House Speaker John Boehner delivered a scathing attack from the House floor today on the Obama administration's mandate that health insurers offer birth control coverage.
Escalating the already intense debate over the new requirement, Congress' most powerful Republican called it an "attack on religious freedom."
Conservatives have complained in recent days that the rule will force employers who object to contraception, sterilization and abortion-inducing drugs to cover those services. Catholic charities, universities and hospitals often object to such procedures.
It is unusual for a House speaker to address the House from the floor, as Boehner did today.
"This attack by the federal government on religious freedom in our country must not stand and will not stand," he vowed.
In recent days, the White House has defended the rule as being no more strict than many states already have, noting exemptions exist. But on Tuesday, Obama campaign advisor David Axelrod said the issue would be resolved "in an appropriate way."
Until then, Boehner said the House would proceed with committee hearings and action, led by Chairman Fred Upton of the Energy and Commerce Committee.
USA Today