[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 116 (Wednesday, August 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSS CARNAHAN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2012

  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I regrettably missed the suspension votes 
on July 31, 2012. Please let the record reflect my position on each of 
these pieces of legislation.
  (1) S. 679 (Roll no. 537)--Presidential Appointment Efficiency and 
Streamlining Act of 2011. I would like the record to reflect that I 
would have voted in favor of this legislation, which I support, had I 
been present to record my vote.
  (2) H.R. 828 (Roll no. 538)--Federal Employee Tax Accountability Act 
of 2011, as amended. I would like the record to reflect that I would 
have voted against this legislation, which I oppose, had I been present 
to record my vote. I believe that holding individuals with seriously 
delinquent tax debts accountable is important--to address our fiscal 
deficit and to ensure all Americans are fulfilling their 
responsibilities as citizens of this country. However, this legislation 
unnecessarily and unfairly singles out federal employees. For this 
reason, I oppose this legislation.
  (3) H.R. 3803 (Roll no. 539)--District of Columbia Pain-Capable 
Unborn Child Protection Act. I would like the record to reflect that I 
would have voted against this legislation, which I strongly oppose, had 
I been present to record my vote.
  The District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act 
represents just one more step in the Republican's agenda to undermine 
women's access to reproductive health care. This measure cruelly 
contains no exemptions in the case of rape, incest, or a terminal fetal 
anomaly, requiring a woman to carry a non-viable fetus to term. 
Moreover, this bill is another instance of a congressional overreach 
into the District of Columbia's affairs. If supporters truly deemed 
this legislation acceptable for all Americans, they would have moved to 
enact it nationally, as opposed to imposing it solely on D.C.'s 
population.
  I have long been a strong supporter of women's reproductive rights, 
and I have continued to work to ensure that women's rights and access 
to abortion care remain safe and legal. This Congress, we have seen the 
rights of women come under attack repeatedly in the House of 
Representatives. Though I firmly believe in encouraging healthy debate, 
the attacks we have seen are an affront to the rights and health of 
women around this country. I have, and will continue to, consistently 
oppose measures like this legislation, which undercut critical access 
to reproductive health care.

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