J.C. Watts: “I rise in support of H.R. 581, and I congratulate the sponsors, and especially the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr.…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 581, and I congratulate the sponsors, and especially the gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. Smith], for leading the effort on this bill, for presenting us with a responsible and viable alternative to House Joint Resolution 36. H.R. 581 allows AID to begin spending international family planning funds on March 1, and the bill deletes the restriction which releases these funds only on a monthly basis. Proponents of the previous bill would certainly support those provisions. So the debate is on the reinstatement of the Mexico City policy that this bill mandates. The Mexico City language is straightforward, and I quote: ``No funds appropriated for population planning activities may be made available for any foreign, private, nongovernmental or multilateral organization until the organization certifies it will not perform abortions in any foreign country except where the life of the mother would be endangered or in cases of forcible rape or incest.'' From 1985 to 1993, this language protected the American taxpayer from having their tax payments spent on abortion. For 8 years this language assured our great Nation would not directly or indirectly support or promote abortion as a method of family planning throughout the world. With all of the world's great crying needs, we should not be spending our scarce foreign aid dollars to subsidize and promote abortions. The world looks to America for moral leadership.”