In a 242-184 vote, House Republicans passed their
latest abortion ban, this one stopping the procedure at 20 weeks with the only exceptions—and they are limited exceptions—for rape and incest. Never mind the health of the mother, or the fetus. Never mind that most of the very, very few abortions conducted post-20 weeks are about the health—the lives—of both. The White House
blasted the bill, reiterating a veto threat should the legislation ever make it through the Senate (it won't).
The Obama administration on Wednesday said it was "disgraceful" for House Republicans to push a late-term abortion ban bill that also puts up barriers for rape and sexual assault victims.
"It's disgraceful that House Republicans would be considering a party-line vote on legislation that would put additional burdens on survivors of rape and sexual assault," press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters hours before the House is scheduled to vote on a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks.
"The bill continues to add a harsh burden to survivors of sexual assault, rape and incest who are already enduring unimaginable hardship," he said.
Earnest also pointed out the profound hypocrisy of Republicans who fight tooth and nail against Obamacare, because this bill "ironically enough, would insert the government right between a woman and her doctor." Irony that will be completely lost on the GOP.
The other big business of the House's day was passing the USA Freedom Act, which members did with a 338-88 vote. That's a landslide vote despite that fact that late last night, the Rules Committee voted to prevent any amendments to the legislation to strengthen it. Next up, the Senate, where the prospects for real reform are questionable, at best.