Pro-Life Group Targets Republican Cosigners of ACA Expansion Bill Over Abortion Funding
Activists protest in front of the the U.S. Supreme Court during the 2018 March for Life on Jan. 19, 2018. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
The anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has vowed to negatively score cosigners of a discharge petition aimed at triggering a vote on legislation extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits.
At least six Republicans have signed the petition, which was authored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., and Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine.
In a letter sent to lawmakers Wednesday, SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser stated: “Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has vigorously opposed any Obamacare subsidy funding without Hyde protections.”
Dannenfelser added: “Since Discharge Petition No. 12 would force a vote on H.R. 6501, a health care plan entirely unprotected by Hyde, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America strongly opposes and will score against this discharge petition.”
The Hyde Amendment prevents federal funding for abortions.
Fitzpatrick’s bill is silent on the matter of abortion protections.
In a press release, Fitzpatrick described the legislation as advancing “five reforms designed to protect affordability, strengthen accountability, and ensure taxpayer value.”
Fitzpatrick asserted: “Filing this discharge petition ensures the House will have the opportunity — and obligation — to vote. Every member must decide whom they serve: the people or the politics.”
He further stated: “We can prevent this — and we must. If 217 of my colleagues are willing to join me in putting constituents first, we can protect working- and middle-class families from a catastrophic crisis.”
The Republicans joining Fitzpatrick in signing the discharge petition include Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., who indicated he planned to sign; Rep. Jennifer Kiggans, R-Va.; and Reps. Lawler, Mackenzie, and David Valadao, R-Calif.
Dannenfelser explained that the negative score will be “reflected on member profiles on our Scorecard,” a tool that grades members of Congress based on their votes, cosponsorships, and legislative actions related to protecting the unborn. High grades are given to those consistently voting against abortion and for pro-life policies.
