Jack Brooks: “Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the conference report on the freedom of access to clinic entrances bill. A…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the conference report on the freedom of access to clinic entrances bill. A nationwide campaign of anti-abortion, violence, vandalism and blockades is curtailing the availability of abortion services and endangering providers and patients. This bill provides Federal protection against unlawful and violent intimidation tactics used by anti-choice extremists. We must protect the constitutional right to express views on this controversial issue but we must acknowledge that this protection has been abused. We desperately need the safeguards that this bill provides. Mr. Speaker, we are in the midst of shaping national health care reform to provide universal coverage for all Americans for all health services, including reproductive services. Today, anti-abortion extremists are preventing women from receiving services which by law they are entitled to. This bill is necessary and long overdue. It is a clear statement that domestic terrorism will not be tolerated. I urge my colleagues to step away from a scorched-Earth approach so we can put an end to the senseless violence and abuse of our first amendment rights. Support the conference report.”