On the recordSeptember 17, 2015
I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, there are two issues that are very contentious: abortion and fetal research. I support the right of a woman to choose. I support medical research that is legal under our laws so we can get cures for diseases like Alzheimer's and diabetes. I also respect those who disagree with me, but this bill is terrible. Here is why: It is unfair to women who are not part of this debate and whose access to Planned Parenthood is about getting preventive health care, 16,000 women in our State. The second reason is that this bill, as designed, is destructive to the institution we represent. Here is how it is designed: One, take the money away and then investigate. In a fair society, we do it the opposite way. Second, it eliminates access to care for innocent people, who have nothing to do with this, as I mentioned, 16,000 in Vermont. Three, it is a prelude to the shutdown, resorting to the tactic of, unless you get your way, we are shutting down the entire government. Four, it is part of the ``dump the Speaker'' campaign, as though, if the Speaker resists a shutdown, his job should be taken away. Bad for women. Bad for the institution.
