Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this year's March for Life marks the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that invented a constitutional right to abortion on demand. Justice Byron White dissented in the case, calling what the majority had done an ``exercise in raw judicial power.'' The March for Life draws thousands of people from across the Nation every year. The marchers come by foot, by car, by train, by plane. Why, Mr. Speaker, does this issue refuse to go away? I suggest because it goes to the heart of who we are and whether we will live up to the principles of our Nation's founding documents. Mr. Speaker, this issue touches the conscience of everyone. It can be difficult to discuss and it is painful to be reminded of it. Everyone in this Chamber, everyone listening to this talk, was at one point in his or her life an unborn child. The March for Life speaks to this truth and speaks to the obligation of society to defend the defenseless. May this Nation rediscover the value of everyone, and may we continue to work for the day when all are protected. Mr. Speaker, if I might take a moment to recognize the work of my colleague, Mr. Smith, who came to this House in 1980--35 years ago--and from that day has been fighting this fight. I am reminded, Mr. Speaker, of another statesman two centuries ago, William Wilberforce, who served in the Parliament of Britain.…”