A Christmas Reminder: Protecting What Matters Most

For just a moment, the noise fades. We gather around the table, watch children tear into wrapping paper, laugh with family, and give thanks for the blessings God has placed in our lives. It’s a season of hope, joy, and reflection—a reminder of what truly matters.

And at the very center of that reminder are our children. But even on Christmas, the work of protecting them does not pause. That’s why I wanted to make sure you were aware of an important action taken just last week by the Trump Administration.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced it is moving to bar hospitals that perform so-called “sex-reassignment” procedures on minors from receiving federal funding. Because so many hospitals rely on federal dollars, this is a significant step toward protecting children from irreversible harm.

Fortunately, we now have an administration under President Donald Trump that is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Texas and other states that refuse to cave to the radical left.

During the Biden Administration, when protecting children was not only unpopular but often outright attacked, Texas took decisive action. While the Biden White House embraced the woke agenda—going so far as to declare a “Transgender Day of Visibility” on Easter Sunday—Texas fully banned gender transition treatments and surgeries for minors.

In my first legislative session, I was proud to co-sponsor SB 14, landmark legislation that completely prohibits puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and any procedures intended to transition a child’s gender. Yes, we took heat from liberal activist groups. Yes, there were protests and riots at the Capitol. But no—I will never apologize for protecting kids from irreversible harm.

We’ve all heard the heartbreaking stories—young people rushed into life-altering decisions, only to grow up and realize the magnitude of the mistake, with no way to undo the damage done to their bodies.

Here’s the simple question I’ve asked from the very beginning: if a child cannot legally get a tattoo until they turn 18, why in the world would we allow them to permanently alter their bodies through medical procedures that cause lifelong consequences?

And this year, Texas doubled down on our commitment. In the Legislature, we passed SB 12, strengthening protections for minors and ensuring that DEI and transgender ideology have no place in our public school classrooms. Once again, Texas chose courage over convenience.

This Christmas, I am deeply grateful for faith, family, and a state that refuses to abandon its responsibility to the next generation. I’m thankful that Texas continues to lead—and that our example is now being echoed across the nation.

From my family to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. I look forward to updating you next week as we wrap up the year and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges of 2026.