CQ News: Hyde Amendment Resurfaces in Senate Flap Over Trafficking Bill
“A Senate blowup over a bill to crack down on human trafficking marks Republicans’ latest attempt to expand the reach of language inserted in various spending bills to bar federally funded abortions — a gambit that has landed the GOP in hot water before. … [A spokesperson for Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.)] said the GOP move would, among other things, make the Hyde language permanent for the first time, instead of being subject to annual renewals through the appropriations process…” (Zanona et al., 3/11).

The Hill: Cornyn: Dems knew about abortion language in trafficking bill
“…The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, introduced by [Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)], includes additional resources for law enforcement and establishes a fund to raise money for victims. The legislation also includes the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits funding from being spent on abortions…” (Ferris/Carney, 3/10).

New York Times: Anti-Abortion Provision May Stop Human Trafficking Bill in Senate
“…Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the Democratic leader, said his party would not allow it to move forward with that provision. Senator John Cornyn, the Texas Republican who introduced the bill, said Democrats had rejected his suggestion to introduce an amendment stripping out the language. He said the Senate would vote Thursday to end debate on the bill, but it seemed unlikely that he would have the 60 votes needed to overcome Democratic opposition” (3/11).