Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011

Floor Speech

* Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to the C.R. put forward by my Republican colleagues, and specifically to the defunding of Title X family planning programs authorized under the Public Health Service Act.

* Begun in 1970 by President Nixon, Title X funding provides for voluntary family planning projects, and is essential to protecting women's health services. Currently, Title X is our Nation's only program dedicated to providing low-income Americans with family planning and reproductive health services.

* My colleagues on the other side of the aisle are attempting to misconstrue Title X as federal subsidizing of abortion. However, Title X does not provide for abortion services. But it does cover essential health care for millions of families and women. From birth control to cancer screenings, approximately five million Americans rely upon Title X programs every year.

* We simply cannot afford to cut lifesaving and preventive care services for those who would not otherwise have access to such care, especially in our current economic climate.

* I urge my colleagues to vote against the defunding of these vital health programs contained in Title X by voting against the C.R.

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