Lynn C. Woolsey: “I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the rule and the conference report on the Freedom of Access to…”

“I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the rule and the conference report on the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances bill. The issue of ensuring women's access to abortion clinics has been debated in Congress long enough. It is time, Mr. Speaker, to give women the protection they deserve under the Constitution. This bill will give our law enforcement officers the tools necessary to prevent blockades of clinics and to punish lawbreakers. Law enforcement at all levels is crying out for swift enactment of this bill--from Attorney General Reno on down to local police officers. Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that this is not an issue of freedom speech, nor are many of the protesters in front of abortion clinics nonviolent as they claim. The frequency and danger of their acts have escalated alarmingly in recent years. Last year, they assaulted patients and staff, and shot and murdered doctors. I urge my colleagues to join me in putting an end to the unlawful activities waged by protesters at clinics. Vote yes on the rule and on the conference report on the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances bill.”