Press Releases

WATCH: Rep. Balint Calls out GOP Committee for Anti-LGBTQ Comments Amid Continued Attacks on Queer Youth 

“My Republican colleagues seem to delight in attacking the LGBTQ people and their families and blaming us for all things, including now, it turns out, the deficit.”

“It is morally bankrupt and deeply un-American to continue to attack these kids. It's time to do our job and pass a budget that supports and protects all of our kids, all of our constituents.”

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT) calls out GOP Budget Committee witness for blaming federal programs that support LGBTQ people and kids for the deficit spending. Rep. Balint called their remarks “morally bankrupt and deeply un-American.” Rep. Balint is a member of the Budget Committee and Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus. 

Read transcript from today’s hearing below:

“I just want to mention something that is deeply troubling to me. A Republican witness earlier noted a few federal programs that support LGBTQ people including kids. And as a member of that community, it's really disappointing to me that my Republican colleagues seem to delight in attacking the LGBTQ people and their families and blaming us for all things, including now, it turns out, the deficit. 

“So, I just want to put this in perspective. Yesterday I met for an hour with parents of trans kids from across this nation, and they came from all over. All over from conservative districts and states. Just regular families, parents came to share their experiences of what it's like in this moment. And you know what I heard over and over again? Why are members of our own government scapegoating us and our children? Why have we become the favorite enemy when we just want the same things that all American families we want? We want to live safe, fulfilling lives and we want to support and love and protect our children. 

“It is morally bankrupt and deeply un-American to continue to attack these kids. It's time to do our job and pass a budget that supports and protects all of our kids, all of our constituents.”

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About Rep. Balint: Rep. Becca Balint is a mom, teacher, and progressive leader who comes to Washington ready to fight for working families. Becca is the first woman and openly LGBTQ person to represent her home state of Vermont. As the daughter of working-class, immigrant parents, Becca is deeply committed to defending American democracy and protecting vulnerable communities. 

A deep sense of justice, empathy and service has guided Becca’s career from the beginning - first as an educator who taught middle school in Windham County for fourteen years, then as an activist and State Senator and ultimately as the President Pro Tempore in 2021.