U.S. House Unanimously Passes Sarah McBride’s First Bill, Marking Historic Queer Milestone

In a unanimous vote on July 21, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act (H.R. XXXX), authored by Congresswoman Sarah McBride of Delaware. This historic moment marks not only McBride’s first successful piece of federal legislation but also a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in American politics, as McBride is the first openly transgender person to serve in Congress .

The newly passed legislation directs the relevant federal agency to establish a new qualification pathway for investors, administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The goal is to make it easier for individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in investment opportunities, breaking down barriers that have historically excluded marginalized communities from accessing capital and building wealth .

According to McBride’s office, the act is designed to “create a fairer and more inclusive economy by providing alternative ways for aspiring investors to qualify, thus giving more Americans the tools to invest in their futures” .

The passage of the bill was remarkable for its unanimous support, with not a single representative voting against it—a rare moment of bipartisan consensus in a sharply divided Congress . Observers note that while some lawmakers have engaged in political stunts targeting McBride’s identity, the broad backing of her legislation demonstrates a willingness among members of both parties to unite around issues of economic opportunity and fairness.

McBride, in a statement following the vote, emphasized the importance of focusing on policy that uplifts all Americans: “This bill is about making sure that every person, regardless of their background, has a fair shot at economic security and success. I am grateful for my colleagues’ support and for the message this sends to LGBTQ+ Americans everywhere” .

McBride’s legislative victory is being hailed by LGBTQ+ advocates as a powerful symbol of progress and possibility. Her leadership comes at a time when transgender rights and visibility are frequently the subject of public debate and legislative scrutiny. The unanimous passage of her first bill is viewed as a testament to the growing impact of LGBTQ+ voices in shaping national policy .

Organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Transgender Equality applauded the House’s action, noting that McBride’s success serves as an inspiration to transgender people and all members of the LGBTQ+ community who aspire to public service and civic engagement.

Advocates also point out that the bill’s focus on economic inclusion aligns with ongoing efforts to address the financial disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people and people of color, who have historically encountered systemic barriers to wealth-building and investment opportunities .

With the House’s approval, the Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act now moves to the Senate for consideration. Supporters are optimistic that the bill’s broad appeal and focus on expanding economic opportunity will help it advance swiftly through the legislative process.

If enacted, the legislation could set a national precedent for how government policy can foster greater equity in the financial sector, while also highlighting the substantive contributions of LGBTQ+ lawmakers. As McBride’s bill continues its journey, many in the community are watching closely, hopeful that this moment will spark further progress toward equality and representation at all levels of government .