Robert Pittenger: “I stand before you in full support of H.R. 3495, the Women's Public Health and Safety Act. This legislation amends…”

“I stand before you in full support of H.R. 3495, the Women's Public Health and Safety Act. This legislation amends Medicaid law to give States the freedom and flexibility to remove abortion providers from Medicaid. Taxpayer dollars should not be used for abortion, period. This important policy is widely supported by the American people. That is why the Hyde amendment, first established in 1976, protects taxpayers from preventing the use of Federal funds for abortion. However, through the years, we have seen these groups attempt to circumvent this Federal mandate in order to further their own destructive agenda of death. In North Carolina, Madam Speaker, there are 294 community health clinics, but only 9 Planned Parenthood abortion centers. Providing States like North Carolina with flexibility and funding will result in better, more accessible health care for all women, instead of funneling money to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood and their army of political lobbyists. Thank you to Congressman Sean Duffy for his leadership on this issue. As a nation, we must restore the value and sanctity of each and every life against this selfish culture of death. I will continue to be a voice for the voiceless and speak out against these egregious acts as long as it takes to restore the God-given promise of life. Life is precious. As Pope Francis stated in this Chamber, we must cherish each and every one at every stage of life. Ms. DeGETTE.…”