Congresswoman Madison Cawthorne (RN.C.) introduced a bill Friday that would bar federal funds from covering travel expenses for people who have out-of-state abortions.
The new legislation would ensure that taxpayer money does not go to anyone who wants to travel to a state with less restrictive abortion laws to get the procedure, according to Cawthorn.
“Ensuring that the innocent among us are protected is something that is very near and dear to my heart. One of the most important ways we can protect the unborn is by stopping the Biden administration’s gross abuse of power and executive overreach,” Cawthorne said Friday.
“This legislation demonstrates that Congress will respect the Supreme Court’s decision to overrule Roe and will not allow the federal government to exceed its constitutional authority.”
Battles have erupted over the issue of out-of-state abortions since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last month. Nine states have already banned abortion, and more restrictive laws and bans are expected to roll out across the country.
Currently, no state has enacted a ban on out-of-state abortion. However, Republican lawmakers in several red states have proposed measures to punish those who help someone obtain an abortion in another state.
Some major companies have already guaranteed to cover travel expenses for employees in states with strict abortion laws if they want to travel to have the procedure.
House to vote on bill to protect contraceptive access Gohmert Lone House lawmaker to oppose formula bill
Cawthorn introduced the legislation on the same day the House passed two measures in its first attempt to codify abortion rights since the Supreme Court overturned Roe.
The first bill passed would codify the right to an abortion in federal law, while the second bill would protect people who travel to another state to have an abortion.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said more bills protecting abortion rights will be introduced, but all are expected to face an uphill battle in the Senate.
Add Comment