Louise Slaughter: “we are about to begin our annual debate on a procedure that is not really recognized by the medical profession, which is…”

“we are about to begin our annual debate on a procedure that is not really recognized by the medical profession, which is totally unconstitutional, and would not go anywhere. The Supreme Court just recently said again that all the laws that they have had brought before them, and particularly the one on Nebraska, were unconstitutional. Given that, it is very tempting for us on our side to talk about the things that American people are concerned about. Their pensions, their jobs, corporate responsibility, accounting measures, the regulation that we can try to do to make things better for us, creation of jobs, education, health care, prescription drugs. But, no, we are going to spend 3 hours on this issue right here which will not be taken up by the Senate and which is unconstitutional and, frankly, we should not be messing with it. It really is a hoax on the public and I am sorry to be a part of it. But, Mr. Speaker, I certainly oppose the closed rule. They have shut out all meaningful debate on this. Anybody who had a right to talk about this on the other side was totally ignored, given no opportunity. No amendment will be allowed. You heard me correctly; no amendment to protect the lives of women will be allowed. For a bill that impacts so fundamentally the life of women, this is unconscionable and wholly unsurprising, given the contempt shown in this House for measures that impact our sisters and our daughters.”