A decisive move was taken on Wednesday by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R‑Louisiana), who announced a new policy that prohibits transgender women from using women’s restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities within the Capitol building.

Johnson affirmed in a public statement that the restriction would be implemented throughout the whole Capitol, including the changing rooms, locker rooms, and office buildings of the House of Representatives. It was previously reported by The Hill that Johnson had unveiled the policy in a public statement; however, a draft of his remarks was initially reported. It is not certain when his thoughts will be formally published; the timeframe is still unknown.

In accordance with the rules of the House, the Speaker possesses “general control” over the facilities within the chamber, which gives him the right to execute the new policy regarding sanitation. “All single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings — such as restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms — are reserved for individuals of that biological sex,” Johnson stated.