A group of Republican lawmakers is demanding that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide evidence to justify the administration’s support of what they describe as “dangerous” transgender medical procedures for minors.

“We are increasingly alarmed that HHS’ advocacy has led health professionals to prescribe dangerous and experimental drugs and surgeries to troubled children,” stated a March 29 letter to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra signed by Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho) and 13 of his GOP colleagues.

The letter raising concerns over HSS’ support of the “life-altering” procedures–and use of tax dollars for them–contrasts sharply with President Joe Biden’s support for “gender-affirming care.”

Shortly after his 2021 inauguration, Biden nominated as Assistant Secretary for Health the openly transgender Admiral Rachel Levine.

Without mentioning Levine, Risch and his colleagues in both houses of Congress said they want assurance that the procedures are evidence-based and “not ideologically motivated.”

The lawmakers are asking HHS to answer seven questions within a month as they seek to ensure that the agency upholds “the moral responsibility it owes to parents and kids.”

Their questions probe the HHS’ justification for interventions that can cause “permanent damage,” such as infertility, blood disorders, and bone deterioration.

Citing such harms, many Republican or “red” states across the country have passed or proposed bills that would curtail or ban the procedures for minors. “Blue,” or Democrat-dominant states, have either largely ignored the issue or have taken steps to guarantee “access” to the procedures.

In January, California, a state known for far-left politics, became the nation’s first “sanctuary” state for transgender youth seeking gender-affirming medical care.

Supporters of these interventions call them “life-saving,” asserting that gender-distressed youths may be suicidal over their perceived gender mismatch with their bodies. But opponents say no reliable studies prove a long-term improvement in mental health. They cite a 30-year Swedish study showing that transsexual adults had higher rates of depression and death from all causes, including suicide.

On March 30, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre responded to a reporter’s question about Kentucky becoming the latest state to outlaw gender-altering hormones and surgeries for minors.

Jean-Pierre noted the irony that this latest example of a “hateful” bill passed just before the Day of Transgender Visibility, “a day that we should be lifting up our trans kids, our trans youth, and making sure that they feel seen.”

These measures “attack” transgender youth and their parents, Jean-Pierre said. “It is shameful. And it is unacceptable.”

In Biden’s proclamation, he declared: “Transgender Americans shape our Nation’s soul—proudly serving in the military, curing deadly diseases, holding elected office… and much more.” He decried “a wave of discriminatory State laws,” saying the measures are “targeting transgender youth, terrifying families,and hurting kids who are not hurting anyone.”

Biden also stated that there is an increasing number of attacks against transgender people–a remark that came just two days after a transgender intruder opened fire and fatally shot three children and three adults at a Nashville Christian school before police killed the shooter.

Scott Newgent, a transgender person who is female but appears male, fought for passage of the Kentucky bill and many others like it. Newgent, whose health suffered tremendously after undergoing sex-reassignment procedures in adulthood, seeks to protect children from being taken down the same perilous path.

Gays, lesbians, and transgender people have aligned with conservative Christians and others to protect children, said Newgent, who is opposed by increasingly militant transgender-rights activists.

Many Democrats privately oppose “trans-ing kids,” but they won’t admit it publicly, Newgent told The Epoch Times.

“Unfortunately, they won’t say anything because they are so worried about their career, just like the social media stars are,” Newgent said.

“Anyone who comes at this with an open mind” cannot support the medical transitioning of children after learning facts and dismissing “unicorn farts and glitter bombs.” That’s Newgent’s colorful shorthand for a strongly promoted fantasy: People are told that transitioning will solve all their problems.

After a temporary period of post-transition euphoria wears off, most people discover their old issues remain–and they’re saddled with new ones, Newgent said.

Newgent called upon Democrats to take a stand that protects children from more agony and soaring medical costs.

“If you are a Democrat and don’t come out against this because it is career suicide, you need to leave the political realm today,” Newgent said.

“You need to understand that you have influence over people, and you need to do the right thing. Regardless of whether it’s harder–especially about children.”

Emel Akan contributed to this story.