Summary
Pence opposed equal pay legislation:
Pence opposed reproductive rights and supported efforts to restrict them:
Pence’s stance of exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother has changed throughout his career:
Pence was on a “one-man crusade” against Planned Parenthood:
Pence also shown on several occasions that he supported policies and ideas that were bad for women:
Pence opposed paid family leave:
2009 And 2007: Pence Voted Against The Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Which Expanded The Deadline To File Wage Discrimination Lawsuits. In 2009, Pence voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which allowed lawsuits for pay discrimination to be filed within 180 days of any discrimination-affected paycheck, even if the paycheck was the result of discrimination that occurred more than 180 days ago. The bill effectively overturned the Supreme Court’s 2006 ruling in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. According to the New York Times, in that case, “A jury found [Ledbetter’s] employer, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company plant in Gadsden, Ala., guilty of pay discrimination. But in a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court threw out the case, ruling that she should have filed her suit within 180 days of the date that Goodyear first paid her less than her peers.” The bill passed the House, 247 to 171. A similar bill, S.181, was approved by Congress later that month, and ultimately became law. [House Vote 9, 1/9/09; Public Law 111-2, 1/29/09] [House Vote 37, 1/27/09; Public Law 111-2, 1/29/09] [House Vote 768, 7/31/07; Congressional Quarterly, 7/30/08; Congressional Actions, H.R. 2831]
Bill Allowed For Wronged Employees To Be Paid Two Years’ Worth Of Back Wages. According to Congressional Quarterly, “The bill would also allow for wronged employees to be paid up to two years’ worth of back wages.” [Congressional Quarterly, 5/5/08]
Proponents Of The Bill Argued That It Often Took Years For An Employee To Discover That They Had Been A Victim Of Pay Discrimination. According to Congressional Quarterly, “Proponents of the bill argue that it often takes time, sometimes years, before employees can determine if they’ve been a victim of discrimination, especially because their coworkers’ pay is seldom made public.” [Congressional Quarterly, 5/5/08]
2008: Pence Voted Against The Paycheck Fairness Act, Which Made It Easier For Women To Successfully Sue Their Employers Over Unequal Compensation. In July 2008, Pence voted against a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “would make it easier for women who are paid less than their male counterparts to bring suits against their employers and receive compensation. Employers seeking to justify unequal pay would have to prove that disparities are job-related and required by a business necessity. Workers who won wage discrimination cases could collect compensatory and punitive damages. As amended, it would specify that punitive damages could only be awarded to plaintiffs who prove intentional discrimination.” The House passed the bill, named the Paycheck Fairness Act, by a vote of 247 to 178. The Senate took no substantive action on the measure. [House Vote 556, 7/31/08; Congressional Quarterly, 7/31/08; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1338]
2009: Pence Voted Against Requiring That Employers Prove That Instances Of Unequal Pay For Men And Women Were Job Related. In January 2009, Pence voted against a bill that according to Congressional Quarterly “would [have] require[d] employers seeking to justify unequal pay for male and female workers to prove that such disparities are job-related and required by a business necessity. It would [have] bar[red] retaliation by employers against employees who share salary information with their co-workers. Workers who won wage discrimination cases could collect compensatory and punitive damages.” The House passed the bill by a vote of 256 to 163. The text of the bill was appended to the end of H.R. 11 as new matter. H.R. 11 was passed by the House, but the Senate took no substantive action. [House Vote 8, 1/9/09; Congressional Quarterly, 1/9/09; Congressional Actions, H.R. 12; Congressional Actions, H.R. 11]
2009: Pence Voted To Cap At $2,000 Per Hour Any Award Of Attorneys’ Fees Against An Employer Found Liable Under The Paycheck Fairness Act. In January 2009, Pence effectively voted for an amendment that, according to Congressional Quarterly, would have “stipulat[ed] [that] employers found liable would not be required to compensate for expert fees in excess of $2,000 per hour in discrimination cases described in the measure.” The vote was on a motion to recommit the bill with instructions to report the bill back with the specified amendment. The House rejected the motion by a vote of 178 to 240. [House Vote 7, 1/9/09; Congressional Actions, HR 12; Congressional Quarterly, 1/9/09]
Pence Said The Way To Address Income Inequality Is By Growing The State’s Economy. According to the Evansville Courier & Press, “On ‘Equal Pay Day,’ which called attention Tuesday to the so-called wage gap between the earnings of men and women for similar work, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said the way to address income inequality is by growing the state’s economy. Hoosier women make about 73 cents for every dollar men make in comparable jobs, ranking 46th in the nation and below the national average of 77 cents, according to a study by the American Association of University Women. Pence made the comments after receiving an award for the state’s tax reform efforts by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation. ‘I want every Hoosier to make more money. I want Hoosier women to make every bit of as much money as Hoosier men do in similar positions,’ Pence said.” [Evansville Courier & Press, 4/9/14]
Pence: “Creating An Environment That Encourages More Investment, More Job Opportunities For Hoosiers Is The Best Pathway Forward Toward Increasing Personal Income For Men And Women In Indiana.” According to Howey Politics, “Indiana Democrats say Indiana hasn’t done enough to close the wage gap (Smith, Indiana Public Media). They spoke out Tuesday along with equal pay advocates across the nation who are marking Equal Pay Day, the date when the average woman’s earnings catches up to what the average man earned last year. Hoosier women earn about 73 cents for every dollar men make for the same work, and the poverty rate for women and girls in Indiana is nearly 17 percent. Rep. Linda Lawson, D-Hammond, says she and other Democrats tried to remedy those issues this past legislative session when House Democrats offered an amendment creating a commission to study pay disparity. But it was blocked by Republicans. Lawson says the first step is studying the problem. ‘Start with state government and then you can ask others throughout the state of Indiana to also step up to the plate and do what’s necessary to make sure that the wage gap closes,’ she says. Governor Mike Pence says he believes the way to address income disparity is to promote economic growth. ‘Creating an environment that encourages more investment, more job opportunities for Hoosiers is the best pathway forward toward increasing personal income for men and women in Indiana,’ he says.” [Howey Politics, 4/9/14]
Pence: “It Is My Philosophical Position To Oppose Abortion.” In a column for the Franklin Daily Journal, Ken Ward wrote, “Democratic Rep. Phil Sharp sided with the minority, favoring the liberalized proposal. The House's 216-166 vote and the Senate's concurrence on Monday ensures the status quo: federal funding only in instances where a woman’s life would be endangered by the pregnancy. Sharp's Republican opponent, Mike Pence has a different view. ‘It is my philosophical position to oppose abortion,’ he says. He is against any extension of government programs to finance abortions.” [Franklin Daily Journal, 9/24/88]
2011: Mike Pence Said “It Is Morally Wrong To End An Unborn Human Life By Abortion.” According to Palladium-Item, “‘It is morally wrong to end an unborn human life by abortion,’ Pence said in a news release. ‘It is also morally wrong to take the taxpayer dollars of millions of pro-life Americans and use them to promote abortion at home or abroad.’” [Palladium-Item, 1/13/11]
2007: Pence Called The Roe V. Wade Decision “The Worst Supreme Court Decision Since Dred Scott.” According to Pence’s comments at a National March for Life rally, “‘It is the 22nd of January again. On this cold anniversary of the worst Supreme Court decision since Dred Scott, all across this land, because of the prayers and compassion of every one of you, springtime is breaking forth in the battle between choice and life.’” [Press Release – Office of Rep. Pence, 1/22/07]
Pence Said That He Would Keep Marching Until “Roe V. Wade Is Sent To The Ash Heap Of History Where It Belongs.” According to the Weekly Standard, “Indiana congressman Mike Pence of Indiana--who's deciding this week between running for president and governor--delivered a strong, succinct (372 words by my count) speech at the March for Life in Washington, D.C. today. Pence pushed back against the proposal--advanced by fellow Hoosier Gov. Mitch Daniels--that the issue of abortion should somehow be set aside while the economy is struggling. Said Pence: […] ‘We gather to mark the 38th anniversary of the worst Supreme Court decision since Dred Scott. And we gather today in the shadow of a new pro-life majority on Capitol Hill. And we will keep gathering until Roe v. Wade is sent to the ash heap of history where it belongs.” [Weekly Standard, 1/24/11]
Pence, 2000: “Roe Vs. Wade Was Legally Poorly Conceived And Morally Wrong And Should Be Overturned.” According to Mike Pence For Congress, “• A fundamental axiom of Western Civilization is the belief in the sanctity of human life. The 107th Congress must be about the business of reasserting this crucial principle of our society. • The unborn child has a fundamental right to life which cannot be infringed. Roe vs.. Wade was legally poorly conceived and morally wrong and should be overturned.” [Mike Pence For Congress via Wayback Machine, 2000]
September 2005: Pence Urged Congress To Pass Parental Notification Requirements For Abortions. According to a Mike Pence press release obtained via Congressional Press Releases, “To that end, there are other priorities once we work past this crisis: […] - Pass additional legislative limitations on abortion, including parental notification and strengthening informed consent” [Congressional Press Releases, 9/26/05]
Pence Supported A Federal Ban On Abortions After 20 Weeks Of Pregnancy. According to the Associated Press State & Local, “Gov. Mike Pence and a group of other possible Republican presidential contenders have thrown their support behind a federal ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and other possible Republican contenders wrote to U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, in support of his proposed ban, which is based on the disputed premise that a fetus can feel pain at that stage. ‘It is for these reason that I wholeheartedly support (the legislation) and join you in urging Senate leadership to allow a vote on this important piece of pro-life legislation,’ Pence wrote in the April 3, 2014 letter.” [Associated Press State & Local, 9/17/14]
2011 And 2009: Pence Voted To Prohibit Federal Funding For Abortion, Except In Cases Of Rape, Incest, Or Life Of The Mother. In May 2011, Pence voted for a bill, which, according to Congressional Quarterly, would have “prohibit[ed] federal funding for abortion services, except in cases of rape, incest or when the woman’s life is endangered. It would [have] modif[ied] tax breaks given for health insurance coverage to exclude coverage for abortion, prohibit[ed] federal medical facilities from providing abortion services.” The House passed the bill with a vote of 251 to 175. The Senate took no subsequent action. [House Vote 292, 5/4/11; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3; Congressional Quarterly, 5/4/11] [House Vote 885, 11/7/09; Congressional Actions, 11/7/09; Congressional Quarterly, 11/7/09; Congressional Quarterly, 11/7/09]
2012: Pence Co-Sponsored Legislation To Require Ultrasounds For Women Seeking Abortions Before 12 Weeks. According to The Indianapolis Star, “He cited Pence’s record in Congress, including co-sponsoring a bill that would have redefined rape so that Medicaid would cover abortions only if the rape was ‘forcible,’ something Gregg argued was redundant; leading a fight in Congress to defund Planned Parenthood; and co-sponsoring an effort that would require an ultrasound for women seeking an abortion before 12 weeks of gestation.” [Indianapolis Star, 6/5/12]
March 2016: Pence Signed Law Prohibiting Women From Having An Abortion Based On The Sex, Race, Or Diagnosed Disability Of The Fetus. According to Evansville Courier & Press, “‘This statute does something the (U.S.) Supreme Court has said repeatedly cannot be done,’ Falk said. ‘It is an attempt by the state of Indiana to interfere with and actually prohibit a woman’s right to determine whether or not to have an abortion.’ […] The new law, signed by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence two weeks ago, takes away that right, Falk said. HB 1337, authored by Rep. Casey Cox, R-Fort Wayne, prohibits women from having an abortion based on the sex or race of the fetus -- or a diagnosed disability, such as Down syndrome.” [Evansville Courier & Press, 4/8/16]
ACLU Sued Indiana Over Abortion Law Signed By Pence. According to CBS News, “The American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky sued the state of Indiana on Thursday over its recently signed abortion law that bans the procedure if sought because of genetic abnormalities, calling the law unconstitutional. The federal lawsuit, which also challenges a provision that mandates an aborted fetus be buried or cremated, seeks an injunction to keep the law taking effect on July 1.[…] Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky president and CEO Betty Cockrum said the law, which was passed by the GOP-led Legislature and signed by Gov. Mike Pence last month, shows the state doesn’t respect women. The law makes Indiana one of the most restrictive states in the U.S. for abortions, joining only North Dakota in banning abortions sought because of genetic fetal abnormalities.” [CBS News, 4/7/16]
Pence Was “Pleased” With Legislation Requiring A Clinic That Prescribes An Abortion-Inducing Drug To Meet The Same Building Requirements As For Surgery. According to the Indianapolis Star, “Abortion legislation: Pence was asked if he was disappointed Indiana didn’t go as far as North Dakota in blocking abortions after six weeks. Legislation here would require a clinic that prescribes an abortion-inducing drug to meet the same building requirements as for surgery, including wider hallways, sterilization equipment and a recovery room. ‘Let me say I’m pleased with this legislation,’ Pence said, saying he expects to sign it. ‘I’m pro-life, and I believe in the sanctity of life. But I also believe the state of Indiana has an interest in seeing to the proper administration of health care to women in this state,’ Pence said, arguing that the bill ‘advances proper medical care for women.’” [Indianapolis Star, 4/7/13]
Pence Touted Legislation He Signed That Banned Insurance Coverage For Most Abortion Procedures. According to the Indianapolis Star, “Pence also touted his policies on abortion, bringing up the legislation he signed in 2013 that banned insurance coverage for most abortion procedures. ‘Life is winning in Indiana, because of the efforts of all of you,’ Pence said. ‘Life is winning in this state - I truly believe - because compassion is overcoming convenience. Life is defeating despair.’” [Indianapolis Star, 9/19/14]
2005: Mike Pence Wanted To Ban Abortion Including In Cases Of Rape Or Incest. According to The Washington Post, “Pence also backs a constitutional amendment to ban abortion, saying he is against the procedure in all cases --including rape and incest -- except when the life of the mother is at stake.” [Washington Post, 3/22/05]
2014: Pence Supported Allowing Abortions In Cases Of Rape And Incest. According to Project Vote Smart’s 2008 Political Courage Test, Pence indicated that he was supportive of allowing abortions in cases of rape and incest. [Project Vote Smart – Mike Pence, Viewed 9/25/14]
2010, 2011: Pence Twice Co-Sponsored Legislation That Included Provisions To Redefine The Definition Of Rape To “Forcible Rape.” According to The Associated Press State & Local Wire, “Democratic Senate candidate Joe Donnelly and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike PENCE twice sponsored legislation that would separate out ‘forcible rape’ when it comes to federal funding of abortions. Donnelly and PENCE signed onto a 2011 bill co-sponsored by Akin, Republican vice presidential pick Paul Ryan, and almost every other House Republican, that would have redefined rape for the purposes of seeking an abortion. The Donnelly and PENCE campaigns called the defining of rape in the bill something the congressmen had overlooked and said it was quickly removed from the measure once it was found. Later in the week, it was discovered they had both signed onto a 2010 bill with the same language. ‘If they think they should be making laws that deal with that issue, they ought to pay attention,’ said Betty Cockrum, president of Planned Parenthood of Indiana. ‘.And if they’re that clueless and about the use of a term like ‘forcible’ when it comes to the issue of rape, they shouldn’t get anywhere near it.’ Neither campaign could or would explain why the candidates approved the language in the 2010 bill, but not the 2011 bill.” [Associated Press State & Local Wire, 8/26/12]
Pence Co-Sponsored Legislation That Changed The Definition Of Rape In Order To Stop Medicaid Coverage Of Abortions For Rape Unless The Rape Was “Forcible.” According to The Indianapolis Star, “He cited Pence’s record in Congress, including co-sponsoring a bill that would have redefined rape so that Medicaid would cover abortions only if the rape was ‘forcible,’ something Gregg argued was redundant; leading a fight in Congress to defund Planned Parenthood; and co-sponsoring an effort that would require an ultrasound for women seeking an abortion before 12 weeks of gestation.” [Indianapolis Star, 6/5/12]
Pence Believed Funding Planned Parenthood And Similar Organizations With Taxpayer Funds Was “Morally Wrong.” According to an op-ed by Mike Pence, “‘I also believe it is morally wrong to take the taxpayer dollars of millions of pro-life Americans and use them to fund organizations that provide and promote abortions, like Planned Parenthood of America.’” [Op-Ed – Mike Pence, 2/24/11]
2000: Pence Opposing Granting Federal Funds To “Domestic Or International Organizations Which Promote Abortion As A Method Of Birth Control.” According to Mike Pence For Congress, “In support of this cause, the 107th Congress should: […] • oppose the granting of federal funds to domestic or international organizations which promote abortion as a method of birth control.” [Mike Pence For Congress via Wayback Machine, 2000]
2010: Pence: “The Time Has Come To Deny Any And All Federal Funding To Planned Parenthood Of America.” While appearing on Federal News Service, Pence said, “The time has come to deny any and all federal funding to Planned Parenthood of America.” [Federal News Service, 2/19/10]
2015: Pence Called For Defunding The Planned Parenthood. According to Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, “When a national controversy erupted recently over Planned Parenthood, Republican Gov. Mike Pence jumped right in the middle. […] Pence has long called for defunding the group.” [Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, 8/11/15]
January 2011: Pence Introduced The Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act. According to a Mike Pence press release obtained via The Office Of Rep. Mike Pence, “U.S. Congressman Mike Pence issued the following statement today after introducing the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act. The bill currently has 122 cosponsors.” [Office Of Rep. Mike Pence, 1/6/11]
Los Angeles Times: “Pence Has Made Himself The Leader Of A Coordinated Effort To Defund Planned Parenthood.” According to the Los Angeles Times, “The House continues making its way through hundreds of amendments to a spending bill to fund the government through Sept. 30. The bill makes more than $60 billion in cuts for the remaining seven months of the fiscal year, but is unlikely to be supported by the Democratic-controlled Senate. Failure to pass a bill when the current spending plan expires on March 4 could lead to a federal government shutdown. Pence has made himself the leader of a coordinated effort to defund Planned Parenthood, which is the nation's largest provider of abortions and a longtime target of abortion foes.” [Los Angeles Times, 2/18/11]
[Video] 2011: During 2011 Federal Budget Negotiations, Pence Indicated He Would “Hold Up This Entire Budget” And Implement A Government Shutdown Over Planned Parenthood Funding. While appearing on MSNBC, Mike Pence said, “WILLIE GEIST (CO-HOST): Are you willing to hold up this entire budget over defunding Planned Parenthood? PENCE: Well— well of course I am. I think the American people have begun to learn that the largest abortion provider in the country is also the largest recipient of federal funding under Title X, and they want to see that come to an end. I think there’s a broad consensus in this country, regardless of where you stand on the subject of abortion, there’s a broad consensus for decades now opposing public funding of abortion and abortion providers. ... We’re going to dig in and we’re going to fight for the principle that taxpayers should not have to subsidize the largest abortion provider in the country, namely Planned Parenthood of America.” [Media Matters, 4/5/11]
April 2011: Pence Was Asked If He Was “Willing To Hold Up This Entire Budget Over Defunding Planned Parenthood?” And Responded “Of Course I Am.” According to Howey Politics Indiana, “When Congress narrowly averted a government shutdown in the spring of 2011, then U.S. Rep. Mike Pence - before he was Indiana Governor - vocally championed a hard line of pushing specific cuts at the acknowledged risk of a government shutdown. […] Asked by MSNBC on April 5th of that year, ‘Are you willing to hold up this entire budget over defunding Planned Parenthood?’ Pence answered, ‘Well, well of course I am.’” [Howey Politics Indiana, 10/1/13]
Pence: “I Say, ‘Shut It Down.’” According to Howey Politics Indiana, “Before an AFP Tea Party gathering outside the Capitol the next day, Pence intoned: ‘It's time to take a stand. We need to say to liberals, “This far and no further.” To borrow a line from another Harry, we've got to say, “The debt stops here.” And if liberals in the Senate would rather play political games and force a government shutdown instead of accepting a modest down payment on fiscal discipline and reform, I say, “Shut it down.”’” [Howey Politics Indiana, 10/1/13]
Politico: Pence Is “On A One-Man Crusade To Deny All Federal Funding To The Group — Not Just The Money It Gets For Reproductive Health And Family Planning Services, But Every Penny It Gets For Anything.” According to Politico, “Abortion-rights advocates and abortion-rights opponents don’t see eye to eye on much, but they do agree on this: Nobody hates Planned Parenthood quite as much as Mike Pence. The Indiana Republican is on a one-man crusade to deny all federal funding to the group — not just the money it gets for reproductive health and family planning services, but every penny it gets for anything.” [Politico, 2/16/11]
Star Press Editorial: “It's Too Dramatic To Say Rep. Mike Pence Is Waging War Against Planned Parenthood. Let's Just Say It's A Crusade, And He’s Won The Latest Round.” According to an editorial by the Star Press, “It's too dramatic to say Rep. Mike Pence is waging war against Planned Parenthood. Let's just say it's a crusade, and he's won the latest round.” [Editorial – Star Press, 2/22/11]
Votes By Mike Pence To Defund Planned Parenthood
| Year | Bill |
| 2011 | House Vote 93, 2/18/11; Congressional Quarterly, 2/18/11; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1 |
| 2011 | House Vote 147, 2/19/11; Roll Call, 3/10/11; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1 |
| 2011 | House Vote 271, 4/14/11; Congressional Quarterly, 4/14/11; Congressional Actions, H.Con.Res. 36 |
| 2009 | House Vote 643, 7/24/09; Congressional Quarterly, 7/24/09 |
| 2007 | House Vote 684, 7/19/07; Congressional Quarterly, 7/19/07; Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 594; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3043 |
Bills Sponsored By Mike Pence Aimed To Defund Planned Parenthood
| Year | Bill |
| 2011 | Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 95; Congressional Actions, H.R. 1 |
| 2009 | Congressional Actions, H. Amdt. 389; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3293 |
| 2007 | CRS Summary via Congressional Quarterly, 1/11/12; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4133 |
2012: Pence Voted To Reauthorize A Weaker Republican Version Of The Violence Against Women Act With Language That Did Not Include Protections For Immigrants, LGBT, And Native American Victims. In May 2012, Pence voted for a bill that, according to Congressional Quarterly, “would [have] authorize[d] $660 million per year through fiscal 2017 to reauthorize and modify grant and assistance programs enacted under the Violence Against Women Act. The bill would [have] authorize[d] funds for law enforcement training programs, prosecution and victim services. It also would [have] impose[d] mandatory criminal penalties for certain aggravated sexual crimes, modify visa programs for immigrant victims of domestic violence and ma[d]e changes to current law protections for housing services provided to victims of violence and abuse.” The vote was on passage of the bill, the House passed the bill with a vote of 222 to 205. The Senate took no subsequent action. [House Vote 258, 5/16/12; Congressional Actions, H.R.4970; Congressional Quarterly, 5/16/12]
Senate Bill Would Have Temporarily Made An Additional 5,000 U Visas For Domestic Violence Victims Available Each Year. According to CRS, “S. 1925 proposes to temporarily increase the cap on the number of U visas available for battered nonimmigrants (from 10,000 to 15,000).” [CRS, 6/7/12]
2012: Unlike The House Version Of VAWA, The Senate Version Broadened The Definition Of Cyberstalking. According to CRS, “In contrast to H.R. 4970, S. 1925 would expand the definition of cyberstalking to include use of ‘any electronic communication device or electronic communication system of interstate commerce.’” [CRS, 6/7/12]
Senate Bill Contained Measures To Reduce The Nation-Wide Backlog Of Untested Rape Kits. According to a New York Times editorial, “Even in the ultra-polarized atmosphere of Capitol Hill, it should be possible to secure broad bipartisan agreement on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, the 1994 law at the center of the nation’s efforts to combat domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. […] Yet not a single Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee voted in favor last week when the committee approved a well-crafted reauthorization bill introduced by its chairman, Senator Patrick Leahy, and Senator Michael Crapo, a Republican of Idaho, who is not on the committee. The bill includes smart improvements aimed, for example, at encouraging effective enforcement of protective orders and reducing the national backlog of untested rape kits.” [Editorial, New York Times, 2/10/12]
2004: Pence Voted Against Prohibiting Employers From Joining An Association Health Insurance Plan If It Allowed For Reduced Coverage For Women’s Health, Including Breast Cancer. In May 2004, Pence effectively voted against an amendment that would have, according to Congressional Quarterly, “prohibit[ed] employers from joining a health plan if it [allowed] for a reduction in breast cancer coverage.” The underlying bill, according to Congressional Quarterly, would have “permit[ted] the creation of association health plans under which small businesses could band together through associations to purchase health insurance for their employees. […] The association health plans [AHPs] created by the measure would be exempt from state health insurance regulations,” including “any state-mandated benefit package, such as a requirement that treatment for a certain disease or a certain medical screening procedure be covered. However, the plan would be required to comply with state laws in which it is domiciled that require coverage of specific diseases.” The vote was on a motion to recommit the bill with instructions to report the bill back with the specified amendment. The House rejected the motion by a vote of 196 to 218. [House Vote 173, 5/13/04; Congressional Quarterly, 5/13/04; Congressional Actions, H.R. 4281; Congressional Record, 5/13/04]
2005: Pence Voted Against Allowing States To Require Small Business Group Multi-State Health Plans To Cover Pregnancy, Childbirth, Child Care, Screenings And Physician-Recommended Tests For Breast And Cervical Cancer, Mental Illness, And Diabetes. In July 2005, Pence effectively voted against an amendment that, according to Congressional Quarterly, would have “maintain[ed] state health coverage for pregnancy, childbirth, child care, breast and cervical cancer screening and tests recommended by a physician, mental illness and diabetes.” The underlying bill, according to Congressional Quarterly, created association health plans (AHPs), which enabled groups of small businesses to collectively purchase health insurance for their employees; the plans would be exempt from state health insurance regulations, including coverage requirements. The vote was on a motion to recommit the bill with instructions that it be reported back with the specified amendment. The House rejected the motion by a vote of 198 to 230. [House Vote 425, 7/26/05; Congressional Quarterly, 7/26/05; Congressional Actions, H.R. 525; Congressional Quarterly, 7/25/05]
CNN: Pence In 1997: Working Mothers Stunt Emotional Growth Of Children [CNN, 7/19/16]
Pence, 1997: Children Who Are Cared By Others Not Their Mother Are Emotional Stunted. According to a letter to the editor by Mike Pence and published by the Indianapolis Star, “Researchers found that while day-care kids suffer no disadvantage in cognitive or linguistic development, their emotional development was stunted. Specifically, researchers found that a child cared for by other was less affectionate toward the mother. This was described as ‘statistically insignificant,’ which means that the numbers make it as obvious as the nose on your face. No doubt many will recite the mantra of the ‘90s in response, namely, ‘So what?’ Well, this evidence suggests for the first time that day-care does not equal at-home care.” [Mike Pence Letter To The Editor – Indianapolis Star, 4/9/97]
Pence, 1997: “For Years” American Had Been Told They Could “Have It All” but A “Federally Funded Survey” Argued “That The Converse Is True.” According to a letter to the editor by Mike Pence and published by the Indianapolis Star, “For years, we have gotten the message from the mouthpieces of the popular culture that you can have it all, career, kids and a two-car garage. The numbers in this federally funded survey argue that the converse is true.” [Mike Pence Letter To The Editor – Indianapolis Star, 4/9/97]