House Continuing Resolution Raises Serious Concerns

Bill Quickly Becoming A Vehicle For Anti-Civil Liberties Provisions, Says ACLU
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (202) 675-2312 or media@dcaclu.org

WASHINGTON – The American Civil Liberties Union today warned that a continuing resolution currently being debated by the House raises serious civil liberties concerns. The continuing resolution, H.R. 1, is a bill meant to fund the government through the current fiscal year and is considered “must pass” legislation, but it is quickly becoming a vehicle for many disturbing anti-civil liberties provisions.

The bill contains a provision that would eliminate funds to the critical Title X National Family Planning Program, which provides much needed services nationwide and is the only way for many low-income families to access essential reproductive health care, as well as a blanket ban on Guantánamo detainee transfers to the United States for any reason, including prosecution in federal courts. Additionally, several troublesome amendments are likely to be added to the bill during debate, possibly including an amendment to defund Planned Parenthood and several problematic national security-related amendments. The ACLU will be monitoring the debate closely.

The Senate has expressed opposition to taking up the final House bill and President Obama, citing several concerns, has issued a veto threat for the legislation.

The following can be attributed to Laura W. Murphy, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office:

“This continuing resolution is a breathtaking assault on civil liberties. In one fell swoop, the House bill is attempting to chip away at due process rights and eliminate access to crucial health care for many Americans. While determining federal funding concerns, it is unacceptable that the civil liberties of Americans be considered dispensable. We urge the Senate to continue its resistance to this disastrous bill.”