A House Appropriations Update from Lady Budgeton Vol. 2

Fear not, dear gentle readers, for I am a lady of my word. 

Last week, within the chamber of the House, anti-abortion members of the Grand Old Party wielded the foreign aid funding bill, homeland security bill, financial services bill, and defense bill as weapons in their continued war against bodily autonomy. 

With the stroke of their political pens, they forced through measures to tighten the purse strings on essential global reproductive health programs and reimpose the dreadful global gag rule, in their effort to relive their glorious heyday of the previous administration — because nothing makes them happier than restricting access to health care in other countries. 

Except, of course, restricting access to health care here at home. Thus, they pushed forward dangerous attacks on abortion and gender-affirming care for individuals in our armed forces, those in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and federal employees. Their actions would also impose draconian limitations upon residents of the District of Columbia, blocking a local law to protect them from discrimination based on their personal reproductive health care decisions and impeding access to abortion for those enrolled in the DC Medicaid program. 

Such maneuvers — draped in the guise of **American Values** — lay bare these members’ disregard for the rights and well-being of not just countless individuals worldwide, but also the very people they are sworn to represent.

It is a puzzling phenomenon indeed: the persistent refusal to glean wisdom from one's own missteps. They appear to be trapped in an endless waltz, twirling in circles of their own making. 

This author, however, must raise her glass to the champions of sexual and reproductive rights on the esteemed Appropriations Committee who continue to rise to the occasion with amendments, forceful words, and unwavering determination to protect the bodily autonomy of their constituents and communities around the world. 

But fret not, dearest gentle readers, while enlightenment might be an elusive spector beyond reach for the Grand Old Party, this author knows the choreography and will never tire of staying one step ahead.

Until next time,

Lady Budgeton