Luke Messer: “The Federal Government should not fund abortions, and it should not force States to fund them either. That is one reason…”

“The Federal Government should not fund abortions, and it should not force States to fund them either. That is one reason this body recently voted to make the Hyde amendment permanent and governmentwide. The vast majority of Americans support this policy as a matter of conscience and agree that tax dollars should not fund abortion procedures. Today's bill is consistent with that principle. But despite the rhetoric across the aisle, the bill permits, but does not require, States to direct title X funds to health providers that do not provide abortions. Without this bill, States would be forced to fund the abortion industry by Federal bureaucrats. This is an issue of states' rights as well as one of conscience. {time} 1400 I am proud to support this measure, stand up for States, and defend life. I want to thank my colleague, Diane Black, for her hard work and leadership on getting this bill to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to vote for its passage. Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor).”