Voucher initiatives were defeated in Michigan and California in November, and a federal appeals court in December ruled that a voucher plan in Cleveland was unconstitutional. Opponents say vouchers will siphon money away from the public schools, but supporters say there is a way to hold schools accountable for progress. But aware that his voucher plan does not sit well with Democrats and some moderate Republicans, Bush met with key members of both parties to push his ideas before introducing his plan. While consensus might be found on education reform, Bush's order on Monday stopping federal funding of programs that offer abortion services abroad was much more polarizing. Pro-choice Jewish groups condemned the move, saying it will harm women's health programs and infringe on free speech.
Current law bans the use of U.S. funds for abortions in foreign countries.
Bush's order reverses the Clinton move. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced in any form without permission.