Jim Sensenbrenner: “Mr. Speaker, as I have watched the debate, and it has been a good debate, what I have heard from the proponents of the…”

“Mr. Speaker, as I have watched the debate, and it has been a good debate, what I have heard from the proponents of the substitute are two factors. One is that this is unconstitutional, theirs is constitutional, and they have made a decision for the courts. I did not come to the House to make a decision for the courts. I came to the House to pass very strong, important legislation and then to fight in the courts for my position. I do not let the courts decide what direction I go. I do not make those decisions in this Chamber. If Members want to make decisions for the courts, then go down to the White House and get a nomination from the President. The second is that their amendment will end late-term abortions, as if they are more pro-life than the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde). It is amazing to me. If we took this substitute and put it out here freestanding as a bill, which we may get the opportunity to do, they would vote against it and their outside groups, their pro-abortion groups and pro-choice groups, would be rallying outside these doors against their substitute. So, Mr. Speaker, we have, though, a chance today to make the world a little less cruel for the defenseless.”