[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. BRENDAN F. BOYLE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2015

  Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with 
deep sympathy and sorrow for the countless deaths and injuries caused 
by the derailment of Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 188 in 
Philadelphia. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their 
families. Due to this tragedy, the scale of which is unprecedented over 
the last decade, last night I decided to be with the grieving families, 
law enforcement officers, emergency responders, health care 
professionals, and all those working in my district to preserve life, 
help the injured, and otherwise recover from the derailment in 
Philadelphia. For this reason, unfortunately, I missed some important 
votes on the floor of the House of Representatives. I hope my 
colleagues understand the imperative nature of my travelling to 
Philadelphia to be there for my constituents working to recover in the 
aftermath of this horrific disaster.
  I did not make this decision lightly. Serving my constituents is my 
highest honor and responsibility as a Member of Congress. Of course, my 
voting decisions are also of highest importance. Yet, after careful 
deliberation and with a heavy heart, I felt compelled to be on the 
scene of the Amtrak tragedy as we work as a community--local, state and 
federal governmental entities working hand-in-hand--to bring peace to 
impacted families and a sense of order to the scene.
  In light of these circumstances, and my sincere opposition to one 
particular bill on the House floor last night, I submit some of the 
many reasons why I so strongly oppose H.R. 36, the so-called Pain-
Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, and state that I would have in 
fact voted against this misguided, unconstitutional legislation. This 
dangerous legislation is another alarming attempt by the Republican 
Party to deny women their constitutional right to family planning. The 
Supreme Court has spoken on the issue. This is settled law.
  This legislation is out of touch with the rights and health care 
needs of women. The bill's inadequate rape exception and overly 
burdensome reporting requirements continue to shame victims of rape and 
are particularly offensive. It is irresponsible for Members of Congress 
to continue to undermine and play politics with the rights of women and 
families throughout America. Moreover, this bill has no meaningful 
exceptions to protect women's health, and criminalizes physicians for 
providing necessary and constitutionally-protected care.
  For these reasons, I continue to strongly oppose and, had I been 
present, would in no uncertain terms have voted ``no'' on rollcall 223, 
H.R. 36 final passage, and ``yes'' on rollcall 222, the Motion to 
Recommit H.R. 36. However, again, in light of the tragic events in 
Philadelphia, I felt compelled to be there with the health care 
providers, first responders, and volunteers working to restore peace 
and safety to the scene. Once again, I'd like to express my condolences 
to the families and loved ones of the victims of Amtrak Train 188's 
derailment. I hope my colleagues and constituents will understand my 
absence despite the importance of this vote.

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