The White House signaled Monday that it opposes a bill approved by the House Appropriations Committee that funds military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), raising concerns about “partisan” amendments that target Americans. LGBTQ and access to abortion.
The White House Office of Management and Budget said in a statement that the bill contains “numerous partisan political provisions with devastating consequences” for reproductive rights, the LGBTQ community, marriage equality and climate change.
“House Republicans are again wasting time on partisan bills that would result in deep cuts to law enforcement, education, housing, healthcare, consumer safety, energy programs that reduce utility bills and combat climate change, and essential nutrition services,” White House officials said. he said.
The GOP-led House Appropriations Committee passed legislation worth more than $147 billion May 23 to fund the VA and military construction along party lines in a 34-25 vote.
Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) praised the bill’s passage as “a testament to our dedication to caring for those who have selflessly served our nation, supporting our military families and strengthening America’s defense.” .
The legislation creates yet another clash over the culture wars on defense and government funding bills between Democrats and Republicans, which became a major point of tension last year before many of the partisan amendments were withdrawn after the conference. .
Some committees appear to be trying to avoid the same battles as last year. The House Armed Services Committee approved the annual defense bill in May without providing any serious changes to the partisan culture war.
The VA and military construction legislation includes a ban on closing or realigning Guantanamo Bay, the U.S. naval base in Cuba that still holds 30 prisoners. President Biden decided to close the facilities and returned some detainees home. The White House said the bill would affect Biden’s plans to continue evaluating how to release these prisoners.
The White House also opposes another provision that would restrict the VA from complying with a Biden administration rule that allows veterans greater access to abortion counseling and abortions in certain circumstances.
Under the rule, the VA is authorized to provide access to abortions for veterans if their life or health is in danger, or if they become pregnant due to rape or incest. But the House bill would make that more restrictive, requiring that the danger of death be present in an abortion, while also allowing an abortion for rape or incest.
“This change would prevent the VA from providing necessary care when a woman’s health is in danger,” the White House said.
Other provisions the administration opposes include the bill’s ban on funding for surgical procedures or hormonal therapies for gender-affirming care and a ban on flying any other flag at a VA facility except a government-related flag, and an amendment that would prevent a directive for most VA healthcare workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
