Political Quotes

“I rise to urge my colleagues to oppose the Blunt amendment, which could lead to devastating health outcomes for over 20 million women across our country. Just 2 weeks ago, I applauded the Obama administration's decision to require health insurance plans to provide coverage of FDA-approved contraception needed for women's health care without copays beginning this August. The final rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services was a tremendous step toward improving the health of our Nation's women and their families--a step that was long overdue and one made with due respect for all Americans' religious freedom. Tomorrow, we will be voting on an amendment that would not only undo that progress, it would move us backward. What is especially frightening is that this amendment goes much further than just reversing the rule because it is not limited to religiously affiliated entities. The proposal would allow any employer or health plan issuer to refuse coverage of any service for any reason, not just religious objections. If an employee had any moral objection, it would be permitted to refuse coverage for critical care such as alcohol and other substance abuse counseling, prenatal care for single women, and mental health care too.…”