[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 65 (Monday, April 23, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S4837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTION

  Mr. KYL. Madam President, I wanted to say a few words about the 
Supreme Court's decision last week in Gonzales v. Carhart. In that 
opinion, the Court held constitutional the Partial-Birth Abortion Act 
of 2003, a law that passed this Senate with strong bipartisan support, 
including my own.
  I was heartened by this decision, and not just because partial-birth 
abortion is a disgusting act that should never be performed in a 
civilized society. I am also heartened because this decision represents 
a step towards restoring the American people's right to govern 
themselves through their elected representatives.
  For too long, the Supreme Court has set itself up as an antagonist to 
the people and has shown unfortunate disregard for the judgments of 
those our governmental system is supposed to serve.
  The decision yesterday is a departure from that trend, and it should 
give us all cautious optimism that the Supreme Court is coming around 
to a greater level of respect for the elected branches on questions of 
fundamental moral values.
  I also want to send a word of congratulations and thanks to the man 
who made this legislation a reality, former Senator Rick Santorum. 
During the debates on this bill back in 2003, I can remember Senator 
Santorum being on the Senate floor virtually full-time, taking on all 
comers, engaging on every point, showing his skills as a debater, and 
displaying the passion and spirit that defined him during his two terms 
in the Senate.
  Senator Santorum was our leader in the debates on this bill, and the 
Supreme Court's affirmation of the bill's constitutionality yesterday 
should be a moment of great pride for our former colleague. This bill 
is part of his legacy, and we owe him a debt of gratitude.

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