In news from Capitol Hill, Congress approved a massive $388 billion spending bill on Saturday. While the bill curtailed federal spending in most non-defense areas it also included provisions that may restrict the right of women to obtain abortions and the number of students who can receive college aid. The bill includes a provision that will make it easier for health care providers and insurance companies to refuse to provide abortions or offer abortion counseling. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California described the amendment as “essentially a domestic gag rule” that will restrict access to abortion counseling, referral and information. Pelosi criticized the amendment which she said will essentially allow hospitals and health care companies to ignore Roe v Wade.