According to various news sources, the bill passed 240-181, mostly along party lines. Lawmakers used the reconciliation rule to get it through the Senate without facing a Democratic filibuster. The bill now heads to the president's desk for signature.
If signed into law, it would strip Planned Parenthood of 80 percent of its federal funding and shift those funds to federally qualified health centers which offer much more comprehensive health care to women.
It would also gut the employer and individual mandate from Obamacare which imposes fines on those who do not purchase or provide health care, and would repeal stifling taxes on medical devices.
“Today the House did its job. Obamacare has been a disaster since it was forced on the American people over five years ago. People are paying more and getting less,” said Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) after voting in support of the legislation:
“Likewise, Planned Parenthood provides no unique services worthy of federal subsidies from the American taxpayer. The president has hidden behind Senate Democrats for far too long. Now, he must choose whether to stand with the American people or stand behind his failures.”
President Barack Obama has already vowed to veto the bill, which comes as no surprise to pro-life leaders.
“It’s no surprise that President Obama has threatened to veto this bill, as Planned Parenthood spent over $12 million to re-elect him in 2012,” said Lila Rose, president of the pro-life activist group, Live Action. “We urge the president to acknowledge the extensive evidence that shows Planned Parenthood covering up sex trafficking and the sexual abuse of minors, misleading women about the complications of abortion procedures, harvesting baby parts, and promoting race- and sex-selective abortions."
Live Action has started a petition drive to pressure the president into recognizing the will of the people. Thus far, it has garnered more than 480,000 signatures. Click here to add your name to the count!
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