[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 154 (Friday, September 29, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       DEFEND LIFE AND OUR NATION

                                 ______


                     HON. RICHARD ``DOC'' HASTINGS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 1995

  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, let me clearly say to my 
fellow colleagues in the House that I strongly believe in the sanctity 
of life, and it is with great reluctance that I vote today for the 
Defense appropriations conference report. I remain concerned that the 
language of this conference report--which would prohibit the use of 
abortions at military medical facilities--will only go into affect if 
the Defense authorization report contains similar language. I have made 
it clear that the Defense authorization conference must not alter this 
important language.
  As a member of the National Security Committee, however, I am also 
aware of the fact that our party has committed to revitalizing our 
defense, and this legislation is the key element of fulfilling that 
promise. Defense spending has been cut by nearly 30 percent over the 
past 5 years. Spending on procurement of military hardware has fallen 
by almost 75 percent over that same period of time. President Clinton's 
defense budget would slash another $7 billion out of our national 
security. This bill freezes spending at last year's level, giving our 
Armed Forces much needed resources in these uncertain times.
  I understand the concerns expressed by some of my colleagues. But 
there is no reason to expect that sending the bill back to conference 
would result in strengthening the antiabortion language already in the 
bill. There is, however, a very good chance that doing so could deny 
our young men and women in uniform funds which are essential to their 
safety, their training, and to the equipment which they must have to do 
their job.
  This is a difficult vote. But I have decided that I must vote in 
favor of a strong national defense today, and continue to work to 
protect our unborn in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I urge those members who serve on the 
Department of Defense authorization conference committee--which is 
meeting this week--to retain language which will defend innocent life 
and provide for the vital functions of our Nation's defense at home and 
abroad.

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