September 1, 2020

Nancy Pelosi Says Federal Taxes will Fund Abortion if Democrats Win the House

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
photo credit: Gage Skidmore / Flickr
According to the Los Angeles Times, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has signaled to House Democrats that funding bills will no longer include the Hyde Amendment next year if Democrats maintain a majority in the House of Representatives. The amendment prohibits federal taxpayer funds from going towards elective abortion.

The Hyde Amendment represents 44 years of bipartisan precedent on federal spending. After being passed in 1976 and named after Illinois Congressman Henry Hyde, the Charlotte Lozier Institute estimates that the policy results in 60,000 fewer abortions each year.

Democratic presidential candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have similarly voiced their support of ending the precedent of the Hyde Amendment, while President Trump has been vocal in his support.

According to CNA, several House Democrats, including Illinois congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, have attempted to undo Hyde's legacy by repealing or undercutting the policy within the past two years.

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