James Oberstar: “Proponents of this resolution have framed the issue as simply a vote on family planning, or a vote about closing family…”

“Proponents of this resolution have framed the issue as simply a vote on family planning, or a vote about closing family planning clinics overseas. That is not the case. It is a vote on using one-half billion dollars of U.S. taxpayer money to subsidize and to promote abortions, and to promote efforts to overturn legal and cultural barriers in countries overseas and to promote abortion in foreign countries. The position of this House historically has been a position out of respect to the millions of women and men who in conscience are opposed to abortion, to ensure that our tax dollars do not subsidize or promote abortion. We have repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to approve funds for family planning, but we have also ensured safeguards against the use of those family planning dollars to promote or encourage in any way or advocate abortion. We should not approve this resolution which will open the door once again for use of U.S. taxpayer dollars to promote abortions overseas.”