House Approves FY 2011 Spending Proposal, Including Amendment Blocking Federal Funding to Planned Parenthood

February 22, 2011 — The House on Friday voted 240-185 to approve an amendment to the continuing resolution (HR 1) that would block any federal funding for Planned Parenthood, Politico reports. The amendment was introduced by Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.). Ten Democrats supported the amendment, and seven Republicans voted against it (Nather/Nocera, Politico, 2/18). On Saturday, the House voted 235-189 to approve the continuing resolution -- an appropriations bill that will fund government programs for the remainder of fiscal year 2011, the New York Times reports. President Obama has said he would veto the spending bill if it passes the Senate (Herzenhorn, New York Times, 2/20).

The House Republicans' spending plan also cuts the Title X family planning program. The program helps provide family planning and reproductive health services to low-income women, including contraceptive counseling and supplies, pelvic and breast exams, safer-sex counseling, and basic infertility counseling. No Title X funds can be used for abortion services (Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 2/14).

Senate Democrats Vow To Fight Funding Restriction

 Democratic Sens. Barbara Boxer (Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), Al Franken (Minn.) and Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.) promised to block efforts to defund Planned Parenthood, The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports. Senators next week will introduce their own version of the FY 2011 spending bill (Millman, "Healthwatch," The Hill, 2/21).