On the recordSeptember 18, 2015
This legislation is the latest attempt to take essential healthcare services away from women. Our Republican colleagues know that none of the Planned Parenthood Federal funds are used for abortion, per the Hyde amendment. They know there is no evidence that Planned Parenthood has violated any Federal laws. They know that 90 percent of Planned Parenthood services go to essential cancer screenings, family planning counseling, pregnancy tests, contraceptive care, and other things. This bill will deny women those services. When this bill fails in the Senate, our Republican colleagues are apparently prepared to shut down the government in order to shut down those women's health services. Madam Speaker, our Republican colleagues are entitled to their views, but they should not harm our economy; they should not harm America's women; they should not shut down the government to try to impose their views on the country. Madam Speaker, I rise to raise my opposition to H.R. 3134, Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2015. This bill would prohibit all federal funding for Planned Parenthood health centers for one year. Instead of using their majority to pass a clean budget and govern responsibly, the Republicans are willing to hold our country hostage to further their harmful agenda against women. The Defund Planned Parenthood Act is just another shameful attempt to take essential healthcare services away from women.…
