February 10, 2009
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House
David Obey, Chairman, Appropriations Committee
Louise Slaughter, Chairwoman, Rules Committee
Dear Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Obey, and Chairwoman
Slaughter:
We write to you today about critical pro-life policies
that may become contentious in the upcoming appropriations process. As you know,
for many years pro-life measures have been added to the various appropriations
bills to prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to promote or perform
abortion, protect the consciences of health care professionals, and prevent
funding for unethical human embryo experiments. Often referred to as pro-life
riders, each year these provisions are included in legislation reported out of
Appropriations subcommittees.
Some of these measures have been in place for over thirty
years. The Hyde Amendment, for example, has been in effect since 1976. Enacted
under a Democratic Congress, the Hyde Amendment has been renewed by
administrations and congresses regardless of party control. Members of both
parties have expressed strong support for these measures, which reflect the
moral concerns of many Americans who do not wish to see their tax dollars used
for any organization that provides abortion services.
We respectfully request that the pro-life riders be
included in any legislation reported out of the Appropriations Committee. We
believe that failure to include all of the current policies with regard to the
right to life will mark a radical departure from a policy a majority of
Americans support. If you choose to take such action, then we ask that the Rules
Committee report a rule that allows for consideration of any deleted riders on
the floor of House of Representatives. The magnitude of this issue and the
history associated with it require no less. If this Congress intends to rescind
these riders, at a minimum the American people deserve a full debate with an
up-or-down vote. Thank you for your time and consideration of our request.
Sincerely,
Jim Jordan, Member of Congress
Heath Shuler, Member of Congress
