Springfield Standard

On January 19, 2024, Representative Burlison and a group of lawmakers sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson expressing their concerns about the Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriations Bill. The letter urged Speaker Johnson to include language in the bill that unequivocally prohibits the use of taxpayer funds for service members to travel to obtain an abortion.

The lawmakers voiced their opposition to the Biden Administration's attempt to incorporate abortion policies into various sectors of the government, including the military. They highlighted the DoD's memorandum, titled "Ensuring Access to Reproductive Health Care," which they believe has transformed the DoD into an "abortion travel agency."

Redirecting the focus of the armed forces away from readiness and combating threats and towards the Biden Administration's abortion agenda was described as an "intentional and abhorrent misuse of government funding to facilitate the killing of unborn children." The lawmakers emphasized the importance of safeguarding the principles and values upheld by the military.

In their letter, the lawmakers proposed that clear language be introduced into the appropriations bill to prohibit the allocation of funds for travel related to abortion services. They argued that taxpayer dollars should not be used to facilitate or provide for abortions, as abortion is not considered healthcare.

The lawmakers acknowledged the significance of providing comprehensive healthcare to military personnel but stressed that the appropriations process should prioritize the primary mission of the Department of Defense, which is national defense.

The letter concluded by expressing appreciation for Speaker Johnson's attention to the matter and recognizing his leadership in ensuring that the final Department of Defense Appropriations Bill aligns with the guiding principles of the military and the nation it serves.

The lawmakers signing the letter were not quoted directly in the original text.