Political Quotes

“I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman from Connecticut is recognized for 5 minutes. Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Chair, I strongly oppose my colleague's amendment that would allow the Department of Health and Human Services to use funding in this bill to implement the Trump-Pence refusal of care rule. Personal beliefs should never determine the type of healthcare an individual receives. However, the administration's rule would completely undermine patient protections by allowing hospitals, doctors, nurses, and other individuals and institutions to deny a patient standard medical care based on personal beliefs, not based on what is best for the patient. Current law already provides protections for hospitals and healthcare workers to refuse to perform abortions, but the administration's rule would expand Federal law to allow certain individuals and entities to refuse care for any reason at all. That is why we added a provision to the Labor-HHS-Education bill to block this unacceptable rule. Let's be clear: Freedom of religion is important. It is already protected by the First Amendment. However, this freedom does not give anyone the right to impose their religious beliefs on others, to hurt others, or to discriminate. This rule has never been about religious liberty. It has been about discriminating, shaming, and denying individuals the healthcare they need.…”