Texas Representative Chip Roy is taking a stand against what he calls the Biden administration’s weaponization of the law against pro-life Americans. His push to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act has gained momentum after data revealed that a staggering 97% of prosecutions under the law targeted pro-life individuals.
At a glance:
• Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) introduced legislation to repeal the FACE Act, with Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) leading companion legislation in the Senate
• The FACE Act was intended to protect access to abortion facilities but has been criticized for targeting pro-life activists
• Data shows 97% of FACE Act prosecutions from 1994-2024 were against pro-life Americans
• President Donald Trump pardoned 23 pro-lifers who had been prosecuted under the FACE Act
• Roy plans to file a discharge petition to advance the bill if it isn’t brought up for a vote through normal procedures
Biden Administration Accused of Weaponizing FACE Act
Representative Chip Roy has intensified his efforts to repeal the FACE Act, arguing it has been unfairly used to target Americans with pro-life beliefs. The Texas Republican’s legislation aims to prevent future administrations from using the law as a political weapon against those who oppose abortion.
“Free Americans should never live in fear of their government targeting them because of their beliefs. Yet, Biden’s Department of Justice has brazenly weaponized the FACE Act against normal, everyday Americans across the political spectrum, simply because they are pro-life,” said Representative Roy in a press release from his office.
The FACE Act, passed in 1994 under President Bill Clinton, prohibits force or obstruction against those seeking reproductive health services or practicing religion. Despite its stated intention to protect both abortion clinics and pro-life centers, critics argue its application has been overwhelmingly one-sided.
Pro-Life Americans Disproportionately Targeted
Data obtained by Roy’s office from the Department of Justice revealed a shocking statistic about the law’s application. According to the information, 97% of all FACE Act prosecutions from 1994 to 2024 were against pro-life Americans.
The legislation’s co-sponsors include several prominent Republicans such as Representatives Harriet Hageman, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Dan Crenshaw. The bill has also received support from numerous organizations including the Thomas More Society, Concerned Women for America, and Students for Life Action.
.@HouseGOP should repeal the FACE Act and STOP Biden's DOJ crusade against pro-life Americans
Rep. Roy has the bill to do it (HR 5577)⬇️https://t.co/fb4hwBhVbs
— Rep. Chip Roy Press Office (@RepChipRoy) April 4, 2024
Roy Vows to Use Discharge Petition if Necessary
Roy has made it clear he will pursue all available legislative pathways to advance the repeal. The Congressman has stated he will file a discharge petition to bypass committee procedures if Republican leadership doesn’t bring the bill forward for a vote.
With Republicans now controlling the House, Senate, and White House, Roy sees this as the perfect opportunity to eliminate the law. The recent pardons issued by President Trump for 23 pro-life activists prosecuted under the FACE Act have further energized the repeal effort.
