In November the American people sent a loud and clear message to Washington: work together to get the economy moving again. And during the lame duck session and then over the past few weeks, I was encouraged by the ability of Republicans and Democrats to come together to work for the American people. But now, just two weeks into the new Congress, it appears Republicans in the House are already seeking to end that spirit of cooperation.
They have introduced HR3: The No Taxpayer Funded Abortions Act, which would restrict women's access to affordable reproductive care and even deny care to women when their lives are in danger. This bill would severely undermine women's rights.
Even as Republicans lament that the government is being too intrusive in people's lives, it seems that the very personal, private and often painful issue of ending a pregnancy is one area they are determined to regulate. Tragically, the consequences of this intrusiveness could prove disastrous to the health and well-being of women across America.
The Republicans likely have a large enough majority in the House to pass this bill, but we must block this bill in the U.S. Senate. Earlier this week, Senator Blumenthal and I sent a letter to all of our colleagues in the Senate, urging them to oppose similar legislation.
In the letter we wrote:
We must work together to stop these bills in their tracks, as they represent an unprecedented effort to restrict women's access to reproductive health care and to their trusted health care providers.
I pledge to you that, just as we did with the Stupak Amendment, we will organize our fellow Senators to make sure we defeat this legislation. Can I count on you to join us in this fight to make sure Republicans and some conservative Democrats don't succeed in chipping away at a woman's right to choose even further than they already have?
Thank you for your support.