Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4672

Introduced
7/17/23  
Refer
7/17/23  

Caption

To amend title 40, United States Code, to prohibit the Administrator of General Services from constructing or acquiring public buildings or entering into leases based on the legality or availability of abortion, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4672 would fundamentally impact how federal construction projects and property acquisitions are conducted. By explicitly excluding abortion legality from consideration, federal agencies may face fewer restrictions based on local laws or culture regarding abortion. This could lead to a more consistent federal approach to infrastructure development, especially in regions where abortion laws differ significantly. Nonetheless, the bill raises questions about the appropriateness of federal intervention in matters that are often contentious and regulated at the state or local levels. Legislative debates may arise around the balance between federal oversight and local governance.

Summary

House Bill 4672 aims to amend Title 40 of the United States Code by prohibiting the Administrator of General Services from considering the legality or availability of abortion when constructing or acquiring public buildings, as well as when entering into lease agreements for federal properties. This bill seeks to establish a clear boundary regarding how federal property acquisition and construction decisions are influenced by state laws or societal norms surrounding abortion. It signifies a move to create a uniform standard that ensures abortion-related considerations do not play a role in federal actions concerning property management and building projects.

Contention

Notable contention surrounding HB 4672 includes the philosophical and moral implications of excluding abortion from federal decision-making. Supporters argue that the bill fosters impartiality and defends the principle of secular governance, ensuring that decisions about public spaces and government buildings are not weighted by the prevailing political climate regarding abortion. Conversely, opponents may assert that this approach undermines the significance of local laws that reflect community values and public sentiment on abortion. The tension between federal standards and local autonomy is expected to manifest in legislative discussions, with advocates from various perspectives pushing back against each other's views.

Companion Bills

US SB2089

Related A bill to amend title 40, United States Code, to prohibit the Administrator of General Services from constructing or acquiring public buildings or entering into leases based on the legality or availability of abortion, and for other purposes.

Previously Filed As

US SB2089

A bill to amend title 40, United States Code, to prohibit the Administrator of General Services from constructing or acquiring public buildings or entering into leases based on the legality or availability of abortion, and for other purposes.

US HB1297

To amend title 10, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Defense from paying or reimbursing expenses relating to abortion services, and for other purposes.

US HB4993

To amend title 46, United States Code, to include the replacement or purchase of additional cargo handling equipment as an eligible purpose for Capital Construction Funds, and for other purposes.

US HB4952

To amend title 10, United States Code, to establish the Office of Strategic Capital in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and for other purposes.

US HB5069

To amend title 5, United States Code, to require Federal political appointees to sign a binding ethics pledge, and for other purposes.

US HB12

Women's Health Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits governmental restrictions on the provision of, and access to, abortion services. Before fetal viability, governments may not restrict providers from using particular abortion procedures or drugs, offering abortion services via telemedicine, or immediately providing abortion services if delaying risks the patient's health. Furthermore, governments may not require providers to perform unnecessary medical procedures, provide medically inaccurate information, or comply with credentialing or other conditions that do not apply to providers who offer medically comparable services to abortions. Additionally, governments may not require patients to make medically unnecessary in-person visits before receiving abortion services or disclose their reasons for obtaining services. After fetal viability, governments may not restrict providers from performing abortions when necessary to protect a patient's life and health. The same provisions that apply to abortions before viability also apply to necessary abortions after viability. Additionally, states may authorize post-viability abortions in circumstances beyond those that the bill considers necessary. Further, the bill recognizes an individual's right to interstate travel, including for abortion services. The bill also prohibits governments from implementing measures that are similar to those restricted by the bill or that otherwise single out and impede access to abortion services, unless the measure significantly advances the safety of abortion services or health of patients and cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The Department of Justice, individuals, or providers may sue states or government officials to enforce this bill, regardless of certain immunity that would otherwise apply.

US HB330

Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from awarding family planning grants to entities that perform abortions or provide funding to other entities that perform abortions. To receive a grant, an entity must certify it will refrain from those activities during the grant period. The bill provides exceptions for abortions (1) in cases of rape or incest; or (2) when the life of the woman is in danger due to a physical disorder, injury, or illness. It also exempts hospitals unless they provide funds to non-hospital entities that provide abortions. HHS must report annually on this prohibition.

US HB398

Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act of 2023 This bill restricts research that uses human fetal tissue from an induced abortion. Specifically, it prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from conducting or supporting such research. Additionally, the bill applies requirements on the research of transplantation of fetal tissue for therapeutic purposes to research on fetal tissue in general. The bill also prohibits soliciting or acquiring a donation of human fetal tissue from an induced abortion, other than for purposes of an autopsy or burial.

US HB2398

To amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit smoking on the premises of any facility of the Veterans Health Administration, and for other purposes.

US HB665

To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide authority to the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration to provide a cash award to Administration employees with foreign language skills, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.