Shenango Valley News

U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA) and the Ways & Means Committee have advanced the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, a crucial legislation aimed at blocking a proposed rule by the Biden administration. This rule could potentially prohibit states from providing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to pregnancy centers that support both the mother and unborn child.

The bill, introduced by Representatives Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Chris Smith (R-NJ), seeks to protect life-saving pregnancy resource centers from being unfairly targeted. Rep. Kelly expressed his support for the legislation, stating, "This legislation ensures mothers and their child will continue to receive help in their most critical moments. Congress has an obligation to stand up for pregnant women and preserve their access to maternal care."

The markup of the bill took place ahead of the annual March For Life, a rally in Washington, D.C. that attracts hundreds of thousands of pro-life activists each year. The proposed rule, if implemented, would have detrimental effects on pregnant women, depriving them of essential maternal services necessary for the health of both the mother and unborn child.

Pregnancy centers across the country, numbering 2,700, provide vital services such as diapers, food, prenatal care, and parenting classes to expectant mothers. The bipartisan law that established TANF aimed to prioritize state flexibility. However, the proposed rule violates the letter of the law and disregards Congress's intent by imposing restrictions on the use of TANF funds. Rep. Kelly emphasizes that the responsibility to improve and change TANF lies with Congress, not unelected federal bureaucrats.

The Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act aims to protect the rights and well-being of pregnant women and ensure their access to necessary support. By blocking the Biden administration's proposed rule, the legislation safeguards the vital services provided by pregnancy resource centers.

To learn more about the bill, you can access the full text here. Additionally, a speech by Rep. Kelly during the markup of the legislation can be watched here.