Boehner threatens to repeal contraceptive rule if Obama does not reverse course

House Speaker John Boehner vowed Wednesday that Congress would try to repeal a provision in the health care law which requires some faith-based employers to provide insurance coverage for contraceptives.

In a speech on the House floor, Boehner called the rule "an unambiguous attack on religious freedom in our country."

"If the president does not reverse the department's attack on religious freedom, then the Congress, acting on behalf of the American people and the Constitution we are sworn to uphold and defend, must," Boehner said.

He added that any legislation to undo the administration rule would come out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Republicans have rallied around the election-year controversy. On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., took to the floor of his chamber to condemn the mandate. McConnell described it as "abhorrent" and said the Obama administration had crossed a "dangerous line."

While the White House does not intend to back away from the president's decision to enact the rule last month, it has indicated that it is willing to reach a compromise with religious leaders on the issue in order to quell the backlash.