Life Implications of LHHS Appropriations Markup

This afternoon, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, Education (LHHS) marked up the FY2020 Labor, Health & Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

All longstanding pro-life provisions within the bill were retained, including the Hyde Amendment, which protects taxpayer dollars from paying for abortion (see below).

During the mark-up, LHHS Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) said that the Hyde Amendment was included in the subcommittee bill because President Donald Trump has committed to veto any bill that weakens pro-life policy. LHHS Ranking Member Tom Cole (R-OK) expressed support for the pro-life provisions in the bill and called for concerns like the Title X language (described below) to be addressed in a bipartisan manner.

Pro-Life Committee Activity

Two House Committee hearings held today related to pro-life issues.

1. The Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment (H.J.Res. 35).

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which was defeated in the states in the 1970s and 1980s, is being pushed in the states again.  If ratified, it would create a permanent, nationwide “right” to abortion.  Since only women can become pregnant, most abortion laws and restrictions ultimately pertain only to them. The ERA would require taxpayer-funded abortion on demand, permanently allow abortion until birth for any reason throughout the nation, and place at risk federal and state conscience laws.