is part of the House GOP's increased scrutiny of Harris' platform since she became the Democrats' presumptive 2024 presidential nominee.
Harris' Radical 2019 Agenda Draws Scrutiny, Sparks GOP Bill
In a recently resurfaced American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) questionnaire from 2019, Harris expressed support for using federal dollars to cover transgender surgeries for illegal immigrants and U.S. prisoners. This revelation has drawn criticism from Republicans, who argue that it contradicts Harris' claims of moderation during her campaign.
Former President Donald Trump was among the first to criticize Harris' stance, calling her a "radical left liberal" during their head-to-head debate on ABC News. Steube's bill, titled the "Stopping Transgender Operation Payments and Wacky Expenses for Illegal Residents and Detainees (STOP WEIRD) Act," seeks to prevent such surgeries from being funded by taxpayers.
Harris' Radical 2019 Agenda Draws Scrutiny, Sparks GOP Bill
Steube argued that taxpayer dollars should be used for more pressing issues, such as providing medical care for veterans who have served their country. He also expressed concern that Harris' policy would open the door to "a million things" that could be funded with taxpayer money.
The questionnaire, filled out by Harris and other 2020 presidential primary hopefuls, asked if she would use her executive authority to ensure transgender individuals in state care, including those in prison and immigration detention, have access to gender transition treatment. Harris responded in the affirmative, stating that she supported policies guaranteeing federal prisoners and detainees access to medically necessary care, including surgical care, for gender transition.
Harris' Radical 2019 Agenda Draws Scrutiny, Sparks GOP Bill
Harris' campaign adviser defended her position by stating that her views have evolved through her three years as part of the Biden-Harris Administration. However, the campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the bill.
The bill is backed by at least five other House Republicans, including Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), and Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.). These lawmakers argue that Harris' questionnaire responses demonstrate her true progressive beliefs, which they contend are out of touch with most Americans.
The STOP WEIRD Act's fate in the Democrat-controlled Senate is uncertain, but it reflects the growing tension between Republicans and Democrats over transgender rights. Republicans have increasingly used the issue to attack Harris and other Democrats, arguing that they are promoting a radical agenda that goes against traditional values and parental authority.
Democrats, on the other hand, have accused Republicans of fear-mongering and discrimination, arguing that transgender individuals deserve the same rights and access to healthcare as everyone else. The debate over Harris' 2019 questionnaire is likely to continue as the 2024 election approaches, with both parties seeking to use the issue to mobilize their base.
