Russ Feingold: “of the many controversial issues in the continuing resolution we are considering today, few have been as contentious as…”

“of the many controversial issues in the continuing resolution we are considering today, few have been as contentious as the debate about international population programs in the foreign operations appropriations bill. Astoundingly, the entire foreign aid bill has been held up for months by several antichoice Members, mainly in the House, who have, illogically, sought to impose restrictions concerning abortion on international family planning assistance. These misguided provisions are not included in today's CR. Instead we are faced with provisions withholding population funds until July 1, unless there is an authorization, and then limiting funding for the program to 65 percent of today's levels. It is a victory for those of us who are prochoice on the question of abortion, but not very good news for those of us--presumably the vast majority of the Congress, and including most of the people who fought against the original Senate provisions--who support family planning. What a bizarre, if not ridiculous, situation we are in today. As my colleagues will remember, in the name, supposedly, of stopping abortion, the House sought to prohibit U.S. contributions to the United Nations Population Assistance Fund, and reimpose the regressive Mexico City policy on population.”