Joseph Pitts actually said...

"It would be a great loss to the Nation and the communities we serve if our hospitals were compelled by Federal law to forgo their religious mission and consciences in order to comply with the HHS cont..."

"the HHS definition of religious employer contravenes the First Amendment by putting the Federal Government in the position of determining what parts of a bona fide religious organization are religious..."

"We feel very strongly that this can be implemented. And we don't want to give up."

"The American people want this Congress to take action on long-term care and on so many other things."