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Newhouse Introduces Amendment to Save Innocent Lives, Stop Federal Funding of Abortions

July 15, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after introducing an amendment to reinstate the longstanding, bipartisan Hyde Amendment, dropped by Committee Democrats, during the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education FY22 full committee markup.

"The Hyde Amendment is a critical provision of law that has long protected American taxpayers from being coerced into funding abortions," said Rep. Newhouse. "It is unconscionable that Committee Democrats have tried to remove this longstanding amendment and reject the will of the American people."

Click here to read the text of the amendment.

Background:

  • The Hyde Amendment, first enacted by Congress on September 30, 1976, must be renewed every year. This amendment prevents federal taxpayer dollars from paying for abortions, particularly through Medicaid.
  • This amendment has been passed by Congress every year since 1976 and signed into law by presidents of both parties.
  • Over two million lives have been saved by the Hyde Amendment, according to the Charlotte Lozier Institute.
  • Repealing the Hyde Amendment could increase abortion rates by 25%.
  • A recent Marist poll found that almost two in three Americans oppose taxpayer funding of abortions.

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Issues:Health Care