Peter Torkildsen: “I rise today with regret that this House is once again using important debate time reserved for national security…”

“I rise today with regret that this House is once again using important debate time reserved for national security concerns to address the socially divisive issue of abortion. We have been through this same debate several times in committee and on the floor. In fact, the Senate addressed this question and voted to delete the restriction in the Armed Services Committee. I urge my colleagues to do the same by supporting the DeLauro amendment. The language in this bill relegates our servicewomen and the wives of servicemen to the status of second-class citizens. It also represents congressional tampering at its worst. A women's right to choose is the law of the land--whether we agree or not. Congress has no right to deny a basic law to women simply because they are stationed abroad. The DeLauro amendment would apply current law to the military. Only private money could be used for abortion services, and no Federal money could be used. As a Hyde amendment supporter, I agree with that policy. I urge my colleagues to reject the social agenda embodied in this language. Support current military policy--vote for the DeLauro amendment.”