Rep. Roy's Statement on H.R. 3492, the Protect Children’s Innocence Act

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) issued the following statement Wednesday afternoon on H.R. 3492, the Protect Children's Innocence Act:

"Today, in consideration of H.R. 3492, the Protect Children's Innocence Act, which would criminalize those providing so-called "gender-affirming care" to children, I had planned to offer an amendment to partially address my concerns about its prospects of passage in the Senate and potential constitutional challenges the act will face.

I will not offer the amendment, however, to avoid any confusion about how united Republicans are in protecting children from these grotesque procedures.

As I have long made clear, the trans agenda is abhorrent and should be criminalized. To succeed and to be effective, we must ensure the language we are adopting avoids potential pitfalls, from the expansive uses of the Commerce Clause to definitions and provisions that might invite constitutional challenge. It was my belief-and remains my belief-that my amendment was a path to increase the likelihood of passage in the Senate and success in the courts.

House leadership has known for a long time there were concerns about the legislation among members, many faith-based groups, and knowledgeable lawyers, and should have addressed those concerns before bringing the measure to a vote. Doing so would have avoided any confusion about our unity on this matter."