Justin Amash votes 'present' on amendment to halt funding to Planned ParenthoodFebruary 21, 2011
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Justin Amash's statement:
As a pro-life conservative, I have cosponsored and supported several important bills to protect the life of the unborn, including Rep. Mike Pence's H R 217 to defund abortion providers. Today, I voted "present" on Amendment 11 to H R 1 because, while I oppose abortion funding, the language, as drafted, violates my conservative approach to legislating.
Legislation that names a specific private organization to defund (rather than all organizations that engage in a particular activity) is improper and arguably unconstitutional. Moreover, the legislation is easily thwarted because the organization may simply change its name.
As a conservative, and as the Representative for the people of Michigan’s Third District, I cannot vote "yes" on legislation that does not take the process of legislating seriously. A responsible amendment—one that I would fully support—would defund all abortion providers. That is why I support Mike Pence’s H R 217, which cuts off all federal funds to any organization that performs an abortion—including Planned Parenthood.
Justin Amash:
UPDATE: Note that Amendment 11 did not eliminate any line-item appropriation to Planned Parenthood; otherwise, I would have voted "yes." There is no mention of Planned Parenthood in the continuing resolution being amended (H R 1), any budget, or any law enacted under the previous two Congresses.