Political Quotes

“I thank Representative Sherrill for yielding me time. Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to this harmful and dangerous amendment, a back door to a national ban on abortion. I also rise saddened and frustrated that we find ourselves here in this legislative body deciding whether or not we trust our women in uniform and our military families to make healthcare decisions for themselves. Let me say loud and clear, as someone who has worn the uniform, who had a child as an Active-Duty member, and who has a uterus, unlike many who are opining on this subject, I trust women to make the best decisions that they are able to for their own health and their families' health. It is insulting that we have to stand here and ask our colleagues to acknowledge our servicemembers' and military family members' bodily autonomy. I grew up in a military family, moving dozens of times. When I graduated and when the time came, I also raised my right hand. Today, that same woman stands before you perplexed. Why would any woman want to enlist when her fundamental freedoms and those of her family are no longer her own? The percentage of Active-Duty servicemembers who have no or severely restricted access to abortion is now 46 percent. I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.”