Lynn C. Woolsey: “Today we are removing language that allows Appropriations Committee members and their staff to look at citizen's tax…”

“Today we are removing language that allows Appropriations Committee members and their staff to look at citizen's tax returns. This language was in a 3,500 page spending bill, which Members only had hours to review before voting. Privacy was at stake here and it is right to correct this wrong. But another provision in this bill also threatens privacy. The privacy of women and their conversations with their doctors. The Federal Refusal Clause language inserted in this bill robs women of their right to access comprehensive health care. No matter how you look at it, this provision goes one step further by making it impossible for women to exercise their reproductive choices and once again subjects them to the wrath of the anti-choice movement. This was a misguided measure that has dangerous implications for women's reproductive health and for our health care system as a whole. If we were truly correcting the bad policy inserted in this bill we would be removing this language as well. Mr. Speaker, our constituents want us to get it right the first time around. Let's not make a mistake now that we have a second chance. I urge my colleagues to support the removal of this anti-choice, anti-privacy language.”