On the recordJanuary 17, 2019
I stand before you today as we approach the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade to speak on behalf of Americans who cannot speak for themselves. Our Nation was founded on the notion that every American has a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As legislators, we are bound to protect these rights, especially as they relate to our most vulnerable population, which is why we cannot ignore the fundamental right of an unborn child to live. While Roe v. Wade may be the law of the land, I am here today because I, along with many of my fellow Floridians, disagree with it. I believe it is incumbent on this institution to debate the definition of life as well as our authority and responsibility to protect it. As a father, I have the privilege and have had the privilege of watching my daughter grow from a tiny blip on a monitor, to a beautiful baby girl, and now to a strong, courageous young woman, the young woman that she is today; and when I look at her my heart breaks. It breaks for the children whose lives have been and continue to be taken from them just as they are beginning. These children could have been future doctors, lawyers, Members of Congress, teachers, military servicemembers, anything they wanted. But, unfortunately, because of a court decision made nearly 46 years ago, we will never know who those children would have become. Madam Speaker, as a veteran, I have seen horrible things.…
