On the recordJuly 26, 2017
I rise today in defense of those who cannot defend themselves. After 8 years of policies that have undermined the sanctity of life, we have an opportunity today to extend the protections of the Hyde amendment wider than ever before. After 8 years of a failed social experiment that subverted the will of a majority of Americans and denied rights of conscience and religious freedom, we have an opportunity to ensure that taxpayer dollars will not contribute to the scourge of abortion under any circumstance. As we consider options to fix our nation's failing healthcare system, partisan lines cut deeper on abortion than on any other issue. However, we should all be able to agree that taxpayer funds have no place in funding abortions. I also hope we can agree that our society cannot be truly prosperous until it respects the rights of the most vulnerable among us. If we fail to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves, then the words of our founding documents, the words inscribed in the halls of this building, and the truths we each hold in our hearts mean nothing. To that end, I will be offering a motion to waive the point of order on Hyde amendment protections as we work to solve our healthcare crisis. Today, and every day, I stand for life. I am joined by colleagues who understand what is at stake, and I thank Senator Enzi for his leadership. I yield the floor.





