Editor’s Note: On Oct. 3, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) released the following statement on the misguided and unconstitutional GOP’s attempt to restrict women’s access to health care.
Today, House Republicans could have taken action on the bipartisan DREAM Act, preventing the deportation of patriotic young people who want to make positive contributions to our society and our economy.
They could have held a serious discussion on the gun violence epidemic in our country, and ways we can act together to prevent more families from enduring the pain we see right now in Las Vegas.
They could have found ways to help provide relief to the 3.5 million American citizens in Puerto Rico whose lives and livelihoods are still at risk nearly two weeks after Hurricane Maria.
Instead, they decided to hold yet another vote to attack women’s health care and chip away at a woman’s right to choose – this time, pushing a blanket ban on all abortions after 20 weeks with no meaningful exception to protect a woman’s health. The bill requires rape victims to jump through hoops in order to obtain an abortion, and threatens doctors with fines or imprisonment for providing critically-needed and constitutionally protected care to their patients.
Not only is H.R. 36 unconstitutional, it is a thinly veiled attempt by the GOP to stifle a woman’s right to consult with her doctor and make medical care decisions – sometimes difficult ones – that will protect her health and future fertility.
The GOP agenda is out of touch with the needs and priorities of the American people. It’s time for them to reset their course – and my Democratic colleagues and I are here and ready to work with them when they do.
Congressman Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) serves as a Senior Whip for the Democratic Caucus, the Second Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Vice-Chair of the Equality Caucus, and serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Natural Resources Committee.
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