U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and a group of congressional colleagues have called on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to rescind a rule from the Biden administration that allows abortion services at VA facilities. In a letter addressed to VA Secretary Doug Collins, the lawmakers argued that the rule was unconstitutional and not supported by existing law.
The letter stated: “VA facilities should be empowered to provide the American veteran community with the best health care possible. The Biden rule conflated health care with abortion services, a practice that poses significant medical risks for pregnant women and directly intends to end the life of the second patient, the unborn child.”
It continued: “The Biden rule was an unconstitutional overreach that was not authorized by clear statutory authority. Congress passed the Veterans Healthcare Act of 1992, which specifically prohibits VA from providing abortion services unless a medical emergency presents a threat to the life of the mother.”
The signatories also referenced federal funding restrictions on abortion, noting: “This governing law is reinforced by the longstanding traditional Hyde Amendment protections of federal tax dollars from supporting the abortion industry, a policy brought to the forefront by President Trump during the first week of his second term in office. As Senators and Members of Congress who value the inherent dignity of every human life, at every stage of life, we are grateful to see President Trump’s VA return to genuine and lawful health care practices.”
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) led this effort alongside other senators including James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ted Budd (R-NC), Todd Young (R-IN), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and 58 members of the House.
The letter supports Secretary Collins’ proposed rule that would overturn an earlier regulation implemented under former VA Secretary Denis McDonough. That previous rule had allowed broader access to abortion services at VA facilities under certain circumstances.
According to Cornyn’s office, returning VA policies in line with existing laws is seen as part of broader deregulation efforts under President Donald J. Trump’s administration.
John Cornyn has been re-elected multiple times as U.S. Senator for Texas, winning against MJ Hegar in 2020 with 53.5% of votes compared to Hegar’s 43.9%, defeating David Alameel in 2014 with 61.6% versus Alameel’s 34.3%, prevailing over Ron Kirk in 2002 with 55% against Kirk’s 43%, and beating Rick Noriega in 2008 with 54.8% compared to Noriega’s 42.8%.
