WATCH: Click here to view a highlight of the Judiciary Committee hearing on threats to reproductive rights in America.
In my view, our country has reached a crisis point for a woman’s constitutional right to control her own body and reproductive choices. In the month of May alone, Alabama outlawed abortion outright, with no exemptions even in cases of rape or incest; Georgia and Louisiana effectively outlawed abortion at six weeks into a pregnancy; and Missouri outlawed abortion at eight weeks. I believe that these laws, which in many instances would ban abortion before women even know they are pregnant, are extreme, immoral, and most importantly, unconstitutional.
As Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, I convened the first hearing of this Congress focused on threats to reproductive rights in the state and in the courts. Unlike the draconian hearings of the past – which were dominated by anti-choice, male witnesses – the Committee’s hearing featured testimony from eight women, including providers and women who shared firsthand their own abortion experiences. I am committed to doing all I can to protect a woman's right to choose. That is why I am proud to support the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would put an end to states banning or limiting access to abortion, and theEACH Woman Act, which repeals the discriminatory Hyde Amendment and ends abortion coverage bans once and for all.
The hearing featured an all-woman panel, including women who shared firsthand their own abortion experiences.
I firmly believe that when you restrict access to abortion, you strip women of the fundamental freedom to live life on their own terms. Congress must put an end to what I believe is an ongoing assault against a woman’s constitutional right to abortion. I will continue to fight to ensure that every woman has the right to make decisions about their bodies without anyone questioning their intellect, morals, or honesty.
Renewing Calls to Ban Non-Essential Helicopter Flights over NYC
Following another fatal helicopter crash in Midtown earlier this month, I sent a letter with Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) demanding the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ban all non-essential helicopter flights over all of New York City. There is simply no justification for allowing tourists to joy-ride through our skies, endangering the lives of those below and adding to the heavy burden of noise pollution our residents already endure. I am committed to working with Mayor de Blasio, who supports banning non-essential helicopter flights over Manhattan, to ensure these unnecessary flights are halted once and for all.
According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, over 44 million Americans nationwide owe more than $1.5 trillion in student loan debt. This is a crisis that can no longer be ignored. That is why I introduced the Student Borrow Bankruptcy Relief Act to allow students who are overwhelmed with debt the option of obtaining meaningful bankruptcy relief. Americans who invest in their education should be able to live quality lives without the cloud of student debt hanging over their heads. Filing for bankruptcy should be a last resort, but for those who have no realistic path to pay back their student loan debt, bankruptcy should be available as an option to help them get back on their feet and live the American dream.
Learn more about the Student Borrower Bankruptcy Relief Acthere.
Permanently Reauthorizing the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund
Rep. Nadler joined 9/11 responders and survivors following the Judiciary Committee passage of H.R. 1327, the Never Forget the Heroes Act.
Earlier this month, I convened a Judiciary Committee hearing on the need to make the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) permanent. The very next day, the Committed passed the bill, setting it up for passage in the House of Representatives. Thanks to efforts of the 9/11 first responders and survivors who provided testimony, the House Majority Leader has committed to scheduling a vote on our bill to permanently reauthorize the 9/11 VCF,theNever Forget the Heroes Act, next month.
Combating the High Cost of Prescription Drugs
The unbelievably high cost of prescription drugs has left far too many Americans unable to afford lifesaving medicines they desperately need. Others will delay essential care, cut their pills in half, or skip drug treatment altogether, jeopardizing their health as a result. In April, I introduced H.R. 2375, the Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act, which addresses one of the leading drivers of high prescription drug costs – efforts by major drug companies to preserve their monopolies by preventing competition from lower-priced generic drugs. House Democrats are committed to providing meaningful relief for all who struggle with the high costs of prescription medicine, and we will continue to fight so that every American – no matter their job, income, state, or age – has access to comprehensive, quality health care.
To read my statement in support of H.R. 2375, please click here.
