The Chloe Cole Act of 2026 (H.R. 7651) allows individuals who underwent certain gender-related medical treatments as minors, or their parents, to sue the healthcare providers involved. The bill targets interventions such as puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgeries intended to alter a child's physical sex characteristics. It defines 'covered interventions' to include these treatments and establishes a private right of action, enabling affected individuals to seek damages. The bill also specifies exceptions for verified disorders of sexual development and treatments for major organ injuries or life-threatening conditions. Additionally, it defines 'detransition treatment' as medical care aimed at reversing or stopping the effects of prior interventions.
Supporters of the Chloe Cole Act argue that it is essential for protecting children from making irreversible medical decisions at a young age. They believe the bill holds healthcare providers accountable for performing gender-related treatments on minors and provides a legal avenue for individuals who regret such interventions to seek compensation. Proponents emphasize the importance of safeguarding children's health and well-being by preventing potentially harmful medical practices.
Critics of the Chloe Cole Act contend that it could deter healthcare providers from offering gender-affirming care to transgender youth, potentially exacerbating mental health issues among this vulnerable population. Major medical organizations support carefully managed gender-affirming treatments for some transgender adolescents and oppose legislation that penalizes doctors and families for pursuing such care. Opponents argue that the bill's provisions may lead to a reduction in available treatment options, negatively impacting the mental health and well-being of transgender minors.
The Chloe Cole Act of 2026, sponsored by Robert Onder, presents significant potential conflicts of interest due to the substantial financial contributions from the health professionals sector. With a staggering $240 million in donations from health professionals, which directly overlaps with the bill's subject matter, there is a clear financial incentive for the sponsor to favor policies that benefit this industry. This raises concerns about whether the bill is being shaped by the interests of these donors rather than the needs of constituents. Additionally, the presence of lobbying activities from various health-related organizations further complicates the integrity of the legislative process surrounding this bill. The total overlap amount of $240 million indicates a strong financial connection that could influence the bill's outcomes in favor of the health professionals' interests.
These industries are both affected by this bill and among the sponsor's top donors.
| Industry | Match Type | Related Subject | Donations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professionals (H01) | Sector | Health | $240,000,000 |
| Total from overlapping industries | $240,000,000 | ||
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CREDIT UNION NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC. DBA AMERICA'S CREDIT UNIONS | CREDIT UNION NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. INC. DBA AMERICA'S CREDIT UNIONS | $1,290,000 |
| AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS | AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS | $270,000 |
| CHILDREN'S HEALTH DEFENSE | AXADVOCACY GOVERNMENT RELATIONS | $150,000 |
| UNITED MINE WORKERS OF AMERICA | UNITED MINE WORKERS OF AMERICA | $80,000 |
| AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER D/B/A TRANSOURCE PENNSYLVANIA LLC | BUCHANAN INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC | $50,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO | VAN SCOYOC ASSOCIATES | $40,000 |
| AMERESCO | STRATEGIC MARKETING INNOVATIONS | $30,000 |
| GREETING CARD ASSOCIATION | MORRISSEY STRATEGIC PARTNERS, LLC | $30,000 |
| HALLMARK CARDS, INC. | MORRISSEY STRATEGIC PARTNERS, LLC | $20,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO | VAN SCOYOC ASSOCIATES | $20,000 |
| FACT COALITION (A PROJECT OF THE FUND FOR CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT) | FACT COALITION (A PROJECT OF THE FUND FOR CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT) | $20,000 |
| VENUS AEROSPACE CORP. | VENUS AEROSPACE CORP. | $10,000 |
| NATURESWEET | CONFIDENT STRATEGY GROUP LLC | $10,000 |
| THE BRIGHTUP GROUP, LLC OBO INTERNATIONAL HOUSEWARES ASSOCIATION | MORRISSEY STRATEGIC PARTNERS, LLC | undisclosed |
| BRAINCHIP INC. | BUCHANAN INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Robert Onder, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
