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I believe the citizens of New Hampshire expect and deserve elected leaders with personal integrity, the courage of their convictions, objectivity, with the willingness to place the welfare of the state over their personal or party self-interest; other words men and women of principle.
After the events that occurred on the House Floor on January 18, 2012, I believe that the citizens of New Hampshire have every right to question the "courage of convictions" and the willingness of many of their elected leaders to place the needs and welfare of their fellow citizens over self and party interest.
HB 228 a bill that would prohibit the NH Department of Health and Human Services from entering into any contracts with Planned Parenthood Federation of America or any other organization that provides abortion services and prohibit the use of public funds or insurance for abortion services. The majority of the committee was fully aware that the Hyde Amendment first enacted into law in 1976; amended numerous times since and who constitutionality was affirmed in 1980 by the U. S. Supreme Court stated federal funds could not be used to perform abortions except for "severe and physical health damage" to the mother and for rape or incest. In 1998 the Secretary of Health and Human Services stated to congress that Medicare trust funds would be governed by the Hyde criteria. Understanding the restriction mandated by federal law and the overwhelming benefit provide to the women of New Hampshire, many who don't have medical insurance or access to women health providers the committee voted 12-5 to make HB 228 Inexpedient to Legislate.
Rep Bettencourt, the House Majority leader made it very clear how the Committee was expected to vote, thus implying that leadership would not let that vote stand.
With a Catholic Priest sitting behind the Speaker as his guest House leadership was able to void the Committee ITL vote. Following that vote Floor Amendment 2012-0237h titled the "Whole Woman's Health Funding Priorities Act" authored by Speaker O'Brien and Deputy Speaker Tucker was brought forward for consideration.
The "Woman's Health Funding Priorities Act" stated that when it came to publicly funding family planning services, Rural Health Clinics would be next to last on the prioritization list, ensuring that rural community women could lose access to valuable women health services. Additionally the amendment stated that the state cannot enter into any contract with any entity that performs non-federally qualified abortions or maintains or operates a facility where such abortions are performed. Meaning that hospitals and medical groups would not be allow to lease out any of their facilities to anyone that may perform non-federally qualified abortions or they would lose access to all state funding and grants.
During the heated debate on Speaker O'Brien's amendment a question was asked concerning government funded abortions for young girls or women who become pregnant as the result of incest or rape. Instead of telling the Hall that federal law provides funds for victims of rape and incest it was implied that wasn't a valid justification for abortion when the speaker coldly stated that "we should kill the rapist instead." Following the non-veto-proof passage of HB 228 as amended the Speaker then turned around to the priest and shook his hand.
Later in the day the House took up HB592 the redistricting bill. After a heated debate a floor amendment passed with 170 votes. The Speaker appeared quite upset with the vote, called a recess; ordered Democrats out of the Hall. After a lengthy discussion with Republican members O'Brien allowed Democrats back in and had Rep Jasper request a reconsideration motion (this despite the fact that Rep Jasper wouldn't have voted against the Speaker's wishes). Reconsideration was granted. Leadership demanded a roll-call vote on the amendment. This time the amendment failed, receiving only 116 votes.
At least 56 Republicans changed their vote, most I suspect out of fear. For whatever reason, the NH House has ceased to be the "People House"; it is now O'Brien's house and it is being ruled with an iron fist. Speaker O'Brien demands unquestionable loyalty. The people of NH have been sold out for leadership positions, special license plates and parking spots.
House members need to acknowledge the fact that they are citizen legislators and that they owe their loyalty to the people not to party leadership. O'Brien did not elect one single person to the House, but his action will ensure that a number of members will not get reelected.
Members need to understand that when they act out of fear they not only lose self-respect they lose the respect of others, when O'Brien is gone next year their self-respect may come back, but not the respect of their peers.
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