US Election 2024

Risch proposes bill to block US foreign aid from funding abortions

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch and a group of Republican senators are set to introduce a new bill titled the “American Values Act,” which aims to prohibit the use of U.S. foreign aid funds for abortions. The measure would build upon existing restrictions on the use of U.S. foreign assistance to pay for or promote abortion services overseas.

The bill specifically prohibits the use of foreign assistance funds for performing abortions, promoting or lobbying for or against abortions, and forced sterilization. Additionally, it ensures that U.S. foreign aid funds cannot be utilized for biomedical research related to abortions.

Furthermore, the legislation includes provisions that permanently restrict funds to organizations involved in coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization programs. It also enacts limitations on the use of funds allocated to the Peace Corps for abortion procedures.

Senator Risch emphasized the importance of aligning foreign aid with American values, stating, “American foreign aid should always be used in a way that is in line with American values — and that means that no foreign assistance funds should ever be used to perform or promote abortion services.” He expressed pride in introducing the American Values Act to uphold this standard and protect the sanctity of life globally.

The bill is co-sponsored by several Republican senators, including Roger Marshall, Rand Paul, Rick Scott, Markwayne Mullin, Marsha Blackburn, Steve Daines, Tim Sheehy, Bill Hagerty, and Pete Ricketts. The introduction of this legislation follows President Donald Trump’s directive to freeze funding for “woke” initiatives and prevent the misuse of government resources.

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In response to the order, the White House highlighted instances of wasteful spending, including $37 million slated for the World Health Organization and $50 million designated for “condoms in Gaza.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized these expenditures as “preposterous waste of money.”

The American Values Act aims to ensure that U.S. foreign aid funds are used in a manner consistent with American principles and values. By prohibiting the use of these funds for abortion-related activities and coercive practices, the bill seeks to uphold the sanctity of life and promote responsible allocation of resources.

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