In massive spending bill, pro-life amendments preserved, but Planned Parenthood still gets millions (CNA)

The House and Senate have passed a $1.5-trillion budget bill that includes the Hyde, Weldon, and Helms amendments.

The Hyde amendment prohibits federal funding of most abortions in the US; the Weldon amendment prohibits discrimination against pro-life healthcare entities; and the Helms amendment prohibits the funding of abortions internationally.

“We applaud Congress for including provisions in the omnibus appropriations package that uphold the sacred dignity of human life and will support and assist many vulnerable people here and abroad,” the chairman of five US bishops’ committees said in a joint statement that also welcomed other provisions of the bill, including assistance to Ukrainian refugees, critical humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian and other refugees, “improvements to maternal health care ... affordable housing and food security, [and] environmental provisions.”