PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 18.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Feb 4, 1997
Family Planning Facilitation and Abortion Funding Restriction Act of 1997 - Amends the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997 to authorize the President to make certain population planning assistance to developing countries available on March 1, 1997 (currently, July 1, 1997). Prohibits the availability of appropriated funds for population activities to any private, nongovernmental, or multilateral organization until it certifies that it does not now and will not during the period for which funds are made available: (1) directly or through a subcontractor or subgrantee perform abortions in any foreign country, except if the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or in cases of forcible rape or incest; or (2) violate the laws of a foreign country with respect to the circumstances under which abortion is permitted, regulated, or prohibited, or engage in lobbying activities in an effort to alter its laws with respect to abortion (except lobbying in opposition to coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization).
People & committees
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4] · R–NJ
Legislative record
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Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 18.
Received in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 231 - 194 (Roll no. 23).
House roll call 23 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 231 - 194 (Roll no. 23).
House roll call 23 · Individual votesThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 581 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 46. (consideration: CR H555-564)
Rule H. Res. 46 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 46 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 581 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
Referred to House Appropriations
Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committee on Appropriations, 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.
Referred to House International Relations
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.581 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.581 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.581 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.581 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.