Fresh off their vote to repeal health care reform, House Republicans have turned to wedge issue abortion as their next big priority, reports Politico. On Thursday morning, House Speaker John Boehner unveiled the No Tax-Payer Funding for Abortion Act (the name speaks for itself). The federal government doesn't fund abortions anyway (thanks to the long-standing Hyde Amendment), but Republicans feel it's important to make absolutely sure. "This common sense legislation reflects the will of the people and deserves the support of the House," Boehner said at a press conference. "It's one of highest legislative priorities." The bill has taken precedence over efforts to boost the economy or employment. Republicans are rolling out the No Tax-Payer Funding Act alongside the Protect Life Act, which would add another layer of redundancy to assurances that no abortions would be funded by the new health reform law. The Protect Life Act is part of the GOP's effort to rally its base in its war of attrition against the health care bill. The announcement comes two days before the anniversary of Roe v. Wade on Jan. 22, which secured abortion rights in America in 1973.
Read original story in Politico | Friday, Jan. 21, 2011
