Political Quotes

“This amendment would direct the VA to conduct an awareness campaign regarding types of fertility treatments, procedures, and services that are available to veterans. While I do agree that all veterans should be made aware of the care and services covered under the earned VA medical benefits package, I must oppose this inclusion of the amendment in the NDAA. I cannot support an outreach campaign that champions a process like in vitro fertilization, a process that creates life in a petri dish and then either destroys, discards, or forever freezes it on a shelf. This is not life-affirming. This is not right for veterans or their spouses or their children. Being a father is one of the highlights of my life. I wish every veteran could know the joy of parenthood, and I want to help veterans struggling with infertility to connect with life-affirming resources and support. I hope to work with my colleagues and fellow veterans to find a better way forward for veterans who are unable to conceive. Dropping an amendment into the NDAA is not the way forward, and for that reason, I am opposed to the amendment. Mr. Speaker, I mentioned earlier in my statement, I cannot support this amendment that promotes the provision of in vitro fertilization as part of the VA medical benefits package, and I urge Members to oppose the amendment. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore.…”