(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) voted in favor of H.R. 3, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. The legislation establishes a permanent, government-wide prohibition on taxpayer subsidies for abortion and abortion coverage.

“As a co-sponsor of H.R. 3, I am very pleased it passed the House with bi-partisan support,” said Cravaack. “The Hyde amendment, which prevents certain types of taxpayer funding for abortion is effective but ultimately incomplete. H.R. 3 puts in place a permanent, government-wide prohibition on taxpayer subsidies for abortion and ensures no abortion will receive special tax treatment. At the same time, it does not affect how women with extenuating circumstances are able to pay for their care. No American should be asked to foot the bill or subsidize another person’s decision to terminate their pregnancy.”

The Hyde amendment only covers funds appropriated through particular appropriations bills. Other funding bans form a patchwork of policies that cover most federal programs and the District of Columbia. However, many of these funding bans must be reapproved every year and could be eliminated at any time.

H.R. 3 does not apply to abortions in cases of rape, incest or life-threatening physical condition of the mother. It also does not apply to treatment of injury, infection or other health problems resulting from an abortion.

The legislation is supported by National Right to Life, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Family Research Council, Americans United for Life, Concerned Women for America, and the Traditional Values Coalition.

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee – the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.