FOX News’ Jimmy Failla discusses Squad member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s latest hoax on Jesse Watters Primetime. A new book reveals that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., squared off with Planned Parenthood in a dispute that eventually left her “floored” as she faced resistance on eliminating the Hyde Amendment, a top liberal priority. “The Squad: AOC and the Hope of a Political Revolution” by The Intercept’s Ryan Grim, which was released on Tuesday, provides an insider account of the progressive movement, specifically the “Squad.”
The chapter in the book describes a series of events beginning in spring 2019 where presidential candidate Joe Biden was facing “intense backlash” from his party for defending the Hyde Amendment, barring federal money for paying for abortions. Ocasio-Cortez noted that the amendment was still in the Democrat appropriations bill and urged her colleagues to remove it. However, she soon learned that it wasn’t a mistake and was told by fellow Democrats that Senate Republicans and President Trump would never go along with a bill that stripped the Hyde Amendment.
In an attempt to gain support, Ocasio-Cortez approached Planned Parenthood, a natural ally on the issue. However, she was met with resistance. Planned Parenthood explained that they did not want Democrats to try and remove the Hyde Amendment because they did not have enough votes in the Senate to succeed. They feared that pushing for its removal could result in Democrats receiving a bad score, which could hurt their re-election chances. Despite the pushback, Ocasio-Cortez continued to advocate for the amendment’s removal.
The book details how Ocasio-Cortez worked with fellow squad member Ayanna Pressley to introduce an amendment, but it ultimately failed to make waves. Pressley, who chaired a caucus dedicated to promoting abortion rights, wrote an amendment that was expected not to get through the rules committee. This strategy would allow opponents of the Hyde Amendment to make a run at it without forcing a vote or debate on the floor. As expected, the Pressley amendment was rejected before reaching the floor.
The book also highlights the tensions between Ocasio-Cortez’s former aide, Dan Riffle, and Planned Parenthood. Riffle disagreed with Planned Parenthood’s strategy and was “discouraged” by it. The organization complained to Ocasio-Cortez’s office that Riffle had been too gruff on the phone.
Overall, the book sheds light on the internal struggles within the progressive movement and the challenges faced by Ocasio-Cortez in her fight to eliminate the Hyde Amendment. It reveals the complexities of navigating issues such as abortion rights and the political considerations that come into play. Ocasio-Cortez’s determination to repeal the amendment underscores her commitment to progressive causes.
Digital reached out to Ocasio-Cortez’s office and Planned Parenthood for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Andrew Mark Miller is a reporter at FOX News. Find him on Twitter @andymarkmiller and email tips to [email protected]. Stay updated with the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content by subscribing to our newsletter.
