PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Jul 13, 2016
Conscience Protection Act of 2016
(Sec. 3) This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to codify the prohibition against the federal government and state and local governments that receive federal financial assistance for health-related activities penalizing or discriminating against a health care provider based on the provider's refusal to be involved in, or provide coverage for, abortion. Health care providers include health care professionals, health care facilities, social services providers, health care professional training programs, and health insurers.
The Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Department of Justice (DOJ), must investigate complaints alleging discrimination based on an individual's religious belief, moral conviction, or refusal to be involved in an abortion.
DOJ or any entity adversely affected by such discrimination may obtain equitable or legal relief in a civil action. Administrative remedies do not need to be sought or exhausted prior to commencing an action or granting relief. Such an action may be brought against a governmental entity.
People & committees
Sen. Thune, John [R-SD] · R–SD
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 245 - 182 (Roll no. 443). (text: CR H4844-4845)
House roll call 443 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 245 - 182 (Roll no. 443).(text: CR H4844-4845)
House roll call 443 · Individual votesOn motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 182 - 244 (Roll no. 442).
House roll call 442 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4866)
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions, the Chair put the question on agreeing to the motion, and by voice vote, announced that the nays had prevailed. Ms. Wasserman Shultz demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the motion until a time to be announced.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions, pending the reservation of a point of order. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment to add a section to the bill prohibiting the provisions of section 3 from applying to the extent that such provisions would reduce access to health care services to prevent, prepare for, or respond to the Zika virus. The reservation was subsequently withdrawn.
Ms. Wasserman Schultz moved to recommit with instructions to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. (consideration: CR H4859; text: CR H4859)
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 304.
Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Provides for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to S. 764. The resolution makes in order a motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to S. 764.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 822. (consideration: CR H4844-4860)
ORDER OF PROCEDURE - Mrs. Blackburn asked unanimous consent that the question of adopting a motion to recommit on S. 304 may be subject to postponement as though under clause 8 of rule 20. Agreed to without objection.
Rule H. Res. 822 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 822 Reported to House. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Provides for consideration of the Senate amendment to the House amendment to S. 764. The resolution makes in order a motion that the House agree to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to S. 764.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2487-2488; text as passed Senate: CR S2487-2488)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S2487-2488; text as passed Senate: CR S2487-2488)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 36.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 114-13.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 114-13.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S655-656)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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