Political Quotes

“I rise today in protest of the gag rule and in support of the amendment of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee) that would incorporate into the Global Democracy Promotion Act her amendment that came out of committee on a bipartisan vote of 26 to 22, that added to the Department of State authorization bill allowing discussions with regard to family planning. This is a strong signal that our colleagues on both sides of the aisle realize that the gag rule is wrong-headed. If the gag rule was introduced in our country, it would unconstitutionally restrict free speech and limit the ability of men and women to plan their family. The Hyde-Barcia-Smith-Oberstar amendment would impose on other countries what would be illegal here. I urge my colleagues to vote no next week on this issue. Mr. Chairman, the global gag rule places unjust restrictions on the way organizations outside the United States use their own money, effectively hampering their ability to provide information on family planning. Mr. Chairman, I request the rest of my remarks be added into the Record. We know that this policy of the Reagan, Bush, and now the second Bush administration has cost many lives and is a travesty that actually increases unintended pregnancies, illegal abortion, death, and disability. The Bush administration has claimed that the gag rule prevents taxpayer money from supporting abortions abroad. Don't be fooled. These activities have not been eligible for U.S.…”