Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement following his ‘No’ vote to H.R. 6, the 21^st Century Cures Act, which included anti-choice Hyde amendment language limiting access to abortion:

“Today, I reluctantly voted against H.R. 6, the 21^st Century Cures Act. Since coming to Congress, I have been a strong supporter of biomedical research. I represent a district and a city that is home to the best and most innovative hospitals, universities, and labs in the country. I am glad Congress is finally taking action to increase funding for biomedical research and make a real investment in saving lives.

“Yet I cannot support HR 6 and the Republicans’ ongoing efforts to expand the Hyde amendment into authorizing legislation to subvert women’s constitutionally-protected rights. As I said earlier this week when introducing the EACH Woman Act with Congresswomen Lee, Schakowsky, and DeGette, now is the time to be fighting back against the moral arrogance of politicians who say they have a right to dictate to women how they make personal health care decisions, to doctors what procedures they can use, and to scientists how they can conduct research on women’s health. This language is not about health. It is about Republicans belief in moral superiority – that they know best about what a woman should do with her own body.

“We have fought for decades to keep abortion safe and legal. Now Congress must act to make sure it is affordable and accessible. I am voting today to stop this infestation of Hyde and to say “NO MORE” to the Republican contempt for a woman’s, doctor’s, and scientist’s right to make their own personal, professional, or intellectual choices.

“It is my hope that the Senate will remove this language and make other necessary changes to this legislation, so that I can support it when it comes back to the House.”

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