House Republicans are advancing a federal funding bill that LGBTQ+ advocates warn would use U.S. foreign aid policy to target transgender rights, diversity initiatives and organizations serving marginalized communities around the world.
The legislation, known as the National Security and Department of State Appropriations Act, helps determine how the federal government funds U.S. foreign policy, humanitarian aid, and international security programs each year. The House Appropriations Committee recently approved the FY2027 version of the bill, which includes five anti-LGBTQ+ policy riders, according to reporting by the Washington Blade.
Republicans say the provisions are intended to eliminate spending on what they describe as “radical” social policies. In a press release, the committee said the bill would prohibit funding for “Biden-era executive orders on climate, gender, DEI, and other extraneous and radical programs that undermine American foreign policy.”
The five riders go far beyond symbolic language, critics say.
One provision would ban Pride flags from being flown over federal buildings. Another would limit the State Department’s ability to appoint special envoys or coordinators focused on issues like LGBTQ+ and intersex rights, positions advocates say provide critical expertise and diplomatic leadership on human rights issues abroad.
Additional language would require foreign assistance programs funded by the U.S. to comply with several anti-equality executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, including policies rolling back nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.
Another rider would prohibit funding for organizations that provide gender-affirming healthcare for transgender people or that “promote transgenderism,” language advocates say could effectively cut off funding to organizations simply for acknowledging transgender people exist.
The bill also includes provisions reinforcing the administration’s proposed expansion of the Global Gag Rule. Advocates say the expanded policy would penalize organizations that support abortion access, transgender rights, or diversity initiatives — even when those activities are funded without U.S. tax dollars.
The riders are separate from the Global Gag Rule, but advocates say both policies reflect a broader effort to restrict foreign aid to organizations that support abortion access, transgender rights, or diversity initiatives.
Critics say the language could have far-reaching consequences for international organizations that provide healthcare, HIV prevention services, anti-violence programs, and LGBTQ+ human rights advocacy.
“Using taxpayer money to export the Trump administration’s anti-trans, anti-science, and anti-abortion ideological agenda isn’t just immoral — it’s antithetical to efficient, effective and rights-based foreign assistance,” said Beirne Roose-Snyder, senior policy fellow for the Council for Global Equality.
Democratic lawmakers pushing back against the proposal say the restrictions would disproportionately harm vulnerable communities worldwide, including LGBTQ+ people.
The appropriations bill still faces votes in the full House and Senate, where Democrats are expected to challenge many of the riders. Still, advocates warn the proposal signals that attacks on transgender rights and DEI initiatives are increasingly shaping not only domestic politics, but American foreign policy as well.
UPDATE: As of this report, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act has been passed by Congress and sent to the President to be signed into law. Concurrently, the House of Representatives has already initiated the markup and approval process for the FY2027 version of this bill, aimed at “America First” priorities with a $47.32 billion allocation.