WASHINGTON—Today, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson released the following statement on the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding of elective abortions. Congressman Simpson has long advocated against taxpayer-funded abortions and recently cosponsored three pro-life bills, reaffirming his commitment to protecting the unborn. 

“The Hyde Amendment has saved millions of precious American lives for fifty years,” said Rep. Simpson. “There is no right in the Constitution to force me, or anyone else who believes that abortion is morally wrong, to take money from my pocket and fund abortions. I am unapologetically pro-life, and I will continue to support legislation that recognizes the sanctity of human life and supports mothers.”

Details on the pro-life bills are below:

• H.R. 7 - No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Full Disclosure Act. This legislation permanently applies the Hyde principle to all federal funding and requires clear disclosure of abortion coverage in health plans.
• H.R. 6466 - Forced Abortion Prevention and Accountability Act. This legislation creates federal penalties for giving abortion drugs to a woman without her informed consent and strengthens protections against coercion and abuse.
• H.R. 685 - SAVE Moms and Babies Act. This legislation reinstates key safety standards for abortion drugs, prevents mail‑order abortion and future abortion drug approvals.

Congressman Mike Simpson also signed a resolution recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Hyde Amendment. The resolution celebrates the estimated 2.6 million lives the Hyde Amendment has saved since first enacted on September 30, 1976.  It honors the enduring legacy of Rep. Hyde; recognizes the noble efforts of pro-life advocates, organizations, and Members of Congress who have worked to retain the Hyde Amendment in law for 5 decades; and reemphasizes the inherent dignity and worth of each unborn child. This resolution is sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ).