Victor Fazio: “I agree with Mr. Obey. If he's said it once, he's said it a thousand times: This legislative language has no place in an…”

“I agree with Mr. Obey. If he's said it once, he's said it a thousand times: This legislative language has no place in an appropriations bill. The issues that this bill touches--from abortion to workers' rights-- are complicated and controversial. They should be considered out in the open in the committee with primary jurisdiction. If the Majority is proud of this legislation, its members should have the opportunity to hold public hearings to discuss these matters with the public. If this legislation--and that's just what it is--is so important, it should stand on its own, and not hide behind the cover of an appropriations bill. That said, I rise in support of Mr. Obey's amendment to strike the pages and pages of legislative language in this bill. This inclusion is more than unnecessary and a waste of our time. It is malicious. It targets the most vulnerable in our communities, women who have been assaulted by rapists, and children who have been victims of incest. In some cases, this bill rescinds years of legal precedent. In this bill, court decisions in labor cases are overruled. The demolition does not end here. The supporters are attempting to give political pay back to their conservative supporters. Let me give you two examples. The language in this bill about gender equity in college sports is unfair to our daughters. Title IX enforcement ensures that our sons and daughters have an equal chance to take part in sports while they are in school.”