Keith Self Pushes to Block Foreign Aid Funding for Abortions

Rep. Keith Self

Representative Keith Self (R-TX) is calling on his colleagues to support a measure that would prevent U.S. foreign aid money from being used to fund abortions abroad.

Self spoke in favor of an amendment to H.R. 9087, a bill in the House of Representatives that covers a range of foreign affairs issues. His amendment would add one specific rule to that bill: no federal dollars, directly or indirectly, could go toward abortion services in other countries.

"American taxpayers should never be forced to subsidize abortion," Self argued, framing the issue as one of both fiscal responsibility and values.

He believes the State Department's role should be focused on advancing national interests and protecting human rights, not, in his words, exporting abortion overseas through foreign aid.

Self said the American public does not want their tax dollars used that way, and that the amendment sends a clear message about where the country stands.

The Original Amendment

However, H.R. 9087, introduced by Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), covers several unrelated foreign policy areas.

Among other things, the bill would ban the State Department from displaying maps that incorrectly show the Gulf of America, restrict which flags can fly over State Department buildings, allow a pilot program for technology acquisitions, and give the Secretary of State authority to reorganize or potentially absorb the U.S. Agency for International Development, commonly known as USAID.

The bill also includes a provision requiring Foreign Service officers to complete an "America First" training course before being assigned to any overseas post or diplomatic mission.

Self's amendment adds another layer to an already wide-ranging piece of legislation that touches on how the U.S. manages its relationships, resources, and personnel abroad.

Specifically, it adds a clear ban on using any funds in this bill for abortion services abroad.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs after being introduced on June 2, 2026. It has not yet been voted on.

Ericka Rodriguez Diaz

Ericka Piñon is a reporter for Cactus Politics specializing in Arizona Legislative Correspondent. With 1 year on the ground in Phoenix, Arizona, they have been cited by Cactus Politics, Big Energy News, The Floridian Press, and Texas Politics. Her focus is on Public Relations and Communications.