Democrats block SAVE America Act amendment to bar transgender athletes in women’s sports

The Hill
by Alexander Bolton
March 21, 2026
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3 min read

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Senate Democrats blocked Republican amendment to ban transgender athletes from women's and girls' sports, 49-41.

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Senate Democrats defeated a Republican amendment Saturday to the SAVE America Act that would have barred transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports, with the vote splitting 49-41 along party lines. The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Tommy Tuberville and other Republicans, represents a high-profile clash over transgender sports participation as the GOP prepares messaging for midterm elections. Democrats' rejection of the measure reflects the parties' starkly different approaches to the issue, with Republicans arguing restrictions are necessary to protect opportunities for biological female athletes, while Democrats have largely opposed such bans. The vote demonstrates how transgender athletes' participation in sports has become a flashpoint in partisan politics despite affecting a small number of competitors. The issue is expected to feature prominently in Republican campaign messaging heading into the midterms.

What's Being Done

Senate Republicans, led by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, introduced an amendment to bar transgender athletes from competing in women's sports.

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