1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I’m writing as a constituent deeply troubled by Rep. Vindman’s recent vote in favor of H.R. 2616, the so-called “PROTECT Kids Act.” This vote stands in direct contradiction to his repeated public commitments to defend transgender Americans, including trans children, and it demands accountability. The bill requires schools to out transgender and gender-nonconforming students to their parents, stripping away protections for kids who may not be safe at home. For many trans youth, school is the one place they can exist as themselves. Forced disclosure policies are linked to increased risk of family rejection, homelessness, and suicide. Major medical and child welfare organizations have been clear about the harm these policies cause. This is not a parental rights bill in any meaningful sense. It is a bill that puts vulnerable children in danger. During his campaign and throughout his time in office, Rep. Vindman has presented himself as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. He has spoken about protecting vulnerable kids and pushing back against the wave of anti-trans legislation sweeping the country. Voting for H.R. 2616 is a direct betrayal of those commitments and of the constituents who trusted them. What makes this vote especially troubling is the gap between rhetoric and action. Trans constituents and their families paid attention to the promises. They donated, volunteered, and voted based on a stated commitment that has now been undermined when it actually counted. A representative who claims to fight for trans children cannot also vote for legislation that forcibly outs them. I am asking each of you to take this seriously. Senator Warner and Senator Kaine, I urge you to publicly oppose any Senate companion to this bill and to make clear that endangering trans youth is not consistent with representing Virginia. Representative Vindman, I am asking for a direct, public explanation of this vote, an honest reckoning with the harm it enables, and a concrete statement of how you intend to protect trans constituents going forward. Words matter, but votes matter more.