[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 44 (Monday, March 10, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S1622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                   Abortion Provider Appreciation Day

  Ms. HIRONO. Madam President, since 1996, we have recognized March 10 
as Abortion Provider Appreciation Day.
  I rise today, therefore, in gratitude for the doctors and healthcare 
professionals who bravely continue to provide necessary care despite 
attacks on reproductive rights and abortion providers, to express 
gratitude for the hard work and commitment of abortion providers and 
their staff across the country, and in remembrance of those providers 
tragically lost to extreme anti-abortion violence--providers like Dr. 
David Gunn.
  On this day 32 years ago, Dr. Gunn, a dedicated medical professional, 
was murdered while walking into the clinic where he worked. Dr. Gunn 
was targeted by an anti-abortion extremist for simply doing his job--
providing crucial, lifesaving care to his patients.
  Tragically, this kind of violence against abortion providers, 
patients, and clinics has only increased over the years since his 
murder and even before. Since the 1970s, there have been at least 11 
murders, 42 bombings, 531 assaults, and thousands of other criminal 
incidents against innocent people, doctors, patients, and staff simply 
providing or receiving necessary reproductive care.
  Congress enacted the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act in 
1994--more than 30 years ago--to prevent this kind of violence at our 
reproductive healthcare centers and clinics, and the Justice Department 
prosecuted people who violated this law.
  Rather than supporting this law, within days of being sworn in office 
as President, President Trump pardoned 23 anti-abortion extremists 
incarcerated for violating the law. Moreover, his Department of Justice 
announced they would stop prosecuting most cases under this law.
  As the Trump administration is taking steps to dismantle safe, 
licensed clinics that provide quality, lifesaving reproductive care, 
Republicans are also working to fund unregulated anti-abortion centers 
or crisis pregnancy centers nationwide.
  Earlier this year, Missouri Republicans introduced a bill that would 
let their taxpayers take 100 percent deduction on State income taxes 
for donations to crisis pregnancy centers. Essentially, in Missouri, 
they want to redirect funding from critical State services to these so-
called crisis pregnancy centers that spread dangerous misinformation 
while doing very little to actually help women seeking fact-based 
medical counseling.
  Republicans aren't trying to help women; they are attacking 
fundamental healthcare and emboldening violent anti-abortion extremists 
by not prosecuting violations short of murder, effectively eliminating 
any serious consequences for those who attack, threaten, or intimidate 
innocent people in reproductive healthcare spaces--patients and 
providers alike.
  Democrats, on the other hand, remain committed to protecting abortion 
access and protecting the professionals who provide it where legal.
  Today, on Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, we remember Dr. David 
Gunn and those killed and targeted by senseless acts of anti-abortion 
violence, and we honor the bravery of abortion providers across our 
country. These providers, their staff, and counselors continue to 
provide essential care despite the threats they face.
  While Republicans work to ban abortion nationwide, we Democrats 
reaffirm our commitment to protecting and strengthening reproductive 
rights for all.
  To abortion providers in Hawaii and across the country, mahalo for 
your critical, courageous work.
  I yield the floor.
  Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CRAMER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.