Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) are seeking to block funding for President Trump's executive orders that affect the transgender community via a new bill. The "No Place for LGBTQ+ Hate Act," which both Merkley and Balint introduced in theirrespective chamberson Wednesday, aims "to repeal certain executive orders targeting LGBTQI+ individuals," according to the text of the Senate version. The bill also calls for federal funds to not "be used to implement, administer, enforce, or carry out" specific executive orders from Trump including one he signed shortly afterreturning to thepresidency to recognizemale and female asthe only two sexes andanother orderwith anaim to stop transgenderpeople from serving openly in the military. "Freedom is the right to safely live as your authentic self without fear of harassment, discrimination, or violence," Merkley said in a Thursday press release. "President Trump and Republicans are attacking our LGBTQ+ neighbors, friends, and family members by rubberstamping discrimination in every aspect of daily life." Balint, who is the firstopenly gay personto be elected to Congress from Vermont, said in the press release that the president "cannot take away our rights or our health care just with the stroke of a pen." "I'm standing with Senator Merkley and my colleagues to show the Trump administration that their hate and dehumanizing rhetoric targeting queer Americans doesn't intimidate us. We won't back down when it comes to protecting our rights," she added. The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.