Sen. Strange Takes to Senate Floor to Defend Life

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 -- The office of Sen. Luther Strange, R-Alabama, issued the following floor remarks ahead of a vote on the repeal of Obamacare and in support of upholding Hyde Amendment protections in replacement legislation. The Hyde Amendment, originally codified in 1976, prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions, except in cases threatening the life of the mother.

"Mr. President, I rise today in defense of those who cannot defend themselves.

"After eight years of policies that undermined the sanctity of life, we have an opportunity today to extend the protections of the Hyde Amendment wider than ever before.

"After eight years of a failed social experiment that subverted the will of a majority of Americans and denied rights of conscience and religious freedom, we have an opportunity to ensure that taxpayer dollars will not contribute to the scourge of abortion -- under any circumstances.

"Mr. President, as we consider options to fix our nation's failing healthcare system, partisan lines are cut deeper on abortion than on any other issue. However, we should all be able to agree that taxpayer funds have no place in funding abortions.

"I also hope we can agree that our society cannot be truly prosperous until it respects the rights of the most vulnerable among us.

"If we fail to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves, then the words of our founding documents; the words inscribed in the halls of this building; and the truths we each hold in our hearts mean nothing.

"To that end, I will be offering a motion to waive the point of order on Hyde Amendment protections as we work on solving our healthcare crisis.

"So today, Mr. President, and every day, I stand for life. I am joined by colleagues who understand what is at stake, and I thank Senator Enzi for his leadership.

Mr. President, I yield the floor."

This document was posted showing the date: July 26, 2017.