Editor’s note. Last week Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) spoke in favor of H.R. 18, “The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act,” sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). The Smith bill would make permanent, and government-wide, the Hyde Amendment, which prevents taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortions.
Mr. FEENSTRA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 18 which would make the Hyde amendment permanent. This week we will consider the partisan Health and Human Services budget. It is unfortunate that Democrats are continuing their assault on the fundamental right to life in this bill. It kills the Hyde amendment which ensures taxpayer dollars cannot be spent on abortions. Hyde has saved 2.5 million babies since it was enacted. My faith teaches me that every person is created for a purpose and a reason, and that is why I will always be a defender of the unborn. Americans should not be forced to fork over their taxpayer dollars so defenseless babies can be murdered on the taxpayer dime.