Among its proposals, Rep. Obey’s amendment would have increased funding for such common-sense programs as child care, maternal and child health care, domestic violence prevention, job training, and others.

Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said the vote illustrated the hypocrisy of anti-choice lawmakers who oppose a woman's right to choose but then refuse to support initiatives to help women who carry their pregnancy to term. “We were disappointed, but not surprised, to learn that anti-choice lawmakers on the subcommittee voted against measures that support pregnant women and their newborns. Anti-choice politicians have demonstrated that they are opposed not only to abortion, but also to non-controversial, consensus programs that help women give birth to healthy children, and this is no exception,” Keenan said. “Rep. Obey’s amendment would have eased some women's economic and personal stresses. These proposals would improve the lives of real women, contributing to healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. It is outrageous that the hypocrisy of 11 members of Congress could halt consideration of such common-sense proposals.”

The 11 members cast a hypocritical “no” vote include Reps. Ralph Regula (R-OH), Ernest Istook (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Anne Northup (R-KY), Randy “Duke” Cunningham (R-CA), Kay Granger (R-TX), John Peterson (R-PA), Don Sherwood (R-PA), Dave Weldon (R-FL), James Walsh (R-NY), and Jerry Lewis (R-CA).