Taxpayer Dollars Wasted on Transgender Surgeries for Federal Inmates in Fort Worth, Critics Argue

In a move sparking intense backlash, the Biden-Harris administration is launching a taxpayer-funded transgender surgery program for federal inmates at two Federal Medical Centers (FMC) in Fort Worth, Texas. According to reports from The Dallas Express, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) is pursuing a contract to provide “gender reassignment” surgeries to incarcerated individuals, raising concerns about the use of public funds for such procedures.

As the country grapples with inflation, rising costs of living, and increased economic hardship, critics are questioning why taxpayer dollars are being spent on what they deem non-essential medical procedures for convicted criminals. For many, this program represents a gross misuse of funds at a time when millions of Americans are struggling to pay rent, afford healthcare, and put food on the table.

Randilee Giamusso, a spokesperson for the FBOP, confirmed the contract is intended to offer gender-affirming surgeries at the Fort Worth facilities, citing the medical complexity of inmates requiring such treatments. “The Federal Bureau of Prisons is pursuing a contract for gender-affirming surgery in Texas, as the Dallas-Fort Worth area is home to both male and female Federal Medical Centers,” Giamusso told The Dallas Express. “This will allow us to provide specialized and comprehensive care at a facility already equipped to care for individuals with complex medical considerations.”

While the program’s stated goal is to provide “comprehensive care” for inmates with gender dysphoria, the decision to use taxpayer dollars to fund these surgeries has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. Many argue that taxpayers should not be responsible for elective medical procedures for prisoners, especially given the high cost of such surgeries, which can run into tens of thousands of dollars per patient.

For critics, the timing of this program could not be worse. The U.S. economy is still reeling from a post-pandemic slump, and millions of Americans are facing financial struggles exacerbated by inflation and stagnant wages. In this context, the idea that federal tax dollars are being funneled into gender reassignment surgeries for convicted criminals has struck many as a prime example of government waste and misplaced priorities.

“This is an outrage,” said Mark Davies, a local businessman in Fort Worth. “People in this country are going broke trying to afford healthcare for themselves and their families, and meanwhile, our government is using our hard-earned money to pay for sex change surgeries for prisoners. It’s a disgrace.”

Davies’ sentiments are echoed by many taxpayers who feel that federal resources should be focused on more pressing needs—such as improving public education, healthcare for law-abiding citizens, and infrastructure—rather than elective surgeries for inmates.

The controversy over taxpayer-funded transgender surgeries is part of a larger debate about the treatment of inmates in the U.S. prison system. The Biden administration has been under pressure from progressive groups to improve the conditions of transgender individuals in prison, with advocates arguing that gender-affirming surgeries are essential healthcare for individuals suffering from gender dysphoria.

But for many Americans, the idea of providing such surgeries to convicted criminals, especially at taxpayer expense, is a step too far. Critics argue that while all inmates are entitled to basic healthcare, gender reassignment surgeries are elective procedures that should not be covered by public funds.

“Prisons are supposed to be about punishment and rehabilitation, not cosmetic surgery,” said Samantha Walsh, a policy analyst with a conservative think tank. “If an inmate wants gender reassignment surgery, that’s their prerogative, but the American taxpayer shouldn’t be footing the bill. It’s a misuse of government resources.”

The exact cost of the program is unclear, but gender reassignment surgeries can be expensive, often ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 or more per surgery. These figures do not include the ongoing costs of hormone replacement therapy, psychological counseling, and post-surgery medical care, all of which are typically required for transgender individuals undergoing a transition.

Given the potential price tag, many critics argue that the program represents an irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars at a time when federal resources are already stretched thin. With inflation at a record high, and many Americans struggling to make ends meet, the decision to fund such surgeries for prisoners has been met with widespread frustration.

The backlash against the program is expected to intensify as details continue to emerge, particularly as the 2024 election season heats up. Republicans have already seized on the issue as an example of what they describe as the Biden administration’s “radical” agenda, pointing to the program as evidence of misplaced priorities in the federal government.

“This is what happens when you have an administration more focused on catering to special interest groups than addressing the real concerns of the American people,” said Republican Senator Ted Cruz in a statement. “While families across Texas and the country are struggling to pay for basic necessities, the Biden-Harris administration is wasting taxpayer dollars on gender reassignment surgeries for convicted felons. It’s outrageous and unacceptable.”

Democrats, meanwhile, have defended the program as a necessary step to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their incarceration status, have access to adequate healthcare. However, even some moderate Democrats have expressed concerns about the political optics of the program and its potential to alienate voters already frustrated by economic conditions.

As the program moves forward, the debate over taxpayer-funded transgender surgeries for federal inmates is likely to remain a contentious issue. With the Biden-Harris administration standing firm on its commitment to provide comprehensive healthcare for all prisoners, and critics warning of government overreach and wasted resources, the controversy is far from over.

For now, taxpayers in Fort Worth and beyond will continue to watch closely, wondering whether this program represents a step forward for prison healthcare or a costly misstep by a government out of touch with the needs of everyday Americans.