On Wednesday, the Senate rejected a Republican attempt to overturn a Department of Veterans Affairs policy that expanded abortion services for veterans. President Joe Biden and Democrats have argued that these services are essential medical care and taxpayers should fund abortions performed by the VA. The vote resulted in a 51-48 rejection of the GOP’s bid, with Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joining Democrats in preserving the rule.
Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, who led the Republican effort to reverse the policy, says that the government should prioritize other forms of care for veterans and that taxpayer funds should not be used for abortions. He also claimed that allowing abortions at VA medical facilities is illegal and lacks adequate protections for doctors and nurses with religious objections.
“Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to pay for abortions. Especially not when this was done without anybody taking a vote in this building. Especially not when Congress voted to make it illegal 30 years ago. It’s illegal and it’s wrong,” said Tuberville before the vote.
He added:
“Anyone who believes in the appropriations process must oppose this rule and support this resolution. Voting ‘no’ would mean letting the administration spend money without the consent of the people in this room,”
“And that’s what we’re elected to do. Voting ‘no’ means a big stamp of approval for a blatantly-illegal regulation … The VA should be focused on their mission. Lord knows we’ve got veterans who need help right now.”
The policy, put in place just last year, was enacted in response to the Supreme Court’s overturning of the Roe v. Wade ruling. The Biden administration contends that this policy is necessary due to the increasing restrictions on abortion in certain states.
