Highlights:
June 24, 2022: The Supreme Court Overturned Roe v. Wade. According to the New York Times, “The Supreme Court on Friday overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion after almost 50 years in a decision that will transform American life, reshape the nation’s politics and lead to all but total bans on the procedure in about half of the states.” [New York Times, 6/24/22]
Cotton Praised The Decision Saying, “Roe Was A Tragic Mistake” And “The Supreme Court Has Finally Corrected This Mistake.” According to Cotton’s official press release, “Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) issued the following statement regarding the United States Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization: ‘Roe was a tragic mistake, taking from the American people and their elected representatives a deeply moral question. The Supreme Court has finally corrected this mistake and I highly commend the millions of Americans who toiled for years to achieve this great victory for unborn life and self-government.’” [Sen. Tom Cotton Press Release, 6/24/22]
2020: Cotton: “It’s Time For Roe v. Wade To Go.” According to a tweet from Cotton’s campaign Twitter, “It's time for Roe v. Wade to go.” [Twitter, @TomCottonAR, 9/9/20]
2019: Cotton Said Roe v. Wade Was “Wrongly Decided As A Constitutional Matter.” According to Newsweek, “Existing abortion precedents, like 1973’s Roe v. Wade decision were, in Cotton’s eyes, ‘wrongly decided as a constitutional matter,’ and argued that instead, these decision are ones that the ‘American people ought to make through their elected representatives.’” [Newsweek, 5/19/19]
2011: Cotton Said He Believed That Roe v. Wade And Planned Parenthood v. Casey Were “Wrongly Decided.” According to Cotton’s campaign website, “I believe Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey were wrongly decided. I oppose taxpayer funding of abortion and I will work to repeal ObamaCare and to fully reinstate the Hyde Amendment, which ensures that our tax dollars don’t pay for abortion.” [Cotton For Congress, Accessed via Way Back Machine, 9/14/11]
2012: Cotton Said He Wanted To Have A Supreme Court Willing To Overturn Roe v. Wade. According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via Nexis, “All of the candidates said they oppose abortion. Rankin said she only thinks abortion should be allowed in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is in danger. She said she would support a constitutional amendment to ban abortion. Cotton said he would support a constitutional amendment but he said it would be faster to elect an anti-abortion president and Senate because they could appoint a Supreme Court justice willing to overturn Roe v. Wade.” [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via Nexis, 4/4/12]
Cotton Released Statement Showing Displeasure With The Supreme Court Following Decision Of Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt
2016: Cotton Accused The Supreme Court Of “Caving To The Demands Of Abortion Extremists,” After Supreme Court Ruled In Favor Of Whole Woman’s Health. According to Scott’s official press release, “‘By caving to the demands of abortion extremists who seek to normalize the ending of an innocent human life in the womb regardless of the dangers, the Supreme Court has left almost no room for common sense and simple decency in our nation's approach to abortion. I deeply believe that Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided and that it should be-and will be-overturned someday. But before that time, we all should have been able to agree that duly elected representatives of the people can pass laws to protect women from unsafe abortion providers. That's now impossible after this decision, and it will be to the detriment of the well-being of women across the nation.’” [Sen. Tom Cotton Press Release, 6/27/16]
In Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, The Supreme Court Invalidated Texas’ Abortion Restrictions. According to the Texas Tribune, “On a sunny Monday morning, as journalists sprinted out of the U.S. Supreme Court building, decision in hand, the crowds gathered out front exploded into cheers. It was 2016, and the high court had just overturned Texas’ latest efforts to restrict abortion access, ruling that the requirements in a 2013 law placed an undue burden on people seeking to exercise their constitutional right to an abortion. […] By the time a legal challenge known as Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt made it to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2016, more than half of Texas’ abortion clinics had closed. During oral arguments, Justice Samuel Alito, who authored Friday’s majority opinion, questioned whether those clinics closed because of the new requirements. ‘Was that their burden?’ he asked. But in the end, Justice Anthony Kennedy sided with his liberal colleagues in a 5-3 ruling that determined the requirements did constitute an undue burden on abortion-seekers in Texas.” [Texas Tribune, 6/27/22]
Cotton Said He Would Support A Constitutional Amendment Banning Abortion. According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via Nexis, “All of the candidates said they oppose abortion. Rankin said she only thinks abortion should be allowed in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is in danger. She said she would support a constitutional amendment to ban abortion. Cotton said he would support a constitutional amendment but he said it would be faster to elect an anti-abortion president and Senate because they could appoint a Supreme Court justice willing to overturn Roe v. Wade.” [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette via Nexis, 4/4/12]
2023: Cotton Co-Sponsored A Bill That Would Ban The FDA From Approving New Abortion Drugs And Place Restrictions On FDA-Approved Drugs Like Mifepristone. According to Congress.gov, Cotton co-sponsored the “Support And Value Expectant Moms and Babies Act,” which “prohibits the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from approving any new drug (either as a brand-name drug or a generic) intended to terminate a pregnancy and imposes additional restrictions on such drugs that are already approved. Under the bill, an already-approved drug intended to terminate a pregnancy may be dispensed to a patient only with a prescription. Furthermore, the FDA may not approve any labeling change that would authorize (1) using the drug after 70 days of gestation, or (2) dispensing the drug by any means other than in-person administration by the prescribing health care practitioner. The FDA must also impose additional restrictions on such already-approved drugs, including by (1) requiring the prescribing health care practitioner to receive a special certification, (2) prohibiting the practitioner from also acting as the dispensing pharmacist, and (3) requiring the practitioner to have the ability to provide surgical intervention to the patient. The bill also rescinds any investigational use exemption already granted to such a drug if the bill would have prohibited the FDA from granting the exemption. (Currently, the FDA may grant an exemption to certain market approval requirements if a drug is intended solely for use in safety and effectiveness investigations.)” [Congress.gov, S. 95, 1/26/23]
Cotton Described A Federal Abortion Ban As “Reasonable”
VIDEO: Cotton Said That Lindsey Graham’s Federal Abortion Ban Imposed “Reasonable Restrictions On Late Term Abortions.” According to Fox News via YouTube, “HOST: Has Lindsey Graham's messaging on a federal ban on abortion got in the way of that? COTTON: I don't think it has because Lindsey Graham has proposed something the Senate has voted on in the past, which is reasonable restrictions on late term abortions, that would simply bring the United States in line with much of the developed civilized world. France, for instance, not a notoriously conservative country, has earlier regulations on abortion.” [Fox News via YouTube, 9/20/22]
Graham’s Bill Would Ban Abortion After 15 Weeks Of Pregnancy. According to Politico, “Graham’s bill bans the procedure nationwide after 15 weeks of pregnancy, a priority of many prominent anti-abortion activists who have been demanding a far more aggressive response from the GOP. It includes exceptions for rape, incest and pregnancies that threaten maternal health.” [Politico, 9/13/22]
Cotton Repeatedly Voted For National Abortion Bans
Cotton Voted For An Amendment That Would Create Penalties For Providers That Conduct Elective Abortions Later In Pregnancy
2021: Cotton Voted For An Amendment That Would Create Penalties For Providers That Conduct Elective Abortions Later In Pregnancy. In August 2021, Cotton voted for an amendment which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, “create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation related to improving health programs, including to establish penalties for providers of elective abortions at or after 20 weeks of gestation.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 48-51. [Senate Vote 348, 8/11/21; Congressional Quarterly, 8/11/21; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 3758; Congressional Actions, S.Con.Res.14]
Cotton Supported Multiple Federal Abortion Bans
2019: Cotton Supported A Federal Abortion Ban. According to Cotton’s official press release, “Arkansas Senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman this week joined their colleagues in reintroducing the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The legislation would provide common-sense protections for unborn children at 20 weeks after fertilization, a point at which there is significant scientific evidence that abortion inflicts tremendous pain on the unborn. ‘Medical science increasingly confirms the common experience of parents and the religious and ethical belief of the ages: an unborn baby is just as much a person as each of us-only more innocent, more helpless, and therefore even more deserving of protection. As we celebrate Arkansas's 42nd annual March for Life this weekend, this legislation is particularly appropriate. I look forward to working with my colleagues to promote a culture of life and bring this legislation to the floor for a vote,’ said Cotton.” [Sen. Tom Cotton Press Release, 1/18/19]
2018: Cotton Effectively Voted For A Federal Abortion Ban. In January 2018, Cotton voted for legislation banning abortion after the fetus is 20-weeks old. According to Congressional Quarterly, “the bill that would prohibit abortions in cases where the probable age of the fetus is 20 weeks or later and would impose criminal penalties on doctors who violate the ban, with certain exceptions. The bill would require a second doctor trained in neonatal resuscitation to be present for abortions where the fetus has the ‘potential’ to survive outside the womb.” The vote was on a motion to invoke cloture on a motion to proceed, which required 60 affirmative votes. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 51 to 46. [Senate Vote 25, 1/29/18; Congressional Quarterly, 1/29/18; Congressional Actions, S. 2311]
2015: Cotton Cosponsored The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. [Congress.gov, S. 1553, 3/15/16]
Cotton Voted For Abortion Bans In The House of Representatives
2013: Cotton Voted For Banning Abortion Nationally. In June 2013, Cotton voted for a bill banning most abortion across the country twenty weeks after conception. According to Congressional Quarterly, “Passage of the bill that would create a nationwide ban on abortions performed at 20 weeks or later, except in cases where the life of the woman is in danger. It would provide exceptions to the ban in cases of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest against a minor, if it has been reported to law enforcement or a government agency authorized to act on reports of child abuse. It also would impose criminal penalties on physicians who violate the ban and subject violators to a maximum five-year jail sentence, fines or both.” The House approved the bill by a vote of 228 to 196. As of November 2013, the Senate had taken any substantive action on the bill. [House Vote 251, 6/18/13; Congressional Quarterly, 6/18/13; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1797]
2014: Cotton Co-Sponsored The Life At Conception Act, Which Provides Constitutional Protection To Every “Preborn Human Person” And Says That Person Exists From The “Moment Of Fertilization.” According to the Washington Post, “A number of GOP Senate candidates, many of whom are still in primary races, are on record supporting measures that declare, in some form, that full human rights begin at the moment of fertilization. […] Gardner co-sponsored the Life at Conception Act, which provides for constitutional protection of the right to life of each ‘preborn human person,’ defined as existing from the ‘moment of fertilization.’ Co-sponsors of the act include Rep. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Rep. Steve Daines of Montana, both of whom are expected to become their state’s GOP Senate nominee.” [Washington Post, 4/17/14]
Cotton Said That “Life Begins At Conception.” According to Newsweek, “Cotton repeatedly lamented ‘unelected judges in Washington’ for allowing abortion procedures to continue across the states. Arkansas Republican Senator Tom Cotton said he believes a fetus has constitutional rights and that life begins at conception. ‘I personally believe that life begins at conception, as long as we have unelected judges making the basic rules for abortion though we should try to find ways in which we can protect the most innocent lives that can survive,’ he said. Cotton continued: ‘I personally believe that life does begin at conception, that's the standard that most Republicans who have held the presidency in modern times have held as well. Now, we understand there are certain tragic cases like rape or incest or where a mother's life is in danger that we ought to make an account for — that was the position that Ronald Reagan has as well.’” [Newsweek, 5/19/19]
Gail Collins: Cotton Was A Supporter Of Personhood, Which Could Outlaw In-Vitro Fertilization And Some Forms Of Contraception. According to a column by Gail Collins in the New York Times, “Personhood is an anti-abortion movement that holds that life begins at conception, giving fertilized eggs all the rights of a human being. It might make it impossible to kidnap them for in-vitro fertilization. It could outlaw some forms of contraception. […] A number of Republican candidates in key Senate races are personhood supporters, including Joni Ernst in Iowa; Thom Tillis, who’s running against Senator Kay Hagan in North Carolina; Tom Cotton, who’s challenging Mark Pryor in Arkansas; and, until about five minutes ago, Cory Gardner in Colorado.” [New York Times, Column – Gail Collins, 6/27/14]
Max Brantley: Cotton’s Record Shows He Was Against Birth Control Pills In Some Cases. According to an opinion piece by Max Brantley in the Arkansas Times, “A day — heck an hour, it seems like — doesn't pass without a direct e-mail from Extremist U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton or one of his social media enablers touting Cotton's animus toward women. He doesn't say he’s against women, of course. He says he’s ‘pro-life.’ He is against abortion, in other words. And he's also, as an examination of his record shows, even against birth control pills in some cases.” [Arkansas Times, Opinion – Max Brantley, 1/22/14]
David Ramsey: Cotton’s Personhood Stance “Might Be Seen As Too Extreme—And Outright Ban On Both All Abortion And Some Forms of Contraception.” According to an opinion piece by David Ramsey in the Arkansas Times, “U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton, you may remember, was a co-sponsor of the ‘Life at Conception Act,’ a so-called personhood measure which would give full constitutional rights to each ‘preborn human person’ at the ‘moment of fertilization. In addition to being a frontal assault on Roe v. Wade, the bill (likely unconstitutional) could ban certain forms of birth control such as IUDs or the morning-after pill. (It could also potentially force women into dangerous pregnancies and to deliver babies that can’t survive outside the womb, or force families in situations like this to keep a braindead woman on life support). [… ] Even in Arkansas, Cotton’s position here might be seen as too extreme — an outright ban on both all abortion and some forms of contraception.” [Arkansas Times, Opinion – David Ramsey, 4/16/14]
Cotton Commended Arkansas’ Attorney General, Leslie Rutledge, For Implementing Statewide Abortion Ban. According to Cotton’s official Twitter, “I commend @AGRutledge for her efforts to protect the unborn in Arkansas. This is a momentous day.” [Twitter, @SenTomCotton, 6/24/22]
The Same Day The Supreme Court Overturned Roe v. Wade, Rutledge Implemented The 2019 Statewide Abortion Ban. According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge on Friday afternoon implemented a 2019 law that bans abortions in Arkansas, except to save the life of the mother in a medical emergency, after the U.S. Supreme Court earlier in the day overturned the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion across the country. The Republican attorney general, who was flanked by Gov. Asa Hutchinson, certified that the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling in accordance with Act 180 of 2019. This in turn certified Arkansas's Trigger Abortion law. ‘None of us thought today would come in our lifetimes,’ Rutledge said to a crowd of media members and politicians. ‘Roe was wrong on that day and it has been wrong everyday since.’ Hutchinson called the decision a turning point for the nation. ‘The [Supreme] Court returned the issue of abortion to the states,’ Hutchinson said. ‘Since Roe vs Wade was decided, the states that desired to protect unborn life had been prohibited from doing so.’” [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 6/24/22]
Due To The Law, Abortion Was Nearly Completely Banned In Arkansas. According to ABC News, “Abortion is nearly completely banned in Arkansas due to a trigger law that went into effect following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The Arkansas Human Life Protection Act, or Act 180, makes performing or attempting to perform an abortion a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. The only exception is if the mother's life is in danger.” [ABC News, 6/22/23]
2021: Cotton Said The Supreme Court’s Decision To Let Texas’ Abortion Ban Stand Would Save “Countless Innocent Lives.” According to a tweet from Cotton’s official account, “The Supreme Court just let Texas’s pro-life law go into effect, saving countless innocent lives.” [Twitter, @SenTomCotton, 9/2/21]
The Texas Abortion Ban Outlawed Abortion Before Many People Know They Are Pregnant And Allowed Private Citizens To Sue To Block Procedures. According to NPR, “With the U.S. Supreme Court mum, a new law went into effect in Texas that bans abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. That’s well before many women even know they are pregnant. The law allows private citizens to sue abortion providers and anyone else who helps a woman obtain an abortion — including those who give a woman a ride to a clinic or provide financial assistance to obtain an abortion. Private citizens who bring these suits don’t need to show any connection to those they are suing. The law makes no exceptions for cases involving rape or incest.” [NPR, 9/1/21]
2018: Cotton Voted To Defund Planned Parenthood. In August 2018, Cotton voted for an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, “prohibit[ed] federal funds from going to Planned Parenthood.” The underlying legislation was an FY 2019 Labor, HHS, Education and Defense appropriations bill. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 45 to 48. [Senate Vote 191, 8/23/18; Congressional Quarterly, 8/23/18; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 3967; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 3695; Congressional Actions, H.R. 6157]
2017: Cotton Voted For The Health Care Freedom Act, Or So Called “Skinny Repeal,” Which Defunded Planned Parenthood For One Year. In July 2017, Cotton voted for the Health Care Freedom Act, also known as “skinny repeal.” According to Vox, “The Health Care Freedom Act is the Senate Republicans’ last-ditch attempt to repeal Obamacare. Released around 10 o’clock Thursday night, it is expected to come to a vote early Friday morning. […] This HCFA would repeal the Affordable Care Act’s mandate that all Americans carry coverage. It would nix the requirement that large employers provide coverage to all workers, too. The bill includes a three-year repeal of the medical device tax and a one-year defunding of Planned Parenthood.” The vote was on the amendment. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 49 to 51. [Senate Vote 179, 7/28/17; Vox, 7/27/17; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 667; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 267; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1628]
2017: Cotton Voted To Repeal Significant Portions Of The Affordable Care Act, Such As Sunsetting The Medicaid Expansion, Repealing The Individual Mandate And Defunding Planned Parenthood. In July 2017, Cotton voted for the Obamacare Repeal Reconciliation Act of 2017. According to Congressional Quarterly, the legislation would have “sunset Medicaid expansion and certain taxes created under the 2010 health care overhaul, repeal[ed] the individual and employer mandates, would [have] exclude[d] health plans that cover abortion from certain tax credits and would [have] ban[ned] federal funding for abortion providers that receive at least $1 million in federal funding annually.” The underlying legislation was the reconciliation vehicle for Trumpcare. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 45 to 55. [Senate Vote 169, 7/26/17; Congressional Quarterly, 7/25/17; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 271; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 267; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1628]
2015: Cotton Voted For A Bill That Defunded Planned Parenthood. In December 2015, Cotton voted for a bill that according to Congressional Quarterly, would have “scrap[ed] in 2018 the law's Medicaid expansion, as well as subsidies to help individuals buy coverage through the insurance exchanges.” Additionally, according to Congressional Quarterly the bill would have “repeal[ed] portions of the 2010 health care law and block[ed] federal funding for Planned Parenthood for one year. As amended, the bill would zero-out the law’s penalties for noncompliance with the law’s requirements for most individuals to obtain health coverage and employers to offer health insurance.” The vote was on passage of a reconciliation bill. The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 52 to 47. The bill was later passed by the full Congress, which the president then vetoed. The House was not able to override the veto. [Senate Vote 329, 12/3/15; Congressional Quarterly, 12/3/15; Real Clear Politics, 12/4/15; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3762]
2015: Cotton Voted For Defunding Planned Parenthood. In May 2015, Cotton voted for barring all federal funding to Planned Parenthood. According to CNN, “The fight over funding for Planned Parenthood shifts to a must-pass government funding measure this fall after a procedural vote in the Senate on legislation that would have barred all federal funds for the group failed on Monday.” The vote was on cloture the Motion to Proceed; the motion was rejected by a vote of 53 to 46; 60 Senators voting yes would have been required to proceed. [Senate Vote 262, 8/3/15; CNN, 8/4/15; Congressional Actions, S. 1881]
2017: Cotton Voted To Overturn Federal Regulations Which Protected Planned Parenthood From Federal Funding Cuts. According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “With Vice President Mike Pence casting the deciding vote, the U.S. Senate voted to overturn a recent federal regulation that has shielded Planned Parenthood from funding cuts. The measure is now headed to the White House. U.S. Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton, both Arkansas Republicans, supported scrapping the rule, which seeks to keep family-planning dollars flowing to organizations that also perform abortions. […] In a written statement after Thursday's vote, Cotton said the legislation deserved to pass. ‘States should be free to decide which organizations receive federal funding for family planning services. And they shouldn't be required to [give] taxpayer money to groups like Planned Parenthood that perform abortions. I'm pleased we were able to take another chunk out of the Obama administration's overzealous regulatory agenda,’ he said.” [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 3/31/17]
2021: Cotton Sent A Letter To SBA Administrator Demanding The SBA To Stop Awarding PPP Loans To Planned Parenthood. According to Cotton’s official press release, “Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter urging U.S. Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza to prevent Planned Parenthood affiliates from receiving illegal loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), as they did last year.” [Sen. Tom Cotton Press Release, 1/14/21]
2020: Cotton And McConnell Led 27 Senators Urging The Department Of Justice To Investigate Planned Parenthoods PPP Loans. According to Politico, “Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other Republicans are demanding that Attorney General William Barr investigate Planned Parenthood centers that got emergency small business loans under a government program intended to avert layoffs. In a letter Thursday to Barr, 27 GOP senators led by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and McConnell said Planned Parenthood affiliates received about $80 million in loans under the so-called Paycheck Protection Program but should have been ineligible — a claim that Planned Parenthood disputes. ‘It was not designed to give government funds to politicized, partisan abortion providers like Planned Parenthood,’ the senators wrote. ‘The funds in the program are not unlimited and were depleted once already because of high demand.’” [Politico, 5/21/20]
2015: After Discredited And Misleading Video Surfaced Of Planned Parenthood Employees, Cotton Called For U.S. Attorney General To Conduct An Investigation Into Planned Parenthood To Determine Whether The Organization Violated Federal Laws. According to THV 11, “U.S. Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton requested an investigation into Planned Parenthood following the release of videos showing senior executives discussing in horrific detail the organization's role in harvesting organs of unborn babies. […] Boozman and Cotton also called on U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to conduct a full investigation into whether Planned Parenthood violated federal law. In a letter sent yesterday, Boozman, Cotton and their colleagues joined Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) urging the Attorney General and DHHS Secretary to investigate whether Planned Parenthood violated sections 498A and 498B of the Public Health Service Act. Section 498A requires doctors to certify that they did not alter the method or timing of an abortion for the purpose of obtaining human fetal tissue when that tissue is used in research conducted or supported by the National Institute of Health. Section 498B prohibits the sale of human fetal issue. ‘The disturbing facts revealed in this video raise the question of whether the employees of a federally funded organization have violated federal law by engaging in the transfer of human fetal tissue for profit, and whether the modification of abortion techniques for the purpose of obtaining that tissue violates applicable research guidelines established by federal law,’ the senators wrote.” [THV 11, 7/22/15]
Cotton Called To Put An End To Federal Funding For Planned Parenthood. According to THV 11, “‘Words are limiting to try to express the moral shock we feel when confronted by behavior so abhorrent as selling dead baby body parts for profit. But where words fall short I'm hopeful that we can be united in action: we must put an end to the federal funding of Planned Parenthood. Arkansans' tax dollars should not be supporting an organization that condones the activity we've seen in the videos released this week. This should be one issue that transcends partisan politics or ideology. To truly honor the God-given rights to life and liberty enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and guaranteed by our Constitution, we should strive to guarantee those rights to the ones least able to defend themselves—the unborn,’ Cotton said.” [THV 11, 7/22/15]
Cotton Said That Women In The Military Should Have To Take Leave To Get An Abortion If They Are Stationed Where It Is Banned
VIDEO: Cotton Said That Women In The Military Who Were Stationed Where Abortion Was Banned Should Have To Take Leave In Order To Obtain The Procedure. According to Fox Broadcasting Co. via YouTube, “COTTON: The military should not be paying for abortion tourism. HOST: So what should women who are in uniform in a place where they cannot access an abortion because they are there on orders, what should they do? COTTON: Well if they want to take that step, they have 30 days of annual leave.” [Fox Broadcasting Co. via YouTube, 7/16/23]
The Pentagon Announced It Would Provide Funds And Support For Members Of The Military Who Sought Abortion Care, But Were Stationed In States Where The Procedure Was Illegal. According to the Associated Press, “The Pentagon will provide travel funds and support for troops and their dependents who seek abortions but are based in states where they are now illegal, according to a new department policy released Thursday. The military will also increase privacy protections for those seeking care. The order issued by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin outlines the rights and protections service members and their dependents will have regardless of where they are based, which was a key concern of troops after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.” [Associated Press, 10/20/22]
Cotton Supported Tommy Tuberville’s Decision To Hold Up Military Promotions Over The Defense Department’s Policy On Abortion Care. According to Yellowhammer, “Tuberville, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee, wants the administration to rescind its policy of paying for travel expenses for servicemembers seeking an abortion in a state where it’s still legal. U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), who also has a seat on the Armed Services Committee, said on Fox News Sunday that Biden is the one to blame for the current standoff. ‘[I]f the secretary of Defense and the president think this is a readiness issue and they want to find the responsible party, they should look in the mirror,’ Cotton said. ‘They’re the ones who are violating the law and using taxpayer funds to pay for abortion tourism.’ [...] Cotton said the administration should stop its abortion policy if they want the holds to be lifted. ‘Well it should end with (Defense Secretary) Lloyd Austin and Joe Biden agreeing to follow the law and rescinding their policy,’ he said. ‘… If Lloyd Austin and Joe Biden think this is a threat to our national security, the simplest thing to do would be to revert to the same practices we have had for decades.’” [Yellowhammer, 7/17/23]
Cotton Supported Legislation And Legal Action To Provide Big Carve-Outs For Corporations To Deny Contraception Coverage
2013: Cotton Voted To Add A Provision Allowing Employers To Opt-Out For A Year From The ACA’s Requirement That Employer-Provided Health Insurance Cover Women’s Preventative Care, Including Contraception, To Legislation That Would Have Prevented A Government Shutdown. In September 2013, Cotton voted to amend a proposed continuing appropriations resolution that would have funded the federal government through November 15, 2013, by adding a provision that, according to CNN, was a “so-called ‘conscience clause,’” which “would allow employers and insurers to opt out of preventative care for women which they find objectionable on moral or religious grounds. That prominently includes birth control, which most insurers are required to provide for free under current Obamacare rules. […] With this move, House Republican leaders would give any employer or group health plan the ability to opt out of contraception coverage for the next year.” The other provisions, according to Congressional Quarterly, would have “delay[ed] for one year implementation of any provision of the 2010 health care overhaul that would take effect between Oct. 1, 2013, and Dec. 31, 2014, including the individual mandate and the imposition or increase of specified taxes and fees, […] bar[red] appropriations and transfers from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Fund, […] [and] set the expiration date for the continuing appropriations to Dec. 15, 2013.” The vote was on a motion to concur, with a further amendment, to the Senate’s amendment to the continuing resolution that the House had passed 10 days earlier. The House agreed to the motion by a vote of 231 to 192. The Senate later rejected the House’s proposed amendment. [House Vote 498, 9/29/13; Congress.gov, H.J.Res. 59; Congressional Quarterly, 9/29/13; CNN, 9/28/13; Congressional Actions, H.J. Res. 59]
2013: Cotton Co-Sponsored A Bill That Would Allow A Religious Exemption From Affordable Care Act Requirements For Those With Religious Beliefs That Would Cause Them To Object To Medical Health Care Provided Under Insurance Coverage. On July 9th, 2013, Cotton co-sponsored H.R. 1814. According to Congressional Research Service, the bill would “amend[]the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to minimum essential health care coverage requirements added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, to allow an additional religious exemption from such requirements for individuals whose sincerely held religious beliefs would cause them to object to medical health care provided under such coverage.” The bill was introduced on April 26th, 2013, and no additional substantive action was taken. [H.R. 1814, 4/26/13]
Cotton Supported The Hobby Lobby Owners’ Legal Challenge To The ACA Over Contraceptive Coverage
Cotton Praised Hobby Lobby President Steve Green And Family For “Living Their Faith” By Challenging The Affordable Care Act. According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “About 500 people turned out Friday to hear Hobby Lobby President Steve Green speak at the mayor’s annual prayer breakfast, but candidates for top Arkansas offices turned out to see the crowd. Showing up at the 43rd annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at the Fort Smith Holiday Inn were gubernatorial candidates Democrat Mike Ross and Republican Asa Hutchinson; Republican senatorial candidate 4th District U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton; Republican attorney general candidate Leslie Rutledge of Little Rock; and Republican lieutenant governor candidate 2nd District U.S. Rep. Tim Griffin. […] Green didn’t mention the ruling during his 30-minute speech. Others, such as Cotton, praised the Green family for living their faith and standing up for their religious convictions in challenging the Obama administration in court.” [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 7/19/14]
Cotton Praised The Supreme Court Ruling In Favor Of Hobby Lobby
Cotton Called Hobby Lobby Ruling “A Win For Religious Liberty” Adding, “Obamacare Unconstitutionally Forces Some People Of Faith To Violate The Precepts Of Their Faith.” According to a press release by Tom Cotton, “U.S. Senate candidate Tom Cotton released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. ‘This ruling is a win for religious liberty. Obamacare unconstitutionally forces some people of faith to violate the precepts of their faith. President Obama has fought the ability of overtly religious institutions like church charities and broadcasters to exercise their deeply held religious convictions. President Obama may believe that a person’s faith should be hidden under a bushel, but I believe it is inseparable from his or her identity. We cannot have equality in America if we are not all equally allowed to exercise and act on our religious convictions.’ ‘Senator Mark Pryor should be ashamed that he voted for Obamacare, which undermines and restricts religious liberty. Senator Pryor wasn’t working for Arkansas when he voted for this unconstitutional law; he was working for President Obama.’” [Press Release – Tom Cotton, 6/30/14]
A Cotton Fundraising Email Praised Hobby Lobby Decision. According to an email from Tom Cotton for U.S. Senate, “Today the Supreme Court handed down the Hobby Lobby decision, declaring that the government cannot infringe on our religious freedom. The case was won by a narrow 5-4 decision. Those Justices were approved by the U.S. Senate, so now more than ever you see how important it is that we take back the Senate. Senator Pryor rubber-stamped Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor. One more Justice, and we’ll be in big trouble. Do you really want another Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Of course not! The fundraising deadline is at midnight, so you still have a few hours to chip in $10 to help us take back the Senate from Harry Reid and Barack Obama - but please act as quickly as possible!” [Email – Tom Cotton for U.S. Senate, 7/1/14]
2021: Cotton Co-Sponsored Parental Notification Legislation, Which Would Require A Parental Notification For A Minor Seeking Abortion. According to Congress.gov, Cotton co-sponsored the “Parental Notification and Intervention Act,” which would restrict the performance of an abortion on an unemancipated minor under 18 years of age. Specifically, it prohibits a person or organization from performing, facilitating, or assisting with an abortion on an unemancipated minor without first complying with certain requirements, including parental notification and a 96-hour waiting period. It establishes penalties—a fine, up to one year in prison, or both—for each willful violation. A parent who is required to be notified of an abortion of an unemancipated minor may sue in federal court to prohibit the abortion. Parental notification requirements may be waived in a medical emergency or in a case of physical abuse.” [Congress.gov, S. 294, 2/8/21]
NYCLU: Parental Notification Laws “Increase The Risk That Minors Will Suffer Harm Or Abuse, Avoid Or Delay Seeking Necessary Care.” According to the NYCLU, “It is well documented in public health studies and in court rulings that parental involvement laws are bad public health policy because they increase the risk that minors will suffer harm or abuse, avoid or delay seeking necessary care, and/or seek out more dangerous alternatives in order to avoid involving their parents.” [NYCLU, 6/4/08]
2019: Cotton Sponsored The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. According to Cotton’s official Twitter, “Proud to be sponsoring @SenSasse’s bill the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Senate should pass this bill unanimously and send to the President to sign.” [Twitter, @SenTomCotton, 1/31/19]
2021: Cotton Effectively Voted For An Amendment That Would Create Penalties For Health Care Providers Who Do Not Provide The Same Medical Treatment To An Infant Who Survived An Abortion As Babies Born At The Same Gestational Age. In February 2021, Cotton voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, the “motion to waive all applicable sections of the Congressional Budget Act with respect to the Durbin, D-Ill., point of order that the Sasse amendment no. 192 amendment is not germane and thus violates section 305(b)(2) of the Budget Act. The amendment would create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation related to improving health care, including legislation to establish criminal and civil penalties for health care providers who do not provide the same degree of medical care for an infant who survives an abortion procedure as would be provided to another infant born at the same gestational age.” The vote was on a motion to waive. The Senate rejected the motion, failing to acquire 3/5 of the vote, by a vote of 52-48. [Senate Vote 23, 2/4/21; Congressional Quarterly, 2/4/21; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt 192; Congressional Actions, S.Con.Res. 5]
2019: Cotton Effectively Voted For The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. In February 2019, Cotton effectively voted for a bill that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, “require health care practitioners to provide medical care to any infant that survives an abortion procedure, to the extent legally required for any infant born at the same gestational age.” The vote was on a motion to invoke cloture, which required 60 affirmative votes. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 53 to 44. [Senate Vote 27, 2/25/19; Congressional Quarterly, 2/25/19; Congressional Actions, S. 311]
Vox: “Reproductive Rights And Physician Groups Say The Bill Could Criminalize Doctors And Is Unnecessary.” According to Vox, “The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday is hearing testimony on a bill that would put in place requirements for the care of infants born after failed abortions — and could send doctors to prison if they fail to comply […] But reproductive rights and physician groups say the bill could criminalize doctors and is unnecessary — not only because a live birth after an abortion attempt is an extremely unlikely scenario but also because laws already exist to protect an infant in this instance anyway. ‘The bill maligns and vilifies providers and patients to push a false narrative about abortion later in pregnancy,’ Dr. Kristyn Brandi, a board member of Physicians for Reproductive Health, told Vox in an email last year.” [Vox, 2/25/19]
Abortions Later In Pregnancy Are Very Rare, And Are Not Requested By Patients In Labors. According to Vox, “Abortions in the third trimester are very rare: Just 1.4 percent of all abortions take place at 21 weeks or beyond, according to Planned Parenthood. The situation described in the Virginia committee hearing simply doesn’t come up, Brandi said — ‘patients do not request abortion when they are in labor and doctors do not provide it.’” [Vox, 2/25/19]
Protections Exist For Babies Born After An Attempted Abortion. According to Vox, “Even if a child were to be born after an abortion attempt, she said, laws already exist to protect the baby. In 2002, Congress passed the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which guaranteed full legal rights to infants born at any stage of development. That bill, which passed with bipartisan support, did not include criminal penalties for doctors and did not impose specific requirements on medical care.” [Vox, 2/25/19]
2021: Cotton Voted For An Amendment That Would Prohibit Funding For Down Syndrome Abortions Or Other Chromosomal Conditions. In August 2021, Cotton voted for an amendment which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, “create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation related to improving health programs, including to prohibit funding for abortions of unborn children with Down syndrome or other chromosomal conditions.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 49-50. [Senate Vote 350, 8/11/21; Congressional Quarterly, 8/11/21; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 3331; Congressional Actions, S.Con.Res.14]
2019: Cotton Introduced The Down Syndrome Discrimination By Abortion Prohibition Act, Which Would Prohibit Abortions On Fetuses Diagnosed With Down Syndrome. According to Cotton’s official press release, “Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today joined Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) and 12 colleagues in introducing the Down Syndrome Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act, which would prohibit abortion of unborn babies who have been diagnosed with Down syndrome. Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. […] ‘Babies with disabilities deserve our love and protection. But sadly, many of these babies don't even get a chance at life. Protecting unborn babies diagnosed with Down syndrome moves us closer to a society that respects life in all forms and all stages,’ Cotton said.” [Sen. Tom Cotton Press Release, 10/30/19]
Cotton Urged The Supreme Court To Uphold Arkansas’ Abortion Law Which Would Prohibit Abortions When The Fetus Has Been Diagnosed With Down Syndrome
2021: Cotton Filed An Amicus Brief Urging The Supreme Court To Uphold Arkansas Abortion Law Which Would Prohibit Abortions On Children Diagnosed With Mental Disabilities. According to Cotton’s official press release, “Today, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA) filed an amicus brief in Little Rock Planning Services v. Rutledge urging the court to uphold Arkansas’s law to protect unborn babies with Down syndrome. […] ‘Our society has an obligation to protect the most vulnerable, including unborn babies with disabilities. Arkansas' law seeks to protect babies with Down syndrome from modern-day eugenicists who want to end their lives, simply because of their disability. We stand with Arkansas and the unborn, and we will fight to uphold this law at the Supreme Court,’ said Cotton.” [Sen. Tom Cotton Press Release, 5/13/21]
Cotton Supported Legislation That Would Criminalize Sex-Selective Abortion
2013: Cotton Co-Sponsored A Bill Criminalizing Sex-Selective Abortion. On February 1st, 2013, Cotton co-sponsored H.R. 447. According to Congressional Research Service, the bill would “impose criminal penalties on anyone who knowingly or knowingly attempts to: (1) perform an abortion knowing that the abortion is sought based on the sex, gender, color or race of the child, or the race of a parent; (2) use force or the threat of force to intentionally injure or intimidate any person for the purpose of coercing a sex-selection or race-selection abortion; (3) solicit or accept funds for the performance of such an abortion; or (4) transport a woman into the United States or across a state line for the purpose of obtaining such an abortion.” The bill was introduced on February 1st, 2013, and no further substantive action was taken. [H.R. 447, 2/1/13]
Guttmacher: “While Disguised As A Means To Eliminate Gender Discrimination,” Bans Based On Reasons Like Genetic Make Up Or Sex “Make Abortion Less Accessible” And “Place A Burden On Providers.” According to Guttmacher, “Bans on sex-selective abortions place a burden on providers, who are forced to question each person’s reasons for seeking an abortion, and to second-guess and stigmatize Asian American patients and communities in particular. While disguised as a means to eliminate gender discrimination, these laws make abortion less accessible; they do not prohibit other sex selection methods, such as sperm sorting or preimplantation genetic diagnostics.” [Guttmacher, 8/31/23]
2017: Cotton Effectively Voted To Restrict Access To Private Insurance Plans That Provide Abortion Coverage. In July 2017, Cotton effectively voted for legislation that would have, according to Planned Parenthood, “restructured the tax credits in the underlying legislation in order to restrict coverage of abortion. This Strange Amendment was not about segregating federal funds from abortion – it was really about restricting access to safe and legal abortion. This proposal needlessly restricted women’s access to private plans that offer abortion coverage. Health plans participating in the Marketplace may already choose whether or not to offer coverage of abortion – unless state law prohibits or requires abortion coverage.” The underlying legislation was the legislative vehicle for Trumpcare. The vote was on a motion to waive all applicable budgetary discipline for the amendment, which required a three-fifths majority. The Senate rejected the motion, thereby defeating the amendment, by a vote of 50 to 50. [Senate Vote 174, 7/27/17; Planned Parenthood Action Congressional Scorecard, Accessed 5/1/18; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 389; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 267; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1628]
Cotton Supported Legislation To Prohibit Using Health Savings Account Funds To Pay For Abortion Care
2014: Cotton Voted To Bar Someone From Using Their Health Savings Account Funds To Pay For An Abortion, Except In The Case Of Rape, Incest Or A Threat To The Mother’s Life. In April 2014, Cotton voted for the Republican Study Committee’s proposed budget resolution for fiscal years 2015 to 2024. According to the Republican Study Committee, their budget would “[i]mplement real patient-centered health care reform that would lower costs and improve access with the RSC's American Health Care Reform Act.” According to the RSC’s section-by-section description of the AHCRA, section 251 of the bill “[p]rohibits HSA funds from being used to pay for abortions, except in the case of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is threatened.” The House considered the RSC budget as a substitute amendment to House Republicans’ FY 2015 budget resolution; the amendment was rejected by a vote of 133 to 291. [House Vote 175, 4/10/14; Republican Study Committee, 4/7/14; Republican Study Committee, 9/17/13]
Cotton Supported Legislation The Would Require Plans On The ACA Exchanges To Disclose Abortion Coverage
2013: Cotton Co-Sponsored Legislation Requiring That Health Care Plans On Affordable Care Act Exchanges Disclose Abortion Coverage And Abortion Surcharges. On October 9th, 2013, Cotton co-sponsored HR 3279. According to a press release by Rep. Diane Black (R-TN), “With the exchanges of the ‘Affordable Care Act’ (AKA ‘Obamacare’) activated this month, it has become evident that it is nearly impossible for individuals to try to determine which exchange plans on their state or federal exchange, if any, exclude abortion. U.S. Reps. Diane Black (TN-06) and Chris Smith (NJ-04) unveiled their legislation, H.R. 3279, the ‘Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act’ —cosponsored by 70 other Members of the House—to ensure full disclosure of abortion coverage, requiring prominent and transparent disclosure of abortion coverage for each plan offered on an exchange. This is crucial information for millions of Americans since the many plans that include elective abortion are required by law to impose a monthly mandatory abortion surcharge. Many Americans object to paying a surcharge into a fund to be used solely for the purpose of aborting unborn babies.” As of December 9th, 2013, the bill was referred to the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and no further action was taken. [HR 3279, 10/9/13; Diane Black Press Release, 10/10/13]
2013: Cotton Co-Sponsored A Bill That Would Declare That Nothing In The Affordable Care Act Would Require An Individual To Purchase Individual Insurance Coverage That Includes Abortion Coverage Or Coverage Of Another Service To Which The Person Objects On Religious Grounds. On May 6th, 2013, Cotton co-sponsored H.R. 940. According to Congressional Research Service, the bill would “amend[]title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to declare that nothing in such title shall require an individual to purchase individual health insurance coverage that includes coverage of an abortion or other item or service to which the individual has a moral or religious objection, or prevent an issuer from offering or issuing, to that individual, individual coverage excluding such item or service.” The bill was introduced on March 4th, 2013, and no further substantive action was taken. [H.R. 940, 3/4/13]
2023: Cotton Effectively Voted To Disapprove A Veterans Affairs Rule That Allowed For VA Coverage Of Abortion Counseling And Abortion Services In Cases Of Rape, Incest Or When The Life Of The Mother Were Endangered. In April 2023, according to Congressional Quarterly, Cotton voted for the “motion to proceed to the joint resolution that would provide for congressional disapproval of the September 2022 Veterans Affairs Department rule that reversed longstanding VA regulations excluding medical benefit coverage for abortion counseling and procedures. The rule allows for coverage of abortion counseling and for coverage of abortions in cases of rape or incest, or when the life of the pregnant beneficiary would be endangered by carrying the pregnancy to term, under veterans' TRICARE medical benefits and the VA's Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA). The rule took effect on Sept. 9, 2022. Under the measure, the rule would have no force or effect.” The vote was on a motion to proceed. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 48 to 51. [Senate Vote 90, 4/19/23; Congressional Quarterly, 4/19/23; Congressional Actions, S.J. Res. 10]
Cotton Voted To Restrict Title X Funding For Counseling And Referrals Related To Abortion Services
2022: Cotton Effectively Voted To Disapprove An October 2021 HHS Rule That Removed Restrictions On Title X Funding For Counseling And Referrals Related To Abortion Services And Made Several Modifications To The Family Planning Program, Including To Advance Health Equity And Expand Access To Contraceptives. In April 2022, according to Congressional Quarterly, Cotton voted for the “motion to proceed to the joint resolution that would provide for congressional disapproval of the October 2021 Health and Human Services Department rule related to the Title X family planning program. The 2021 rule took effect on November 8, 2021, and removed restrictions on Title X funding for counseling and referrals related to abortion services, which were imposed by a March 2019 rule. It also made several modifications to the family planning program, including provisions related to updated standards of care, client-centered approaches, advancing health equity, and expanding individuals' access to a range of Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive methods. Under the measure, the October rule would have no force or effect, and Trump-era restrictions and standards under the 2019 rule would be effectively reinstated.” The vote was on a motion to proceed. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 49-49. [Senate Vote 140, 4/27/22; Congressional Quarterly, 4/27/22; Congressional Actions, S.J. Res. 41]
2013: Cotton Co-Sponsored The Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act, Which Would Eliminate Public Funding For Any Family-Planning Organization That Performs Abortions. On January 14, 2013, Cotton became a co-sponsor of H.R. 61, the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act. According to the Congressional Research Service, the bill “Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Service (HHS) from providing any federal family planning assistance to an entity unless the entity certifies that, during the period of such assistance, the entity will not perform, and will not provide any funds to any other entity that performs, an abortion. Excludes an abortion where: (1) the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest; or (2) a physician certifies that the woman suffered from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would place the woman in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy. Excludes hospitals from such requirement so long as the hospital does not provide funds to any non-hospital entity that performs an abortion.” On January 3, 2013, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. [H.R. 61, 1/3/13]
Cotton Voted To Prohibit Federal Funds To States And Localities That Penalize Entities That Do Not Cover Abortions
2021: Cotton Voted For An Amendment That Would Prohibit Federal Funding For Abortion Services Or Prohibit Federal Funds To States And Localities That Penalize Entities That Do Not Cover Abortions. In August 2021, Cotton voted for an amendment which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, “create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow for legislation related to improving health programs, including to prohibit federal funding for abortions or federal funding to state or local governments that discriminate against entities that do not provide, cover or refer for abortions, consistent with the Hyde and Weldon amendments.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The Senate adopted the amendment by a vote of 50-49. [Senate Vote 336, 8/10/21; Congressional Quarterly, 8/10/21; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 3792; Congressional Actions, S.Con.Res.14]
Cotton Supported Legislation That Would Ban Federal Funds To Universities Affiliated With Services Who Provide Abortions
2021: Cotton Co-Sponsored Legislation That Would Ban Federal Funds To Universities That Host Or Were Affiliated With Services Who Provide Abortion Drugs Or Abortions. According to Congress.gov Cotton co-sponsored the “Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2021, which would prohibit “Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2021 “the award of federal funds to an institution of higher education (IHE) that hosts or is affiliated with a school-based service site that provides abortion drugs or abortions to its students or to employees of the IHE or the site. An IHE that hosts or is affiliated with a site must, in order to remain eligible for federal funds, annually certify that the site does not provide abortion drugs or abortions to students or employees.” [Congress.gov, S.2408, 7/21/21]
Cotton Voted To Prohibit Using American Rescue Plan Act Funds For Abortion Services
2021: Cotton Effectively Voted For An Amendment That Would Prohibit Using American Rescue Plan Act Funds For Abortion Services. In March 2021, according to Congressional Quarterly, Cotton voted for the “motion to waive all applicable sections of the Congressional Budget Act with respect to the Murray, D-Wash., point of order that the Lankford amendment no. 1031 to the Schumer, D-N.Y., substitute amendment no. 891 to the bill is not germane and thus violates section 313(b)(1)(d) of the Congressional Budget Act. The amendment would make conforming changes to insert the bill's provisions related to public health programs and domestic violence prevention and support programs into the December 2020 omnibus appropriations and coronavirus relief law, which would prohibit the use of funds for abortion services.” The vote was on a motion to waive. The Senate failed to acquire a 3/5 majority and rejected the motion by a vote of 52-47. [Senate Vote 94, 3/6/21; Congressional Quarterly, 3/6/21; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 1031; Congressional Actions, S.Amdt. 891; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1319]
Cotton Signed A Letter Vowing To Vote Against Any Legislation Which Would “Eliminate” Or “Weaken” The Hyde amendment
2021: Cotton Joined Senators In A Letter To Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, To Vote Against Any Legislation Which Would Eliminate Or Weaken The Hyde Amendment. According to a letter released by Sen. Marco Rubio and signed by Cotton “We are united in our resolve to guard against any changes to Federal law that would unsettle nearly half a century of bipartisan consensus against taxpayer funding for abortion on demand, or otherwise threaten the lives of unborn children. Accordingly, we are committed to vote against the advancement of any legislation that would eliminate or weaken the Hyde Amendment or any other current-law pro-life protections, or otherwise undermine existing Federal pro-life policy.” [Sen. Marco Rubio, 2/5/21]
2019: Cotton Effectively Voted For Legislation Prohibiting Federal Funds From Funding Abortions Or Health Benefits Covering Abortions. In January 2019, Cotton effectively voted for a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “prohibit[ed] federal funds from being used to fund abortions or to fund health benefits covering abortions.” The vote was on a motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to the bill. The Senate rejected the motion, thereby defeating the bill, by a vote of 48 to 47. [Senate Vote 7, 1/17/19; Congressional Quarterly, 1/17/19; Congressional Actions, S. 109]
2014: Cotton Co-Sponsored A Bill That Would Prohibit The Expenditure Of Federal Funds For Any Abortion, Including Funds From Being Used For Health Benefits Coverage That Includes Abortion Coverage. On September 30th, 2013, Cotton co-sponsored HR 7, a bill that, according to the Congressional Research Service, would “prohibit the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law for any abortion. [Would] Prohibit[] federal funds from being used for any health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion.” The bill was reported to the Judiciary Committee on January 23, 2014, and no subsequent action was taken. [HR 7, 1/24/14]
No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion Act Would Change U.S. Tax Code To Establish That “Individuals May Only Deduct Medical Expenses Related To Abortion In Cases Of Rape, Incest Or Endangerment Of Life.” According to the Washington Post’s “She The People,” “But one thing the IRS probably isn’t very good at is deciding whether or not a woman has been raped. That’s why some provisions of the ‘No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act’ don’t make a whole lot of sense. H.R. 7, which is sponsored by Rep. Christopher Smith (R-N.J.), would change the tax code so that individuals may only deduct medical expenses related to abortion in cases of rape, incest or endangerment of life.” [Washington Post, 1/22/14]
Bill Would Empower IRS To Investigate Whether A Woman Had Improperly Attempted To Deduct Medical Expenses For An Abortion That Did Not Result From Rape, Incest Or To Save The Life Of The Mother. According to the Washington Post’s “She The People,” “That provision seems pretty innocuous until you stop and ask: Who’s supposed to decide when a medical expense is related to a pregnancy caused by rape or incest? Supporters of H.R. 7 — the bill has 164 co-sponsors, including 11 women and four Democrats — would give that authority to the Internal Revenue Service. Yes, that’s right. The same organization that has been vilified for targeting certain organizations with “tea party” or “patriot” in their names to help determine whether they qualify for tax-exempt status will be able to target individuals to make sure that they’re not improperly claiming deductions for an abortion that wasn’t due to rape, incest or to save the mother’s life.” [Washington Post, 1/22/14]
Bill Would Grant IRS “The Authority To Ask A Woman To Prove That She’s Been Raped.” According to the Washington Post’s “She The People,” “Should the Internal Revenue Service have the authority to ask a woman to prove that she’s been raped?” [Washington Post, 1/22/14]
Cotton Voted To Prevent Zika Funding From Being Used To Pay For Abortions
2016: Cotton Effectively Voted For An FY 2017 Military Construction And Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill Which Also Provided $1.1 Billion In Zika Funding, $800 Million Less Than Requested While Also Stipulating That No Funding Could Be Used To Pay For Abortions. In September 2016, Cotton effectively voted for an FY 2017 military construction and veterans affairs conference report which would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, “provide[d] $82.5 billion in fiscal 2017 appropriations for the Veterans Affairs Department, military construction and military housing and would provide $1.1 billion in funding to combat the Zika virus with about $750 million in offsets.” The vote was on a motion to invoke cloture, which required 60 affirmative votes. The Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 52 to 46. [Senate Vote 135, 9/6/16; Congressional Quarterly, 6/28/16; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2577]
Cotton Voted To Prevent Federal Funds For Domestic Trafficking Victims From Being Used To Pay For Most Abortion Services
2015: Cotton Effectively Voted For Expanding The “Hyde Amendment” To Prevent Federal Funds In A Domestic Trafficking Victims’ Fund From Being Used To Pay For Most Abortion Services. In April 2015, Cotton voted against an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, “remove[d] a provision in the bill that would state that amounts in the Domestic Trafficking Victims’ Fund would be subject to limitations in the fiscal 2014 consolidated appropriations law prohibiting money appropriated under the law from being spent on abortions, except for cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is in danger, to the same extent as if the money from the fund was appropriated under that law.” According to Planned Parenthood, the underlying bill, which established the Domestic Trafficking Victims’ Fund that provided additional resources to survivors of human trafficking “ma[d]e permanent a prohibition of federal tax dollars from being used to pay for access to abortion care - a restrictive and harmful policy commonly referred to as the Hyde amendment.” The vote was on the amendment. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 43 to 55. [Senate Vote 156, 4/22/15; Congressional Quarterly, 4/22/15; Planned Parenthood, 2016 Congressional Scorecard; Congressional Actions, S. Amdt. 301; Congressional Actions, S. 178]
Cotton Co-Sponsored The Republican Study Committee Health Care Plan That Would Have Limited Abortion Funding
2013: Cotton Co-Sponsored The Republican Study Committee Health Care Plan. According to the National Review, “Either way, the notion that Republicans have no plan to replace Obamacare is news to Representative Tom Price (R., Ga.), who in June introduced a comprehensive alternative health-care plan — for the third time since 2009. It was originally introduced as the Obamacare alternative from the conservative Republican Study Committee (RSC), which Price chaired at the time. The 250-page legislation, known as the Empowering Patients First Act, has yet to receive a vote in the House, but currently has 32 co-sponsors, including Representatives Michele Bachmann (R., Minn.), Tim Huelskamp (R., Kans.), Jeb Hensarling (R., Texas), and Tom Cotton (R., Ark.).” [National Review, 8/16/13]
Empowering Patients First Act Would Have Limited Abortion Funding. According to the Washington Examiner, “The Empowering Patients First Act that was introduced on July 30, 2009, by Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., would first repeal Obamacare and replace it with a ‘patient-centered’ solution that would: […] limit abortion funding.” [Washington Examiner, 12/3/13]