Sean Patrick Maloney: “I rise in support of Mrs. Norton's amendment to allow the District of Columbia to use its own locally raised revenue to…”

“I rise in support of Mrs. Norton's amendment to allow the District of Columbia to use its own locally raised revenue to provide abortion services for poor women. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to put this vote in perspective. This is the 96th vote on choice since the Republican majority came to power in 1995. And they've been successful in restricting abortions for many women--women in the military, poor women on Medicaid, federal employees, women in the Peace Corps, and women in federal prisons. Today, I stand with Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton to stop this House from trampling on the rights of women in the District of Columbia. Prohibiting the District of Columbia from using its own locally-raised funds to provide abortion services is misguided and unfair. It is bad enough that D.C. residents are not allowed a voting representative in this House. This provision is a second slap in the face to all D.C. women. I believe it is highly unfair that the District of Columbia is singled out in this way. In New York State, where I represent, we provide funding for poor women to obtain abortions. Why should the federal government step in to restrict abortion for poor women in D.C.? Especially since we're talking about their own locally raised revenue. It is simply unfair, and I urge my colleagues to support Mrs. Norton in her efforts to delete this misguided provision.”