Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank the ranking member for his leadership in serving on this committee, and I thank Mr. Cohen for his very eloquent…”

“I thank the ranking member for his leadership in serving on this committee, and I thank Mr. Cohen for his very eloquent explanation. Let me say that I stand with these women, Jenny R., Kathy L., Lindsey, and Taias, women who have experienced the tragedy of losing a child, wanting a child, and wanting the protection of Roe v. Wade. I stand with these women. I rise today to again ask the question: Why do we divide over the wonderment of birth? {time} 1000 I am reminded of H.R. 2175, passed in 2002, the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act, which was widely supported. Now, we come on the eve of a failed administration in its first year to stand as if we are doing something for those who are coming here-- and I have great respect for their position of pro-life--but it doesn't mean that we must undermine the Constitution, add mandatory minimums, make up needs where there are no needs. That is what this particular bill does. This amendment to H.R. 4712 is clearly involving and intruding into a process between the mother, the doctor, the family, and her God. There is no evidence of lawbreaking that has been uncovered that necessitates congressional involvement. Abortion is a proven safe, legal, and humane practice. It has to be that way under the law.…”