Department of Defense Appropriations Authorization Act of 1975 (S. 3000). The vote is on the Stannis amendment to kill the Helms amendment which would have barred the use of federal funds for abortions, abortion referral services, transportation to abortion clinics, or any medical assistance used in connection with abortions. Although Helms did not admit it, the amendment was not limited to military personnel, but was a total prohibition on all federal program funds used in connection with abortions. The President's Population Commission has stressed the need for broad public access to abortions in order to slow down population growth. Most environmental groups agree because overpopulation hastens the depletion of resources and is a root cause of nearly all environmental problems. June 11, 1974. Motion to table agreed to 64-27. YES is the correct vote.