The Obama Administration is under fire today for its decision to force religious-affiliated groups to cover contraceptives in their health care plan. The Catholic Church says it's a violation of conscience and Republicans are calling it an attack on religious freedom. GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill are gearing up for a fight with the White House.
The White House says the President is trying to protect women but Republicans say he's gone too far.
Congressional Republicans are vowing to roll back the Obama Administration's controversial policy forcing religious groups with health insurance plans to cover birth control.
"This attack by the federal government on religious freedom in our country must not stand, and will not stand," said House Speaker John Boehner.
"This is not a women's rights issue. This is a religious liberty issue," said Senator Kelly Ayotte from Ohio.
The Catholic Church had hoped to get a waiver, but didn't.
"The mandate is actually is government imposing on the church requirements that are against our conscience," said Rev. Joseph Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville.
Now the issue is a talking point in the presidential campaign.
"This President is deliberately undermining religious liberty in this country," said Republican Presidential candidate Rick Santorum.
"This is wrong," said Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. "If I am President of the United States, I will restore and protect our religious liberty in this great country."
The White House argues the policy isn't anti-religion.
"The President's focused on putting in place the right policies for women across the country," said White House Press Secretary Jay Carney.
Senate democrats are vowing to fight back.
"It's medicine and women deserve their medicine," said California Senator Barbara Boxer.
It is a brewing battle over birth control and who pays the price. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is expected to testify about the new rule in a hearing on Capitol Hill on March first.
