Republicans Pushing For Abortion Restrictions In Government Spending Bills

House Republicans are currently pushing for abortion restrictions in government spending bills, clashing with Democrats and finding new ways to infuse their conservative ideologies into policy.

The anti-abortion provisions take many forms. Some touch on the controversial military legislation that allows service members to request paid time off for abortion-related travel, and others challenge how the abortion drug, mifepristone, is dispensed.

The military policy is one that Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) has been protesting for months. In doing so, he has single-handedly halted military promotions by refusing to sit on the corresponding panel.

Last month, the House Appropriations Committee passed a Food and Drug Administration spending bill, which included a provision that will block pharmacists from sending mifepristone to patients by mail. The committee also funded a bill banning Veterans Affairs medical centers from performing any reproductive or gender-affirming procedures.

“It’s just to create division, culture, wars, etc,” told Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut) to The Hill. “And they think that that’s going to distract the public from the unbelievable harm they’re doing in terms of the programmatic cuts from the services that people rely on.”

As the early stages of the 2024 election cycle begin to ramp up, Republicans are rolling back on efforts to restrict abortion care on a national level, as polls have shown that most Americans, no matter their political affiliations, stand in opposition to such legislature.

GOPs are instead hiding behind government spending bills, propelling their agendas to restrict abortion access while avoiding criticism from voters.

Democrats are prepared to block all anti-abortion provisions. Because of the bipartisan nature of the government spending bills, such conservative efforts are likely to be dropped.