[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 17 (Thursday, February 24, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         STATE ABORTION FUNDING

  (Mr. DICKEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DICKEY. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I introduced legislation to 
reverse the HHS interpretation of the modified Hyde amendment by 
allowing, not requiring, States to use Medicaid funds to pay for 
abortions for poor women in cases of rape and incest, as well as to 
protect the life of the mother.
  The administration recently interpreted the Hyde amendment 
modification to require, rather than allow, States to use public funds 
to pay for abortions in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the 
mother's life.
  The order also allowed abortion providers to circumvent laws in many 
States which require that acts of rape or incest be reported to law 
enforcement officers.
  This policy change comes in conflict with the laws and constitutions 
of at least 36 States, including Arkansas.
  This policy change is an unfunded mandate and violates the 
administration's pledge to reduce unfunded mandates.
  This policy change violates State's rights by interpreting law where 
States generally have jurisdiction.
  This policy change circumvents procedural guidelines which require a 
period for comments.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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