The anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has announced it will negatively score cosigners of a discharge petition designed to trigger a vote on legislation extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits.
At least six Republican representatives have signed the petition, authored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine).
In a letter sent to lawmakers Wednesday, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser stated: “We have vigorously opposed any Obamacare subsidy funding without Hyde protections.”
She further clarified that Discharge Petition No. 12 would compel a vote on H.R. 6501—a health care plan entirely unprotected by the Hyde Amendment—whereby Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America strongly opposes and will score against this discharge petition.
The Hyde Amendment prohibits federal funding for abortions. Fitzpatrick’s bill contains no provisions addressing abortion.
In a press release, Fitzpatrick described his legislation as advancing “five reforms designed to protect affordability, strengthen accountability, and ensure taxpayer value.” He emphasized: “Filing this discharge petition ensures the House will have the opportunity—and obligation—to vote. Every member must decide whom they serve: the people or the politics.”
He added: “We can prevent this—and we must. If 217 of my colleagues are willing to join me in putting constituents first, we can protect working- and middle-class families from a catastrophic crisis.”
The Republicans joining Fitzpatrick in signing the discharge petition include Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), who indicated he planned to sign, Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-Va.), along with Reps. Lawler, Mackenzie, and David Valadao (R-Calif.).
Dannenfelser noted that the negative score will be reflected on members’ profiles through the Scorecard—a tool that grades lawmakers based on their votes, cosponsorships, and legislative actions related to protecting the unborn. High scores indicate consistent support for pro-life policies.
