U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.), joined by 56 Republican cosponsors, reintroduced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, aiming to ensure fair competition in women’s sports by requiring compliance with Title IX’s recognition of a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.
“The radical left is not in step with the American people on the issue of protecting women’s sports,” Rep. Steube stated. “Americans have loudly spoken that they do not want men stealing sports records from women, entering their daughters’ locker rooms, replacing female athletes on teams, and taking their daughters’ scholarship opportunities. My legislation stands for truth, safety, and reality: men have no place in women’s sports.”
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The bill seeks to prohibit biological males from competing in women’s sports at institutions receiving federal funding. This initiative is part of the Republican Party’s broader push to safeguard women’s sports, an issue that gained momentum during the 118th Congress but failed to advance in the Senate under Democratic leadership.
The legislation has strong backing from GOP leaders, including Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), who underscored the importance of maintaining fairness in athletics.
“Title IX was created to give women and girls equal access to education and sports,” Walberg said. “Rep. Steube’s Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act ensures a level playing field by stopping attempts to include biological males in women’s sports.”
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President-elect Donald Trump has also pledged his support for the bill, aligning it with his administration’s commitment to defining gender based on biological sex. “Under the Trump administration, it will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders — male and female,” Trump said.
Rep. Steube has championed this cause for years. During the 118th Congress, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act passed the Republican-controlled House by a vote of 219-203, with no Democratic support. However, the Senate version, introduced by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), did not advance under Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
In the 117th Congress, Steube and former Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Banks (R-Ind.) garnered 187 signatures for a discharge petition aimed at forcing a vote on the legislation.
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The reintroduction of the bill comes as House Republicans incorporate it into the 119th Congress rules package, signaling its priority within the GOP agenda. Advocates hope for swift passage in the House and a more favorable environment in the Senate under the incoming Republican majority.
“Republicans have promised to protect women’s sports, and under President Trump’s leadership, we will fulfill this promise,” Steube said.
The bill’s supporters argue it upholds the original intent of Title IX, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for female athletes. Critics, however, contend that such legislation marginalizes transgender athletes and fails to consider the complexities of gender identity.
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