H.R.49 - No Pro-Abortion Task Force Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.49, the "No Pro-Abortion Task Force Act," seeks to prohibit the use of federal funds for the HHS Reproductive Healthcare Access Task Force, which was announced on January 21, 2022, or any similar successor task force. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 3, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill is sponsored by Mr. Biggs of Arizona and Mr. LaMalfa.
The bill directly targets the funding of a specific task force within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The task force is focused on reproductive healthcare access.
Passage of this bill would effectively defund the HHS Reproductive Healthcare Access Task Force and any similar future initiatives.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 49 would prevent federal funds from being allocated to the HHS Reproductive Healthcare Access Task Force. This would likely lead to the cessation of the task force's activities.
It could also impact access to reproductive healthcare services, depending on the task force's role in supporting such access. The bill signals a congressional intent to limit federal involvement in reproductive healthcare access initiatives.
This could lead to reduced resources and attention to reproductive health issues at the federal level.
Potential Benefits
- Could be seen as upholding fiscal responsibility by preventing the allocation of federal funds to a specific task force.
- May align with the views of individuals and groups who oppose abortion and federal funding for related services.
- Could lead to a redirection of funds to other healthcare priorities, as determined by Congress.
- May empower state and local governments to address reproductive healthcare access according to their own priorities and values.
- Could reduce potential conflicts related to differing views on reproductive healthcare.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May reduce access to reproductive healthcare services, particularly for underserved populations, if the task force plays a significant role in supporting such access.
- Could hinder the federal government's ability to gather data and develop strategies related to reproductive health.
- May create disparities in access to reproductive healthcare across different states and regions.
- Could be viewed as an infringement on women's healthcare rights by those who support abortion access.
- May lead to increased political polarization and legal challenges.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex and subject to interpretation. Congress has the power of the purse under Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, granting it significant control over federal spending. This power allows Congress to decide which programs and initiatives to fund or defund.
However, the bill's potential impact on access to healthcare services could raise concerns related to equal protection under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. The Supreme Court's jurisprudence on abortion rights, stemming from Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, also plays a role in assessing the bill's constitutionality.
Ultimately, the constitutional alignment of H.R. 49 depends on how the courts balance Congress's spending power with individual rights and healthcare access considerations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).