Biden says he would sign reconciliation bill with Hyde Amendment

President BidenJoe BidenUS & Israeli Security Officials Talk Iran & Palestinians In Washington Over Money – Presented By NRHC – Biden Plays Hard With Debt Limit With The Long, Winding Road Of Bill McConnell Highway MORE said Tuesday he would sign the Democrats’ reconciliation bill even if it included the Hyde Amendment, a controversial provision that prohibits federal funds from being used for most abortions.

“I would sign it anyway,” Biden told reporters Tuesday night when asked if he would sign the bill if the Hyde Amendment was included, a request from Sen. Joe manchinJoe ManchinSchumer Hosts Vote Wednesday To Suspend Debt Ceiling Overnight Energy & Environment – California Lawmakers Clash Over Oil Spill Attacks On Sinema Get More Personal MORE (DW.Va.). The White House said Biden opposed the Hyde Amendment.

Manchin’s demand that the amendment be included in the reconciliation package has emerged as a further obstacle in the negotiations on the bill.

“Yes, we are not removing the Hyde Amendment. Hyde is going to be on, ”Manchin told the National Review Last week. “It must be. It must be. It’s dead on arrival if it’s gone.

representing Pramila JayapalPramila JayapalThe Hill’s Morning Report – Brought to you by Facebook – Biden Democrats to cut agenda Jayapal: $ 500 billion reconciliation bill “won’t happen” Democrats offer options for passage of bills infrastructure and reconciliation PLUS (D-Wash.), The leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has said she will not vote for a bill that includes the Hyde Amendment.

“The Hyde Amendment is something the majority of the country does not support,” Jayapal said on CNN’s “State of the Union”. “One in four women has had an abortion and needs reproductive health care at a very, very important time when those protections are being broken. “

White House press secretary Jen psakiJen PsakiOvernight Defense & National Security – China steps up slashing White House warns China Overnight Energy & Environment – California lawmakers clash over oil spill MORE reiterated Monday that Biden opposes the Hyde Amendment, which prevents Medicaid and other federal programs from covering the costs of abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or when the pregnant person’s life is in danger .

“I’m not going to negotiate the package from here, but, as you know, the president opposes the Hyde amendment,” Psaki told reporters on Monday, when asked about Manchin’s request. “It hasn’t changed.”

Democrats are currently locked in negotiations over the reconciliation package. Manchin objected to the initial price of $ 3.5 trillion, and Biden said the overall cost will have to come down in order to appease the senator and other moderates.

To pass the bill – which will include much of Biden’s economic agenda – the Senate’s 50 Democrats must vote in favor of the legislation. No Republican is supposed to support him.