[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 8, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          DAY WITHOUT A WOMAN

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2017

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, today, across the nation, from every 
major city to every small town, women are standing in solidarity, and 
reminding the world of our contributions. On this Day Without A Woman, 
women are sending a powerful message about the role we play in local 
communities, in our nation and throughout the globe.
  Yet, sadly, on this very same day that women are standing up to end 
gender discrimination and economic injustice, defend our bodies from 
governmental intrusion and to choose our own destiny, Republicans are 
proceeding with legislation to roll back the clock. Congressional 
Committees are starting to consider legislation eviscerating the 
Affordable Care Act. Not only would the Republican plan slash Medicaid, 
harming working women and children, but it defends Planned Parenthood, 
ultimately depriving millions of women of lifesaving health services.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a sad irony on this Day Without A Woman, when 
millions of ordinary Americans are standing for women's rights and a 
more just economy, Congressional Republicans are rushing to deprive 
millions of women and their families of health services they need to 
survive. This bill was composed behind closed doors, in secret, and now 
Republicans are rushing it through the Committee process to avoid 
scrutiny.
  On this Day Without A Woman, we are sending a powerful message. I can 
only hope my Republican colleagues in Congress are listening. Because, 
today, women everywhere are saying with one collective voice, we will 
not be silenced.

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