Lynn C. Woolsey: “Whenever we debate the Defense appropriations bill, I feel like I'm living in an alternative universe, because the other…”

“Whenever we debate the Defense appropriations bill, I feel like I'm living in an alternative universe, because the other 51 weeks of the year all I hear from my Republican colleagues is that the sky is falling and we have to rein in a deficit that is wildly out of control. When it comes to the military budget, that rhetoric is nowhere to be heard and my friends in the majority become the biggest spenders of all. If cutting spending is a matter of such great urgency, then I believe the Pentagon, which has been generously funded over the years, can pitch in its share. Why do the programs that Americans depend on for basic needs have to take the budget hit? For example, under the Labor-HHS appropriations bill, the title X program is not just trimmed but completely zeroed out. For more than 40 years, title X has been a lifesaving source of family planning services and preventive health care for millions and millions of low-income women. PAP tests, breast exams, early detection of cervical cancer--uninsured women depend on title X in order to receive these vital services at clinics nationwide. The proposed elimination of funding would be devastating to these women and to their families. It's critical to point out, Mr. Chairman, by law, not a single penny of title X money is used to perform an abortion. If, however, you want to reduce unintended pregnancies, as the other side says it does, then there is no more effective program than title X.…”