On February 10, 2012, the Obama Administration announced changes to a rule requiring employers, regardless of religious-affiliation and conscience, to provide contraceptive, sterilization and abortion services to their employees as part of their health care coverage. In its original form, the mandate provided a year-long delay in hopes of persuading religious groups that the rule would not infringe upon their beliefs. Ultimately, the changes, while intended to serve as an "accommodation" to these religious-affiliated employers, simply shifted the coverage burden from employers to the health insurers that the employers use. The new rule is set to go into effect this summer. 

While I am a pro-life Catholic, I believe this mandate transcends the issue of personal religious beliefs about contraception, sterilization and abortion. The Obama Administration failed to recognize this mandate is in violation of our First Amendment right of religious freedom. For this reason, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1179, the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act. This piece of legislation would amend the President's health care law to permit a health plan to decline coverage of specific items and services that infringe upon one's religious beliefs. H.R. 1179 still ensures health plans provide preventative health service; however, it removes the contraception, sterilization and abortion mandate. This bill is pending in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The House is expected to take action on the Administration's mandate in the near future.

The President's policy continues to contradict the core principles of our nation. His decision disrespects not only the religious community, but it also disrespects the Constitution. By treating our rights as revocable privileges from our government, instead of inalienable gifts from our Creator, the President has put his personal political philosophies above the principles upon which this nation was founded. I will continue to monitor this issue closely and will work to see that this policy is reversed.