Rep. Frelinghuysen Votes In Favor Of Anti-Abortion Bill

MORRISTOWN, NJ — U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, a Republican representing the 11th District, voted on Wednesday for HR-7, a controversial piece of legislation regarding funding for health insurance plans that also cover abortion. It was introduced by fellow New Jersey Representative, Chris Smith.

If signed into law, HR-7 would cut off funding for any federally funded insurance plans that provide abortion coverage, even if the funds are not being put toward the procedures.

Federal funding for abortion coverage has been illegal since 1976 under the Hyde Amendment, which had to be renewed every year. Under HR-7, the Hyde Amendment becomes permanent.

HR-7 would also ban abortions at any federally owned facilities or by federal employees. It does have exceptions for cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is in danger.

The bill passed in the House on Wednesday by a vote of 238 - 183. It has to be passed by the Senate before President Trump could sign it into law.

Local advocacy groups had urged members of Frelinghuysen's staff to encourage the congressman to vote no on the bill.

Indivisible Group NJ - District 11 met with the district director for Frelinghuysen, Aura Dunn, Tuesday morning to discuss concerns about the legislation and about the push to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

The group, formed last month, is part of a large, loosely associated network of Indivisible Groups across the country that is working against Trump's agenda. (They are different from NJ 11th For Change, another advocacy group demanding meetings with Frelinghuysen).

“Our recently formed group is focused on making our Members of Congress aware that a significant number of their constituents will not stand by in silence as President Trump’s destructive and ill-advised agenda begins its roll out,” said group member Matthew Nagler in a press release sent before the vote.

When asked if the group had a response to Frelinghuysen's vote, a media representative said, "Our group of constituents opposes that vote."

You can see a full breakdown of how representatives from across the country voted here. To learn more about Frelinghuysen's stances on different issues, visit his website here.

Image via Rep Frelinghuysen