A heated Senate hearing saw a clash between Senator Ted Cruz and Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson over the inclusion of transgender women in women's sports. The debate centered on the fundamental question of whether biological differences between men and women exist and their implications for fair competition.

Former collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines, a prominent voice against transgender women competing in women's sports, testified at the hearing. Gaines emphasized the inherent physical advantages men possess, such as lung capacity and throat size, which impact performance in sports like swimming. She argued that these advantages, stemming from puberty, are insurmountable regardless of training or other efforts.

Senator Cruz repeatedly pressed Robinson to acknowledge the biological differences between men and women. Robinson, however, consistently deflected, referencing existing NCAA regulations and emphasizing the distinction between sex and gender. She highlighted her background as a progressive activist and community organizer, including work for Planned Parenthood and the Barack Obama presidential campaign.

Cruz challenged Robinson's stance by questioning the very existence of women's sports if no biological differences exist between men and women. He suggested that if there are no differences, there's no justification for separate categories, effectively proposing the elimination of women's sports altogether. Robinson responded by reiterating the NCAA's existing rules and the distinction between sex and gender, but did not directly address Cruz's core question.

To further his point, Cruz introduced a Duke Law article into the record that compared athletic performances of men and women, showcasing the clear physical advantage men possess. He argued that allowing biological males to compete in women's sports would ultimately eliminate opportunities for young girls.