[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 115 (Friday, July 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONSCIENCE PROTECTION ACT OF 2016

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 2016

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to S. 304, 
the so-called ``Conscience Protection Act.''
  This bill would open the door for employers and companies to 
discriminate against women based on their reproductive health choices. 
And it puts the personal beliefs of any employer or healthcare provider 
above the health and safety of women.
  Once again, Mr. Speaker, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle 
are using the pretext of religious liberty to violate the fundamental 
human rights of women.
  This bill is another in a long line of Republican attempts to limit 
women's access to safe, legal abortion--like the Weldon and Hyde 
amendments.
  Let me be clear: no employer or politician has the right to interfere 
with a woman's personal healthcare choices. These decisions belong to 
women--not politicians or bosses.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill is dangerous.
  Instead of addressing the serious issues facing American families--
like combatting Zika, addressing gun violence, or creating jobs--my 
colleagues have chosen to put partisan politics over healthcare access.
  This is just shameful.
  I urge my colleagues to vote no on this outrageous attack on women's 
health.

                          ____________________