Texas News
U.S. House adopts Texas Republican’s amendment blocking Pentagon abortion policy
U.S. House adopts Texas Republican's amendment blocking Pentagon abortion policy
“U.S. House adopts Texas Republican's amendment blocking Pentagon abortion policy” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune's daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
A sharply divided U.S. House voted Thursday to amend the annual defense policy bill to ban a Biden administration policy that allowed service members to be reimbursed for abortion-related travel and other expenses.
U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Amarillo, introduced the amendment with the backing of Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, and 70 other Republican co-sponsors.
Jackson argued that the Department of Defense policy violates the Hyde Amendment, which prevents the use of federal funds for abortion.
“I absolutely will not waver in my defense of the rule of law, therefore, ensuring that taxpayer money does not kill innocent babies,” Jackson said on the House floor.
Reimbursing service members for abortion-related travel if they live in states where abortion is not available recently became an issue in the U.S. Senate, where Sen. Tommy Tuberville. R-Alabama, has held up 250 military promotions in protest, creating a backlog and leaving key positions unfilled.
Adding Jackson's amendment — and several others that were adopted Thursday, including limits on gender-affirming care — jeopardized bipartisan support for the National Defense Authorization Act, which Congress has annually adopted for more than 60 consecutive years. The proposed 2024 NDAA would authorize $886.3 billion in national defense spending, including additional resources for Ukraine as well as quality-of-life improvements for service members, such as a 5.2% pay raise.
The defense bill passed Friday on a 219-210 vote, with four Democrats voting in favor and four Republicans voting against.
Republicans' narrow majority in the House forced leadership to accept the demands of its more conservative wing and allow votes on several hot-button amendments, including two from Roy adopted Thursday that would limit federal spending on Defense Department diversity initiatives. Another Roy amendment, prohibiting the department from carrying out President Joe Biden's executive orders on climate change, was added Friday.
The lone Democratic vote for Jackson's abortion amendment came from Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo. Cuellar, considered one of the most conservative Democrats in the House, is a longtime opponent of abortion rights.
Other Texas Democrats opposed the amendment, expressing concern about its impact on service members. The Biden administration policy was aimed at lowering barriers to abortion for service members in states with restrictive abortion laws.
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, called the amendment a “backdoor effort” to ban abortion at the federal level.
After the amendment was adopted on a 221-213 vote, Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Houston, spoke on the House floor to criticize Republicans for bringing partisan issues into a typically bipartisan process.
“In 2021, women made up more than 17% of our active-duty force — 231,000 members — and 21% of our National Guard and Reserves. More than 23,000 of them are stationed in Texas. Every day the women of the United States military fight for our freedom, and yet today House Republicans are asking these women to fight for your freedom while they just voted to take away theirs,” Fletcher said.
Join us for conversations that matter with newly announced speakers at the 2023 Texas Tribune Festival, in downtown Austin from Sept. 21-23.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2023/07/13/ronny-jackson-abortion-defense-bill/.
The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.galvestontrendingnews.com/?p=6740
Texas News
Joe Biden interview with George Stephanopoulos: President dismisses concerns, says he’d drop out if the ‘Lord Almighty’ told him
SUMMARY: In an exclusive interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos, President Joe Biden addressed concerns regarding his age and mental fitness, following a perceived poor debate performance. Stephanopoulos questioned Biden about recent lapses, but Biden defended his accomplishments, including his peace plan for the Middle East and economic growth initiatives. He dismissed worries about his physical condition and insisted he is capable of another term. The interview aimed to reassure the public and recalibrate Biden's campaign strategy amidst declining poll numbers. Despite some Democrats' concerns, Biden emphasized his commitment to running, contingent on divine insight about his chances against Donald Trump.
The post Joe Biden interview with George Stephanopoulos: President dismisses concerns, says he'd drop out if the ‘Lord Almighty' told him appeared first on abc13.com
Texas News
Congressional Democrats respond to President Joe Biden’s interview with ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos
SUMMARY: Democrats were anxious as President Joe Biden's interview with George Stephanopoulos aired, addressing concerns following a chaotic debate with Donald Trump. Biden labeled the debate a “bad episode” and defended his fitness for office. Though he vowed to continue his campaign, some Democrats voiced worries about his age and mental stamina. Rep. Mike Quigley and three other House Democrats called for Biden to step aside. Sen. Chris Coons defended Biden, while the White House asserted support for his candidacy. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries plans a crucial meeting on Sunday as Biden faces a busy campaign schedule.
The post Congressional Democrats respond to President Joe Biden's interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos appeared first on abc13.com
Texas News
President Joe Biden won’t commit to independent cognitive test when asked in ABC News interview
SUMMARY: In his first interview since a poor debate performance, President Joe Biden, 81, refused to commit to independent cognitive and neurological tests. Biden, addressing concerns over his age and cognitive abilities, attributed his performance to a cold and exhaustion, affirming he undergoes regular medical assessments. He insisted that his daily responsibilities validate his mental fitness. Calls for cognitive tests have gained traction, with Dr. Sanjay Gupta recommending detailed testing. While Biden's recent physical showed no new concerns, his medical team deemed further cognitive testing unnecessary. Biden maintained he wouldn't seek reelection if he doubted his mental and physical capacity.
The post President Joe Biden won't commit to independent cognitive test when asked in ABC News interview appeared first on abc13.com
-
Texas News4 days ago
I-10 westbound from Beaumont to Houston reopens day after large crack prompted closure at Washington Boulevard
-
Kaiser Health News7 days ago
Supreme Court OKs Local Crackdowns on Homelessness, as Advocates Warn of Chaos
-
Videos7 days ago
Trinity River Authority declares ‘potential failure watch’ on Lake Livingston Dam
-
Podcasts4 days ago
CHAD MAULDIN on Being A Talent Cultivator
-
Texas News5 days ago
Body found below North State Highway 3 bridge, family used Find My Friends app to find him, League City PD says
-
The Center Square5 days ago
U.S. Supreme Court declines to rule whether social media feeds are free speech | National
-
Texas News6 days ago
Train collides with car carrying grandfather, 2 grandchildren on County 236 in Brazoria County, police say
-
Podcasts5 days ago
Talkin’ Texas | Texans at the Olympics, Fresh Water Sharks, and Bats!