Parental Rights Over the Education and Care of Their Kids Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from Glisten opposing this bill. [From Glisten, Apr. 29, 2026]

New York--Today, Glisten issued the following statement urging Congress to vote NO on H.R. 2616 (aka PROTECT Kids Act). This dangerous bill requires public elementary and middle schools that receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to obtain parental consent before changing a minor's gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form. It requires parental consent for students to access appropriate in-school spaces, such as locker rooms or bathrooms. It would also prohibit school staff from discussing ``gender ideology,'' which is an attempt to further marginalize transgender and non-binary students.

Glisten's CEO Melanie Willingham-Jaggers (they/she) issued the following statement:

This bill would pose a great risk to student safety and undermine safe learning environments. This legislation is yet another example of federal overreach at the expense of our Nation's students.

This act does nothing to actually protect a child's freedoms, but instead, drastically limits the freedoms that young people need to learn, explore, and grow as humans. This act will stomp out students' ability to live authentically, creating an environment where students who are different are vilified and unwelcome. Our education system is meant to create a world where youth can flourish as themselves and where safety is paramount.

Many students find their safe space at school amongst supporting adults and peers. Educators shouldn't be forced to `out' their students, especially if a child's home situation compromises their safety.

Glisten urges Congress to vote NO on this dangerous bill. Glisten will always support LGBTQ+ students and prioritize their education and safety, and we urge you to do the same.''

For press inquiries, please reach out to:

Mark Umbach, Lucky Break PR.

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Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose this so-called Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act.

This bill does not protect kids. In fact, it just bullies them.

From affordability to educational achievement, Congressional Republicans won't tackle the country's real issues. Instead, they are going back to their one very weird trick that we see over and over again: bills that obsess over the genitals of children.

We have dealt with cruel policies like this in Florida for years, and it hasn't stopped Florida from now ranking dead last in reading.

This bill threatens children by forcing teachers and staff to out kids to their parents even if it puts them in danger. You call this the PROTECT Kids Act. You say this is about protecting kids. Do you want to know the biggest danger to our kids and our children? It is not trans people. It is not queer people. It is not drag queens. It is not books. It is bullets. The leading cause of death for a child in this country is to be shot.

That silence that you hear, that silence means they have got nothing. This bill does nothing to protect kids. It just bullies them.

Trans people have always existed. They always will exist, no matter what bills you pass. I hope this body, if you actually care about kids and care about their schooling, will fund public education. Why don't you make sure that the leading cause of death for a child isn't to be shot in their schools, shot on their block. Stop with bullying children and our most vulnerable people.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose this bill.

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