HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and Rep. Mary Miller engaged in a heated exchange during a House hearing after Miller accused Becerra of withholding federal funds from hospitals that refuse to perform transgender surgeries due to religious reasons. Catholic and conservative organizations have expressed outrage over Becerra’s stance, alleging that it discriminates against faith-based healthcare providers and violates religious freedom. The HHS rule prohibits health programs receiving federal dollars from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity, including LGBTQ+ patients.