Joe Biden Heading Toward Clash With Progressives Over Hyde Ame | N.S.A. (News|Stories|Analytics)

Joe Biden Heading Toward Clash With Progressives Over Hyde Amendment

President Joe Biden could be heading for conflict with progressive Democrats after he indicated on Tuesday that he would be willing to sign a social spending bill that contains the Hyde Amendment.

The amendment bans federal funding for abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the woman's life. Most Democrats, particularly progressives, are opposed to the amendment, though Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has said the spending bill will fail without it.

While the fight over the social spending bill (current a $3.5 trillion package) has mainly focused on the price tag, the Hyde Amendment has emerged as another flashpoint that has exposed divisions within the party.

The bill—often referred to as the reconciliation bill, after the budget process that will allow Democrats to push it through along party lines—contains provisions to expand Medicaid, and bills dealing with Medicaid generally include the Hyde Amendment.

Biden was asked by a reporter at the White House on Tuesday: "Are you OK if the Hyde Amendment is in the reconciliation bill?"

The president replied: "I want to get the bill passed."

The reporter asked if he would sign the bill if the Hyde Amendment were included and Biden said: "I'd sign it either way."