WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — House Republicans say they are upholding their promise to keep transgender student-athletes out of women and girls’ sports.

“We know from scripture and from nature that men are men and women are women, and men cannot become women,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).

House Speaker Johnson is a champion of The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. 

“Around the world, it’s estimated that more than 700 female athletes have been displaced by males in their women’s sporting events,” Johnson said. 

The bill would rewrite Title IX rules to effectively ban transgender athletes from competing on teams matching their gender identity at any school receiving federal funding.

At the center of the legislation is former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines. 

She has advocated against the inclusion of transgender women in the women’s division sports.

“We believe that women’s sports are for women. I cannot believe we have to say this, but unfortunately, we do,” Gaines said.

All but two Democrats voted no on the bill. They called it an example of government overreach. 

“This is an interrogation of young girls about their bodies,” said Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.).

Rep. Balint and Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.) say the bill doesn’t protect women. 

“It unjustly targets transgender women and girls under the guise of fairness,” said Adams.

The bill now heads to the Senate, and it already has the support of President-elect Donald Trump.