Waiving Points of Order Against Conference Report on H.R. 4818, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005...

WAIVING POINTS OF ORDER AGAINST CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4818, CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005 AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 114, MAKING FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2005, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES -- (House of Representatives - November 20, 2004)

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Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first let me say I rise in strong opposition to this outrageous Weldon provision that is neatly tucked away in this very expansive spending bill.

But, first, I just want to thank the gentleman from Texas for his leadership, for his service and for his friendship. I want to wish him well as he enters this new chapter of his life. Thank you again so much for your leadership.

Mr. Speaker, this refusal clause will allow health insurance companies, hospitals and other corporations to impose policies barring any physician or other health care provider from performing abortions or even from offering referrals. Once again, here is another effort to turn the clock back on women's rights. It will gut the longstanding title X regulatory requirement that pregnant women who request information about all of their medical options, including abortion, be given that information and be given a referral upon request.

Mr. Speaker, this refusal clause is dangerous, it is ill-conceived, and it will deny untold numbers of women their constitutional right to choose. This is a dangerous time for women around this country. The neo-con agenda is on the march. Women's lives are at stake. Is this the beginning of the end of constitutionally protected health care for women? It is really a dark day for women throughout the land, and we must fight back.