Johanns Votes to Uphold Religious Liberties, Protect Conscience Rights

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R- Neb.) today opposed a effort that would have eroded Americans' right to religious freedom. He also supported an alternative measure that empowers women to make health care decisions without jeopardizing religious liberty.

"This vote was about whether or not the federal government can force Americans to violate their religious beliefs," Johanns said. "That's why I'm cosponsoring an alternative that empowers women to make their own personal health decisions without jeopardizing the consciences of others."

The Democrat-led bill was offered in response to the Supreme Court's ruling that Obamacare violated some Americans' rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act by forcing them to provide coverage of potentially pregnancy-terminating drugs or treatments despite their religious objections.

During debate, Johanns cosponsored legislation stating that employers cannot prohibit employees from purchasing any drug or medical device, including contraceptives, and gives women the final say in their own health care decisions. It also includes Johanns' Family Health Care Flexibility Act, which provides greater health care access and affordability by repealing Obamacare's $2,500 cap on flexible spending accounts (FSA) and prescription requirements for individuals who purchase over-the-counter drugs with an FSA or health savings account.

Johanns wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius after Obamacare was passed calling for a redraft of the law's regulations to make them consistent with "long-standing constitutional principles respectful of human life, individual liberties, and personal conscience." He is also a sponsor of the Health Care Conscience Rights Act, which would prohibit the health care law from requiring providers and employers to offer services that go against their religious beliefs.

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