Nita Lowey: “Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the rule on the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. The bill is long…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the rule on the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. The bill is long overdue, and the time for action is now. We cannot allow obstructionist forces to block this sensible and well-crafted legislation any longer. Do not be fooled by those who will use obscure arguments to stall this bill. This rule was necessitated only because a severability clause was added to protect the various components of the legislation should any particular provision be found unconstitutional. This clause is a routine technical provision and is standard, boiler-plate language. The real issue at hand is whether the Congress will take strong, concrete action to stop the violence and terrorism at women's health clinics. Women and doctors are being harassed, terrorized, even murdered. We cannot stand by and let this continue. FACE, while not infringing in any way upon the first amendment, protects women and doctors from the escalating antichoice violence. We have waited long enough to enact this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the conference report.”