House Republicans pass bill to ban trans women and girls from school sports

Two Democrats back measure that passes 218-206 but bill would need Democratic support in Senate to pass there

House Republicans pushed through sweeping legislation on Tuesday to block transgender women and girls from school sports, escalating a fierce culture-war battle that puts federal education dollars on the line.

The bill passed 218-206 in a vote that saw two Texas Democrats break ranks to support the Republican measure. It marks the first standalone federal legislation targeting transgender rights to clear either chamber of Congress.