Timothy Roemer: “as a strong supporter of family planning initiatives, I would like to emphasize my support for the U.S. International…”

“as a strong supporter of family planning initiatives, I would like to emphasize my support for the U.S. International Family Planning Program. This program has been extremely effective in protecting the health and lives of women and children in underdeveloped and developing countries throughout the world. Today, I will be voting for H.R. 581 which was introduced by Representative Chris Smith. For those who claim to be true supporters of our family planning efforts overseas, I believe this is the correct vote to cast. H.R. 581 will release the full $385 million in international family planning money on March 1, 1997--bringing the total fiscal year 1997 spending on these programs to $713 million. In other words, this bill will provide nearly $200 million more in funding than the resolution which was passed by the House earlier today (H.J. Res. 36). In addition, it will ensure that this Federal funding is used only for contraceptive family planning and health care services, not abortion.”