PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 105-12.
Congressional Research Service
Version 18 · Reported to House amended, Part I · Apr 8, 1997
Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997 - Prohibits the use of appropriated funds to provide or pay for any health care item or service or health benefit coverage for the purpose of causing, or assisting to cause, the death of any individual. Sets forth a nonexclusive list of programs, facilities, and personnel to which the prohibition applies, including under Social Security Act titles V (Maternal and Child Health Services), XVIII (Medicare), XIX (Medicaid), and XX (Block Grants to States for Social Services), the Public Health Service Act, the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, and provisions of Federal law relating to Federal employees, the military health care system, veterans medical care, Peace Corps volunteers, and Federal prisoners. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for: (1) causing or assisting in suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing; (2) compelling any person or entity to provide or fund any item, benefit, program, or service for such purpose; or (3) asserting or advocating a legal right to cause or assist such actions. Sets forth a nonexclusive list of programs to which the prohibition applies, including under specified provisions of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Older Americans Act of 1965, and the Legal Services Corporation Act. Prohibits the use of appropriated funds for any item or service for the purpose of causing or assisting in the suicide, euthanasia, or mercy killing of any individual. Declares that, for this Act, references to appropriated funds include funds appropriated to the District of Columbia under specified provisions of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act. Declares that this Act supersedes other Federal laws except to the extent such laws specifically supersede this Act. Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants and contracts (emphasizing palliative medicine) for: (1) research and projects to reduce the rate of suicide among persons with disabilities or terminal or chronic illness; and (2) demonstration projects to reduce restrictions on access to hospice programs or fund home health care services, community living arrangements, and attendant care services.
People & committees
Rep. Hall, Ralph M. [D-TX-4] · D–TX
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 105-12.
Became Public Law No: 105-12.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 99-0. Record Vote No: 44.
Senate roll call 44 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 99-0. Record Vote No: 44.
Senate roll call 44 · Individual votesMeasure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S3249-3266)
Received in the Senate, read twice.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 - 16 (Roll no. 75).
House roll call 75 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 398 - 16 (Roll no. 75).
House roll call 75 · Individual votesDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1397-1405)
Mr. Bliley moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 32.
Committee on International Relations discharged.
Committee on International Relations discharged.
Committee on Resources discharged.
Committee on Resources discharged.
Committee on Government Reform discharged.
Committee on Government Reform discharged.
Committee on Education and the Workforce discharged.
Committee on Education and the Workforce discharged.
Committee on Judiciary discharged.
Committee on Judiciary discharged.
Committee on Ways and Means discharged.
Committee on Ways and Means discharged.
House Committee on International Relations Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than April 8, 1997.
House Committee on Resources Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than April 8, 1997.
House Committee on Government Reform Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than April 8, 1997.
House Committee on Education and the Workforce Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than April 8, 1997.
House Committee on Judiciary Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than April 8, 1997.
House Committee on Ways and Means Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than April 8, 1997.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Commerce. H. Rept. 105-46, Part I.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Commerce. H. Rept. 105-46, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 45 - 2.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Human Resources.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health and Environment, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.
Referred to House International Relations
Referred to House Resources
Referred to House Government Reform
Referred to House Education and the Workforce
Referred to House Judiciary
Referred to House Ways and Means
Referred to House Commerce
Referred to the Committee on Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, the Judiciary, Education and the Workforce, Government Reform and Oversight, Resources, and International Relations, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E431)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jun 3, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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