GOP Congressman Jim Banks clashed with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on transgender ideology in a hearing Tuesday and told Fox News Digital that the Biden administration was trying to “wiggle out” of supporting “evil” policies.
Rep. Banks told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that Becerra wanted to kidnap her child if she opposed harmful and irreversible transition procedures on minors.
“It’s indefensible, which is why Secretary Becerra tried so hard to avoid answering for his evil policies.”
Banks asked why Becerra would support a law in his state that bans 18-20-year-olds from owning a hunting gun but allows younger children to undergo gender reassignments.
March 22, 2023: HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra appears before the Senate Finance Committee. (Getty Images/Kevin Dietsch)
Banks asked Becerra why he thought 18-20-year-olds shouldn’t own weapons.
“Gun violence is a healthcare crisis in this country,” Becerra said. “I’m proud that my state has tried to keep individuals, especially assault weapons, for purposes that never should have been deployed in a civilian society.”
Banks asked Becerra again “what was it about that age” of 18-20 that scared California enough to limit gun rights and if an 18-year-old should be able to purchase a hunting rifle.
Indiana Rep. Jim Banks addresses an Allen County GOP dinner in Fort Wayne. Jim Banks campaign
After Becerra gave a “interesting way to dodge the question,” Banks linked his support of youngsters undergoing gender transition operations to his apparent opposition to 18-20-year-olds possessing weapons.
“Why do you think that children much much younger than 18 years old, 9, 10, 11 year-olds, are mature enough to make a decision to have a sex reassignment surgery?” Banks questioned.
“Then you believed an 18-year-old shouldn’t be allowed to own a hunting rifle, today you believe a 9, 10, 11-year-old should be able to change their sex and have an irreversible surgery to do that, help us explain the logic.”
Becerra replied to the Indiana Republican, “Congressman I would appreciate it if you let me characterize what I believe and we could have a good conversation rather than you characterize what I believe. I believe gun violence must be addressed to safeguard our communities and neighborhoods.”
State Sen. Andy Zay will run for Republican Rep. Jim Banks’ House seat once Banks retires to run for the Senate. Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call
Banks said, “I don’t think you want to explain it because you realize how crazy it is and that’s why you’re dodging the question.”
Banks advised “cutting off” funds from states that “stigmatize transgender children.”
Mr. Secretary, does this imply HHS is truly threatening to withdraw hospital payments from states like mine if they deny operations or puberty blockers for kids? Banks asked.
On May 26, 2023, President Joe Biden addresses the LSU Tigers Championship Celebration at the White House. (Getty Images/Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency)
Becerra said, “We’re going to protect the rights of any American to get the healthcare they’re entitled to and if someone tries to stop them from that that’s a violation of the law,” when Banks pressed him again.
“So that’s a yes,” Banks responded, before asking Becerra whether he supports pulling school meal funds from states like Arizona that “refuse to comply with your definition of gender identity?”
Becerra declined to answer directly, saying his personal definition is not being adopted but rather Americans’ legal rights.
“It’s pretty clear what you believe the report says so and Madam Chair I hope today that the history books look back and realize just how crazy this administration’s politics are,” Banks added. “Mr. Secretary, your photo with the president will be in those history books as those policies will not be remembered fondly.”
