Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
House Democrats Vote To Rollback Trump Administration's Recent Restrictions On Fetal Tissue Research
The Hill: House Democrats Vote To Overturn Trump Ban On Fetal Tissue Research
House Democrats on Thursday voted to block the Trump administration’s recent ban on using federal funds to conduct medical research that relies on material collected from elective abortions. An amendment from Reps. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) and Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) to a broader health care spending package passed 225-193, largely along party lines. (Weixel, 6/13)
Stat: House Votes To Overturn Trump Administration Ban On Fetal Tissue Research
Democrats prevailed in a 225-193 vote divided roughly on party lines, slipping the amendment from Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) into a broader 2020 spending package. But the maneuver is largely symbolic. With the Senate controlled by Republicans and the White House steadfast in its opposition to the controversial research practice, President Trump is unlikely to sign into law a spending bill that overturns his administration’s own directive. The White House announced on June 5 it would no longer allow government scientists to use fetal tissue for biomedical research. (Facher and Thielking, 6/13)
In Case You Missed It: FAQ: How Does New Trump Fetal Tissue Policy Impact Medical Research?
Elsewhere on Capitol Hill —
The Hill: Democrats Roll Out Proposal Requiring Insurance To Cover OTC Birth Control
House and Senate Democrats rolled out a proposal Thursday that would require insurance companies to cover over-the-counter birth control at no cost to patients. The measure, introduced by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), would ensure birth control that is available to women without a prescription is covered by insurance companies. (Hellmann, 6/13)
