Political Quotes

“My amendment would prohibit funds from being used to implement the District of Columbia's Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2014, or RHNDA. This law prevents religious and pro-life advocacy organizations from making employment decisions consistent with their institutional mission. The First Amendment States in part that ``Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. . . . '' Without my amendment, some employers in the District of Columbia would be forced to embrace the beliefs of the 13 members of the D.C. Council. D.C. allows abortions until the moment of birth, but a number of organizations in D.C.--such as March for Life, Americans United for Life, and the Susan B. Anthony List--exist solely to protect the sanctity of life. The Constitution provides them the right to exercise those beliefs just like it does those who oppose it. That is why, when the District passed RHNDA, former D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray described it as ``legally problematic'' saying: `` . . . the bill raises serious concerns under the Constitution, and under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. . . . '' My amendment would restore religious freedom to employers inside the District of Columbia. Those who want to have an abortion do not have to work for employers who oppose them. They have life and the liberty to pursue their own interests with another employer. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”