House passes budget without Hyde Amendment

House Democrats voted 219-208 to pass an appropriations bill that could allow taxpayer-funded abortion. For the first time in 45 years, the budget leaves out the Hyde Amendment. The bill also omits other pro-life riders such as the Helms Amendment, which prevents funding international abortions, and the Weldon Amendment, which allows healthcare professionals to abstain from abortion procedures.

What’s next for Hyde? Although the budget cleared the Democratic-led House, it faces a bigger challenge in the Senate. Approval requires at least 60 votes, meaning Republicans must also vote for the bill. Every House Republican voted against the budget, and Senate Republicans have historically supported Hyde and other pro-life amendments.

Dig deeper: Read my report in The Stew for more details on the Hyde Amendment.