Backlash after Hyde falls in committee

People hold signs during a protest against recently passed abortion ban bills at the Georgia State Capitol building, on May 21, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Georgia "heartbeat" bill would ban abortion when a fetal heartbeat is detected. The Alabama abortion law, signed by Gov. Kay Ivey last week, includes no exceptions for cases of rape and incest, outlawing all abortions except when necessary to prevent serious health problems for the woman. Though women are exempt from criminal and civil liability, the new law punishes doctors for performing an abortion, making the procedure a Class A felony punishable by up to 99 years in prison. Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images

The decades-old Hyde Amendment took one step closer to falling Friday, as the House Appropriations Committee passed a funding bill for the fiscal year of 2022 without the controversial provision — which, if passed, would allow for the allocation of resources from the federal government to fund abortion procedures if the patient is on Medicaid. 

In a post-committee meeting summary, the appropriations committee said the current bill will advance the "equal treatment for women by increasing funding for the range of health services, including family planning, covered by Title X and repealing the discriminatory Hyde Amendment." 

The proposed amendment to preserve Hyde failed on a 27-32 vote. 

In the wake of the vote, a right-wing messaging campaign was in full swing, with the conservative media apparatus and politicians all hopping on board to decry the "radical" move.

Former Trump administration Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted, "Washington Democrats have launched an all-out assault on the right to life, and they believe YOU should fund abortions. Support H.R. 18 to make the Hyde Amendment permanent. #HydeSavesLives." 

Washington Democrats have launched an all-out assault on the right to life, and they believe YOU should fund abortions. Support H.R. 18 to make the Hyde Amendment permanent. #HydeSavesLives pic.twitter.com/X8NxS42i1Z

— Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) July 15, 2021

Other right-wing and conservative voices chimed in as well, many using the hashtag "#HydeSavesLives." 

Top-ranking House Republican lawmaker Steve Scalise joined in on the outrage: "For 40+ years, the Hyde Amendment has made sure taxpayer money doesn't fund abortion-on-demand—and it's always had bipartisan support. But now Democrats are working hard to eliminate it completely. That's how radical they've become," he stated. "Disgusting. #HydeSavesLives"

For 40+ years the Hyde Amendment has made sure taxpayer money doesn’t fund abortion-on-demand—and it’s always had bipartisan support.

But now Democrats are working hard to eliminate it completely. That’s how radical they’ve become.

Disgusting.#HydeSavesLives

— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) July 15, 2021

Others, including GOP Senator Tim Scott, South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem, and numerous others, further fumed over the Hyde Amendment's failure to pass alongside the appropriations bill:  

🚨 BREAKING → Democrats just voted to allow taxpayer-funding of abortions and force health workers to participate.

For 44 years, both parties have agreed the Hyde Amendment is the law of the land. Today the Democrat Party has shown just how radical they have become.

— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) July 15, 2021

“All men are created equal” applies to preborn lives, too. The Hyde Amendment protects the preborn from taxpayer-funded abortion. But Democrats in Congress are trying to eliminate it. Call your representatives and Senators. Urge them to support the Hyde Amendment. #HydeSavesLives pic.twitter.com/oqWsmcoXTj

— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) July 15, 2021

Taxpayer dollars shouldn’t be used to pay for abortions. That’s why I proudly support the Hyde Amendment. #HydeSavesLives

— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) July 15, 2021

I sent a letter to Leaders McCarthy and McConnell calling on them to reject any budget legislation that doesn't defend the Hyde Amendment.

We must continue the fight to restore Hyde!#HydeSavesLives pic.twitter.com/ByRFfGBcTW

— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) July 15, 2021

Every budget for the last 45 years has included the life-saving, bipartisan Hyde Amendment — and this year’s budget should be no different.

Taxpayers should NEVER be forced to fund abortions. pic.twitter.com/BZO9bKt9RQ

— Rep. Liz Cheney (@RepLizCheney) July 15, 2021

For more than 40 years, the Hyde amendment has ensured that American tax dollars are not used to fund abortions, resulting in nearly 2.5 million lives saved. This year, Democrats have stripped this protection from the appropriations bill. Congress must Hyde. #HydeSavesLives pic.twitter.com/FPMhqGsL3q

— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) July 15, 2021

Taxpayer dollars should never go to abortion. I’m proud to join @SBAList in holding Joe Biden accountable and protecting the Hyde Amendment. A baby’s right to live is the most basic right there is. #HydeSavesLiveshttps://t.co/T3H2MxZV7p pic.twitter.com/bqlT8Eb2K4

— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) July 15, 2021