Political Quotes

“I hadn't originally planned to talk about this, but today, December 18, is the anniversary of my grandfather's passing 51 years ago. My grandfather Emil and his wife, Molly, had 18 grandchildren. What made them extraordinary is that they saw the grace of every one of their grandchildren and wanted each and every one of their grandchildren to reach their full potential. What made them truly special is that that love extended to everyone in our community and across the globe. As a father of two, I want nothing more for my kids than for them to be happy and to reach their potential. As a Representative in this body in the House of Representatives, we all should want nothing more for our kids than for every kid in America to reach their full potential and be comfortable in their personal identity. That is why I rise so strongly in opposition to H.R. 498. I ask my colleagues on the other side: What are you afraid of? This harmful bill would prohibit State Medicaid programs from providing lifesaving gender-affirming care to individuals under the age of 18. It not only bars the use of Federal funds to States for this care but prohibits States from using their own money to provide it. My Republican colleagues want to insert themselves into the practice of medicine and make a family's medical decision from the Halls of this Chamber. Shame on them. My Republican colleagues want a veto in what health services are available to children and their families.”