House GOP targets abortion in HHS spending bill

House Republicans last week put forward a 2012 spending bill stressing that federal funding cannot be used for abortions and strengthening existing language that prevents discrimination against doctors who oppose abortion.

Among other things, the bill would prohibit any money from last year's healthcare law to be used to fund abortions. It would also strengthen language in the Public Health Service Act law that prohibits discrimination against doctors who choose not to perform abortions.

It also cuts off funding to Planned Parenthood, and denies funding for the Medicare Advantage plan if the Health and Human Services Department denies participation in that program to entities that play no role in abortion procedures.

The bill, H.R. 3070, was introduced last week by Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.), who chairs the House Appropriations subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. However, the bill is not currently scheduled to move, in large part because House GOP leaders are looking to cut spending beyond what's outlined in the bill.

Rehberg's bill would set discretionary funding at $153.4 billion, down $4 billion from FY 2011. However, GOP leaders are looking to spend about $140 billion on these program, which means Rehberg's bill might not be the final bill to come forward.

The bill also includes other controversial policy riders. It would defund last year's healthcare law completely until the Supreme Court has ruled on it, and limit the ability of the National Labor Relations Board to regulate companies.