Lafayette Reporter

Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) have introduced the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act in an effort to safeguard the funding for crisis pregnancy centers. This bill comes in response to a proposed rule by President Joe Biden's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would limit states' ability to allocate Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding to these centers.

Kennedy expressed concerns about the potential consequences of Biden's proposed rule, stating that it would result in the loss of TANF funding for crisis pregnancy centers in Louisiana and other states. He emphasized the importance of these centers in providing essential care to expecting mothers and their families. Kennedy asserted, "The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act ensures that these important community resources continue to get the money they need to keep their doors open for vulnerable women and babies."

Scott also joined Kennedy in voicing support for crisis pregnancy centers, highlighting their significant contributions in assisting mothers and their children in need. He questioned the motive behind stripping funding from these centers, suggesting that it may be politically driven. Scott stated, "I'm proud to join this effort to allow crisis pregnancy centers to continue doing the Lord's work and providing hope for families struggling to make ends meet."

The bill introduced by Kennedy and Scott has gained traction in the House of Representatives as well. Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.) introduced companion legislation, which passed by a 214-208 vote.

The TANF program is crucial in providing direct cash assistance and support services to financially disadvantaged families, with a federal funding allocation of $16.5 billion. The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act seeks to ensure that the federal government cannot impede the use of TANF funds for crisis pregnancy centers.

It is important to note that this bill does not aim to block the implementation of the Biden administration's rule. Rather, it intends to prevent biased regulatory changes by the HHS that would negatively impact crisis pregnancy centers.

In addition to Kennedy and Scott, Senators Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) have cosponsored the legislation, demonstrating broad support within the Senate.

Furthermore, various organizations have expressed their backing for the bill, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, National Right to Life, Americans United for Life, and Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee.

The full text of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act can be accessed here.

This legislation serves as a response to the proposed rule by President Biden's HHS, aiming to protect the funding for crisis pregnancy centers and ensure that they can continue providing vital care and support to expecting mothers and their families. With growing support from lawmakers and organizations, the future of crisis pregnancy centers and the assistance they provide remains a topic of interest and concern.