Nita Lowey: “Woman, I rise in strong opposition to the amendment. Our constituents sent us here to create jobs. Instead, the majority…”

“Woman, I rise in strong opposition to the amendment. Our constituents sent us here to create jobs. Instead, the majority is pushing an extreme right-wing agenda to limit women's health. In the course of considering the underlying bill that eliminates the Federal family planning program, a Member of the majority--in fact, another gentleman from Indiana--proposed providing birth control to horses. And now we are considering an amendment attacking Planned Parenthood, which has provided health services to one in five American women. So it seems to me that Republicans believe that horses should have family planning, but women should not. I strongly urge those who support this affront to women's health to clearly explain to their constituents that they want to make it harder to access pap tests, breast exams, routine gynecological examinations, flu vaccinations, smoking cessation services, cholesterol screening, contraceptives, and all of the other services that Planned Parenthood provides. My friends, this is not about abortion. Federal law prohibits Federal dollars from being spent on abortion. This amendment is about denying women access to basic health services. I oppose this amendment because we should be focusing on creating jobs and protecting women's health. I yield back the balance of my time.”