House Republicans on Tuesday passed a bill to bar transgender student-athletes from competing in girls’ sports from kindergarten through twelfth grade, putting the contentious issue front and center following an election cycle that saw it become a frequent target of Republicans.

The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act would amend Title IX — the federal civil rights law prohibiting sex discrimination in schools and education programs that receive government funding — to prohibit schools from allowing transgender female athletes to participate in athletic programs or activities “designated for women or girls.”

It defines sex as “based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.”

The bill, which, if signed into law, would be the first standalone bill to restrict the rights of transgender Americans, passed in a 218-206 vote, with two Democrats joining all Republicans in support. Three Republicans and six Democrats did not vote, while one Democrat voted "present."

Texas Reps. Vicente Gonzalez and Henry Cuellar were the two lone Democratic "yes" votes.

House Republicans brought the measure to the floor in the second full week of the 119th Congress, a sign that the conference sees the issue as a top priority over the next two years. Last week, GOP lawmakers cleared legislation addressing the border.

Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), the bill’s sponsor, said the legislation is meant to preserve Title IX’s original intent of guaranteeing equal opportunities for men and women.

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