House Republicans Advance Bill with Provisions on Abortion, Sex-Change Drugs, and Religious Freedom

House Republicans on the Appropriations Committee have advanced legislation that seeks to prevent Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities from performing most abortions, block funds for sex-change drugs, and establish religious freedom protections. These provisions were added through amendments proposed by Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, and approved on a party-line vote of 34-27.

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
6/16/2023 (1 year ago)

Published in Politics & Policy

Keywords: VA, Veterans Affairs, defense, Republicans, House, Congress, bill, abortion

The amendments aim to address new policies implemented by the VA, including the Interim Final Rule permitting abortion in certain cases, as well as the provision of hormone therapy and prosthetics to facilitate sex changes. Rep. Carter argued that such significant changes should be determined by Congress rather than the executive branch or interim regulations.

In line with the Hyde Amendment, the amendments introduce language that mirrors existing laws prohibiting federal funding for abortions, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, and the life of the mother. Lawmakers assert that this provision intends to prevent most abortions within VA facilities and enforce the existing legal framework.

Furthermore, Rep. Carter's proposals seek to prohibit the use of Department of Defense (DOD) funds for hormone therapy and sex-change surgeries in VA facilities. While the VA does not currently provide funding for transgender surgeries, this bill would halt hormone therapy as well.

The legislation also includes an amendment explicitly prohibiting religious discrimination concerning grant awards and contracting decisions. Lawmakers argue that this provision aims to ensure fair treatment under the law for individuals who hold religious views supporting traditional marriage.

Another amendment imposes restrictions on the flags that can be flown over Veterans Affairs buildings. The approved flags include the United States flag, state, territory, or Indian tribal government flags, department flags, armed forces flags, and POW/MIA flags. While the amendment does not explicitly ban LGBTQ+ pride flags, VA facilities would be prohibited from flying such flags. Lawmakers supporting the amendment contend that political messaging through flags was the impetus for its inclusion.

The amendments were approved en bloc, meaning lawmakers voted for them collectively rather than individually. Several Democrats voiced criticism of many of the provisions. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wisconsin, who is in a same-sex marriage, argued that Congress should express gratitude to gay veterans rather than engaging in divisive culture wars.

The legislation is currently in the House committee process. If passed in the Republican-led House, it would still require approval from the Senate, which has a Democratic majority.