This week House passed HR7 to permanently authorize the Hyde Amendment. The final vote was 238-183, largely along party lines. See how your representative voted:
- NV-CD1, Dina Titus ………………………………. NAY
- NV-CD2, Mark Amodei …………………………… AYE
- NV-CD3, Jacky Rosen ……………………………. NAY
- NV-CD4, Ruben Kihuen …………………………. NAY
Heard of the Hyde Amendment? It prohibits the use of federal funds for abortion or health plans that cover abortion, except in the cases of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is in danger. Currently, it’s not a permanent law but rather a “rider” that’s been included in annual appropriations bills since 1976. This version, however, takes Hyde one step further by prohibiting “employer plans” from being able to carry coverage for abortions, because employers receive a tax break for the healthcare plans they offer to their employees.
What happens now? HR7 heads to the Senate. Let Senator Heller and Senator Cortez Masto know what you think!