House Republican Faces Accusations of Hypocrisy After Voting for Controversial Anti-Abortion Measure

South Carolina congresswoman Nancy Mace finds herself embroiled in controversy following her decision to vote in favor of a divisive anti-abortion measure in Friday’s defense spending vote. Mace, who has often clashed with her party over its abortion stance, has been accused of hypocrisy for her vote.

On Thursday, Mace launched a profanity-laced tirade against the inclusion of an amendment that would block the reimbursement of travel costs for military members seeking abortions. In a statement reported by Politico, she referred to the measure as an “asshole move.” However, despite her initial opposition, she ultimately voted in favor of it.

Mace’s about-face on the issue led to an awkward interview on CNN Primetime on Friday night. She struggled to explain her position, attempting to present herself as consistent in her opposition to reimbursements for elective surgeries for military personnel while stating that servicewomen would still have access to abortions. However, when pressed on the discrepancies in accessibility based on geographic location, Mace admitted feeling uneasy about the amendment and acknowledged the need to protect women.

In a subsequent appearance on Fox News, Mace went even further, suggesting that her party’s stance on issues such as abortion could put their control of the House at risk. She emphasized the importance of showing care and support for women, even while maintaining a pro-life position. Mace expressed concern that the party’s failure to strike this balance could jeopardize their majority status.

The defense bill, which included several contentious amendments covering transgender healthcare costs and diversity initiatives, passed the House mostly along party lines. However, it is expected to face significant opposition in the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority. This bill is seen as another example of right-wing Republicans flexing their influence over House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in an attempt to reshape the Biden administration’s policy goals.

Mace characterized the amendment controversy as political gamesmanship, asserting that any amendments disliked by Democrats would likely be discarded in the Senate. She emphasized the need for fair and balanced approaches that demonstrate concern for women’s rights while also remaining pro-life.

The ongoing fallout from the defense spending vote highlights the challenges faced by Republicans in navigating the delicate issue of abortion. Mace’s initial criticism of the anti-abortion measure, followed by her subsequent vote in favor, has led to accusations of hypocrisy and inconsistency within her own party. The outcome of this vote and its impact on the party’s standing remains to be seen, but it serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions and debates surrounding abortion policy in the United States.