Ernst Slams Schumer for Blocking Debate on DoD Abortion Tourism Policy

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), offered a motion on the Senate floor to overturn Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s blockade of debate and give the Senate a chance to vote on including House-passed, pro-life protections in the National Defense Authorization Act.

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Ernst’s full remarks:

“Leader Schumer is blocking us from having an important and timely debate on Biden’s unlawful, immoral policy to use tax dollars intended for our national defense to pay for abortions.

“The world is imploding because of Biden’s failed leadership and weakness.

“And our country is under greater threat than it has been in years.

“Meanwhile, the Biden Department of Defense is waging a war on the unborn.

“Mr. President, I never back down from a fight, and Democrats’ tactics will not deter my work to stop Biden from forcing the Pentagon to provide transportation tourism for abortion with taxpayers’ hard-earned money.

“As a mom, soon-to-be grandma, and 23-year combat veteran and retired lieutenant colonel of our great United States Army, I firmly believe the Pentagon should be focusing on protecting innocent life, not destroying it.

“That’s why I’ve led the legislation to overturn this abhorrent policy, and why I am here today to continue my fight for life.  

“Congress has been clear for nearly half a century: the Hyde Amendment protects taxpayers from being forced to fund abortions—and that includes the Department of Defense (DoD).

“Senator Schumer should stop obstructing the world’s greatest deliberative body from debating this important, longstanding issue. 

“A yes vote on this motion would allow me to offer the House-passed, pro-life provisions, similar to my own bill.

“Including these protections in the defense bill would restore the DoD’s mission integrity by preventing any taxpayer funding for Biden’s radical abortion tourism, including travel costs.

“America is being threatened by adversaries at home and abroad. Why are President Biden and Leader Schumer dividing us with their radical abortion agenda?

“This is a moment where we should all stand united in the defense of our nation.

“Let’s do so today.

“I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote yes to defeat Schumer’s gross attempt to silence our voices and those of the unborn.”

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