I Can't Say It, We're Being Recorded: HHS Sec Almost Leaks Illegal Plans for Abortion, Clams up When He Notices Camera
During a Saturday interview with NBC News’ Kate Snow at the Aspen Ideas Health conference, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra suggested his agency is considering providing taxpayer-funded transportation to women seeking out-of-state abortions.
Snow asked Becerra what steps the administration is taking “to help women” in response to the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade.
“Well, we’re working with centers like Planned Parenthood, we are restoring funding for Title 10, family planning services. We are working with supporters on the ground to make sure that we are providing services to women where we can,” the Secretary said.
He added, “We are looking into everything, including assisting in transportation, something that HHS doesn’t typically do.”
This caught Snow’s attention. “Can you do that legally?” she asked.
Becerra smiled conspiratorially and said, “Talk to me later,” eliciting laughter from the audience.
Snow said, “That’s a big question, right?”
“I always tell my team at HHS, ‘If you’ve done your homework, then we have no right to go mild. And so, we’re going to be aggressive and go all the way.
“I would tell you if … you’re recording so I won’t tell you,” he added. He smiles again, which draws more laughter from the crowd.
“This is all on the record, Mr. Secretary.” Snow tells him.
“We are looking at every option and among those is transportation.”
Snow asks him to repeat his last remark.
“We are looking at every option and among those is transportation.”
Snow clarifies, “Transporting women to other states.”
Becerra was being coy because he knows that the use of taxpayer funds to pay for abortion-related expenses would be a violation of the Hyde Amendment. This legislation prohibits the “use of federal funds for any health benefits coverage that includes abortion.” Exceptions to this law include rape, incest or if an abortion is required to protect the mother’s life.
Biden’s lead among rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination took a big hit after his memorable “flip-flop-flip” on his support of the Hyde Amendment in the summer of 2019.
Considering the Biden administration’s general contempt for the Constitution and federal laws that apply to them, they’re not likely to let it stand in their way.
Kudos to Kate Snow for highlighting the issue.
http://www.stationgossip.com/2022/06/i-cant-say-it-were-being-recorded-hhs.html