NE Washington News

Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee have raised concerns over a report suggesting that findings from a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded research project are being withheld due to political reasons. The issue revolves around research related to hormonal gender treatments for minors.

Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) stated, "This is a clear example of the politicization of science at the expense of children. Research funded by taxpayer dollars through the NIH should be publicly disclosed regardless of the results, and Americans deserve access to the truth." She further announced that the committee would initiate an investigation into this matter.

Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Chair of the Subcommittee on Health, emphasized the need for transparency in public health research. "These recent revelations are a great example of why Congress and the American people are demanding more transparency and accountability from the U.S. public health community," he said. Guthrie also called for immediate action from NIH, urging them to suspend funding for this study and release its findings.

Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, criticized any delay in publishing clinical trial studies. He remarked, "Delaying the publication of clinical trial studies, funded in part by the federal government, for fear that its findings would be ‘weaponized’ by those who are opposed to invasive transgender procedures in juveniles is irresponsible and inappropriate."

Representative Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) expressed strong disapproval over withholding taxpayer-funded research. She stated, "Puberty blockers and sex-change operations harm children, period. It’s outrageous for taxpayer-funded research to be hidden from the public."

The controversy stems from a New York Times report indicating that an NIH-funded researcher is not releasing study results because they do not show clinical benefits for hormonal treatments in minors.

The United States remains distinct among developed nations in offering hormonal therapies that delay puberty for gender transitioning purposes while others are reconsidering such practices.