from the Family Research Council
Yesterday, we praised representatives from both parties who signed a letter to the Democratic leadership sponsored by Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) urging them to protect the pro-life provisions in each appropriations bill–or, at the very least, grant members the chance to vote on amendments to restore them. Although the letter had an impressive number of signatories (181) from both parties, the Democratic leadership pushed forward with a bloated omnibus bill worth $410 billion. The legislation included $50 million for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) even though UNFPA violates the Kemp-Kasten provision by supporting China’s forced abortion and sterilization programs.
House leaders blocked amendments in the Rules Committee. While the GOP leadership signed the letter asking for votes on the pro-life riders, it chose not to exercise the one option it has as the minority party–the “motion to recommit” to amend this UNFPA provision. If Republican leaders weren’t willing to use their right to offer this amendment and force a vote on this pro-life provision, it’s unclear whether they will fight for other pro-life measures on appropriations bills that are scheduled to move through Congress this spring.
Obviously, the massive budget-busting spending bill contained many troubling provisions, but allowing liberals to gut a pro-life rider, one which was designed to prevent our complicity in China’s egregious one-child policy, is something Americans do not accept. Congressional leaders should not either.
To see the list of members who voted pro-life, visit the FRC Action blog.
