The Build Back Better Act, H.R. 5376, has significant Hyde problems: it allows taxpayer dollars to fund elective abortion and subsidize plans that cover election abortion, and it creates funding streams that could be used for abortion facilities or abortion training.
Mr. Speaker, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said it was completely unacceptable that the Build Back Better Act expands taxpayer funding of abortion in many new and expanding programs.
The National Right to Life Committee has pointed out that even ObamaCare contained a provision that specifically permitted States to ban elective abortions in their exchanges. The BBB, starting in 2024, would explicitly override the laws of those States.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Biden once said that those of us who are opposed to abortion should not be compelled to pay for them. This bill coerces us to pay for abortion on demand.
Mr. Speaker, unborn babies need the President of the United States and Members of Congress to be their friends and advocates, not powerful adversaries subsidizing their violent destruction.
Mr. Smith of New Jersey had additional remarks prepared for delivery: