The Clinton administration re-established global population stabilization as a priority of the U.S. foreign assistance program, which is critical to efforts to promote environmentally sustainable development, improve the status of women, and reduce poverty. Anti-family planning lawmakers have sought to reverse policies supportive of family planning and reproductive health programs.

Current law prevents U.S. foreign assistance monies from funding abortion or coercive practices, and from being used to lobby. During floor debate on the Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, H.R. 1868, Rep. Christopher Smith (R-NJ) offered an amendment that would prohibit funding for organizations that perform abortions with private funds or attempt to change abortion law and policy. The provision also would withhold the U.S. contribution to the United Nations Population Fund (see Senate vote #14, International Family Planning).

Rep. Smith's sweeping amendment would jeopardize funding for many important multilateral and nongovernmental organizations working at the grassroots level for family planning and other critical health services in developing countries. On June 28, 1995, the House adopted the Smith amendment 243 - 187. NO is the pro-environment vote.