Vicky Hartzler

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Ann Catholic Church in Warsaw, Missouri, which has provided a place for the Catholic community in the town to gather and worship for over 75 years. On March 3, 1946, St. Ann's was dedicated by Bishop O'Hara from the Diocese of Kansas City, and the first mass was performed by Fr. Urban Landoll from the Society of the Precious Blood. The original church, known as the ``sheep shed'', was a small building for a small parish, but since then, the parish has flourished and built larger facilities, including a parish hall which was finished in 1984, to accommodate the increased growth of their church family. The parish and their new Pastor, Fr. Ben Nwosu, welcome everyone from the community to join in mass and celebrate the Lord. The Church will have their anniversary celebration on Sunday, September 26th. Congratulations to St. Ann's Church for contributing to the Warsaw area for 75 years. May the Lord continue to bless them as they enrich the Warsaw community for many years to come.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3755, the supposed Women's Health Protection Act. The underlying bill would be more aptly titled the women and babies health endangerment act, as it eviscerates State pro-life laws that serve to protect women and babies from dangerous and discriminatory abortion procedures. Simply put, this bill will allow healthcare providers to perform an abortion on anyone, for any reason, at any time up until birth. By erasing state parental consent protections, informed consent laws, and dangerous take-home chemical abortion prohibitions, this bill would allow a 16-year-old pregnant minor to show up at an abortion clinic, and without knowing how far along she is or any of the risks associated with an abortion procedure be sent home to perform a chemical abortion on herself without medical supervision and without her parents' awareness. Abortion on anyone. This bill also invalidates State antidiscrimination laws, which would allow babies to be aborted solely because of unwanted characteristics, such as their race, their sex, or disability. Abortion for any reason. By prohibiting laws that restrict late-term abortions, this bill will allow a baby to be aborted up until birth. As gestational age is the strongest risk factor for abortion-related mortality, this bill marks the most egregious abortion policy ever considered in Congress. In fact, a woman seeking an abortion at 20 weeks is 35 times more likely to die from abortion than she was in the first trimester. At 21 weeks or more, she is 91 times more likely to die from abortion than she was in the first trimester. Abortion at any time. This bill is bad for women, and it is bad for babies, directly placing both in harm's way. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this appalling measure.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Raymore Presbyterian Church in Raymore, Missouri and to celebrate its 150th year of incorporation as a parish, which will be recognized on September 25th. In November of 1871, the Raymore Presbyterian Church was officially organized, and their current church building was completed in 1895. It is now the oldest standing building in Raymore, Missouri. The parish soon began making positive impacts in their local community. The Raymore Presbyterian Church parish expresses their love for their fellow neighbors by hosting an annual community food drive and by being supportive and comforting in the community. Since their church doors opened, they have continued with traditional hymnals, organ music, and a friendly and welcoming attitude. So, as we approach the 150th anniversary of incorporation of the Raymore Presbyterian Church in Raymore, Missouri, let us celebrate what God has done through the numerous rectors and clergy and the faithful parishioners in the service of God, their community, and our Nation.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, each year Congress considers one of the most important pieces of legislation, the National Defense Authorization Act. I applaud the bipartisan leadership of Chairman Adam Smith and Ranking Member Mike Rogers. And as the ranking member of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, I want to thank our subcommittee chairman, Donald Norcross, for his collaborative, bipartisan efforts. I am pleased the committee approved a bipartisan amendment in markup to increase the top line by $23.9 billion. This increase is needed to continue the progress we have made in rebuilding readiness and will facilitate modernization programs necessary to prepare our military forces to compete with, deter, and win against peer challengers and adversaries. Under the subcommittee's jurisdiction, this bill continues critical oversight of the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps' strike-fighter force structure and inventory management, setting better conditions for ensuring the right mix of fourth and fifth generation fighters, and managing operational risk. Specifically, this legislation authorizes funding for 80 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, 24 F-15EX aircraft, and 12 F/A-18 Super Hornets. The legislation also reverses several proposed cuts, including procurement for the Army's small caliber ammunition accounts. It also facilitates stronger oversight to ensure current ISR and counter UAS capabilities and capacity are maintained and prioritized to mitigate near-term operational risk and prevent future capability gaps. Outside the subcommittee's jurisdiction, I am pleased that this bill includes several provisions regarding the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, including my provision requiring an accounting of the decision to leave Bagram Air Base. I am also pleased this legislation includes two of my bills, the CADET Act and the Connecting the Community to End Military Suicide Act. I do have concerns with several provisions in the underlying bill, including the selective service, and I am hopeful we can work in a bipartisan manner to address those. I encourage support. MR. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Norcross), the chair of the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Mr. Joe Driskill and congratulate him on his retirement. I have had the pleasure of working with Joe over the years, and I have admired his dedication to advancing Missouri's military priorities. Joe recently served as the first Military Advocate for the State of Missouri, where he worked tirelessly to preserve and protect Missouri's military installation by coordinating efforts between the state and federal governments. Joe ensured that the State of Missouri and the Congressional Delegation were always on the same page when it came to Missouri's military priorities. Prior to his role as the state's Military Advocate, Joe served as the executive director of both the Leonard Wood Institute and the Sustainable Ozarks Partnership at Fort Leonard Wood. Joe dedicated his career to advancing opportunities at Fort Leonard Wood, and understood the strategic importance the installation has on the region, state, and Department of Defense. Joe's leadership and expertise was also recognized at a national level. In 2019, Joe was elected as the President of the Board of Directors for the Association of Defense Communities. I thank Joe for his years of service to the state of Missouri. His leadership has made a difference. Congratulations on his retirement. It has been an honor working with him.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my dear friend and the longest serving member of my staff, Steve Walsh. Steve spent many years as a journalist covering politics in Washington, D.C. and Jefferson City, Missouri. He was one of my earliest supporters and spent the past decade serving the people of Missouri's Fourth Congressional District until his passing last week. Steve leaves behind his beloved wife, State Representative Sara Walsh, and numerous friends throughout Missouri and our Nation. He was always fun and full of sense of humor, love of major league baseball, the Beatles, and his faith. Steve not only loved history, he lived history. He once took a selfie in France with Speaker Pelosi on the 75th anniversary of D-day. In 1985, while dining in Midtown Manhattan, Steve was asked by his editor to cover the assassination of Gambino crime boss Paul Castellano, where he incredibly encountered him deceased on the sidewalk. His life was truly filled with remarkable experiences. Missouri has not only lost a true public servant, but a wonderful friend to so many. Today we mourn the passing of Steve Walsh, but we also rejoice that he resides with his Creator now. May his spirit live on throughout our work in Congress and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, 2 miles down the road from this very Chamber, in 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and proclaimed his vision for the future: ``I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a Nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.'' Nearly 60 years later, radical far-left Democrats are doing everything possible to eliminate this dream through the implementation of critical race theory. Instead of equality, critical race theory frames race, not character, as the focal point of the human construct, implying that one's racial identity defines who they are and who they will ever be. To these CRT believers, your fate has already been decided by your skin color. To the average American living outside the swamp bubble, this idea is ludicrous. Everyday Americans have seen individuals of all races and backgrounds succeed. They know hard work and character are the biggest determinants of success, and the American Dream is alive and well for everyone. But critical race theory wants to poison our classrooms by pushing an agenda which revolves around race, not character. They want to teach young minds that racism persists even if no individual or institution acts in a racist way or holds any racist beliefs. This toxic teaching squashes hope, stifles growth, and fuels anger and despair. What began as a theory for civil rights lawyers to debate has transformed into harmful messages that ultimately seek to further divide our Nation. CRT and The 1619 Project have no place in our schools, our workplaces, or our military. Our Nation's founding principles of equality and freedom are worth fighting for and protecting. While our Nation isn't perfect, we always strive for that more perfect Union. We have made progress in the last 100 years and are still the greatest Nation in the world. This progress would be lost should we allow the divisive, racist rhetoric of critical race theory into our classrooms. As a mother and a former teacher, I believe our education system is at its best when we inspire our young people to be all they can be and share with them the principles showcased in America's traditional motto, ``e pluribus unum,'' which means, out of many, one. That is the unique greatness of our country, the idea of being a melting pot of people from different countries, races, and backgrounds, but we become one as Americans. Our schools should never stifle the growth of our children, belittle them based on the color of their skin, or teach them that they themselves or their families are racist regardless of their individual beliefs. The American Dream is alive and well and should be fanned into flames, not crushed by critical race theory's restrictive and damaging rhetoric. That is the last thing our children need. Since critical race theory has entered the national discussion, Missourians and parents across the country have expressed strong disdain for teaching our students that this country is inherently racist and that minority groups are unable to succeed within our country's current systems and institutions. Today, I stand by those parents. I cannot condone an education system that teaches students to be ashamed of our country and to judge each other based on the color of our skin. And I believe neither would Martin Luther King, Jr. Our kids deserve better.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, July 1, 2021, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 207. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: ``yea'' on rollcall No. 207. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Babin (Nehls) Cardenas (Gomez) Cawthorn (Nehls) Cicilline (Pingree) Cohen (Beyer) Comer (Cammack) Fallon (Nehls) Gallego (Gomez) Garcia (TX) (Jeffries) Grijalva (Stanton) Herrera Beutler (Rodgers (WA)) Horsford (Jeffries) Jacobs (NY) (Garbarino) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Katko (Joyce (OH)) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Leger Fernandez (Jacobs (CA)) Lieu (Beyer) Long (Fleischmann) Lowenthal (Beyer) McNerney (Huffman) Meng (Jeffries) Mullin (Lucas) Napolitano (Correa) Nunes (Garcia (CA)) Owens (Stewart) Payne (Pallone) Ruiz (Aguilar) Rush (Underwood) Salazar (Cammack) Sewell (DelBene) Steube (Franklin, C. Scott) Strickland (DelBene) Suozzi (Panetta) Timmons (Gonzalez (OH)) Wasserman Schultz (Soto) Wilson (FL) (Hayes) Young (Mast)

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, on Monday, June 28, 2021, I was unable to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: YEA on Roll Call No. 186, YEA on Roll Call No. 187, and NAY on Roll Call No. 188.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, I was unable to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: NAY on Roll Call No. 189, NAY on Roll Call No. 190, YEA on Roll Call No. 191, and YEA on Roll Call No. 192.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with the 2 million lives saved by the Hyde amendment. For decades, Presidents of both parties, including Presidents Clinton and Obama, have worked across the aisle to include the Hyde amendment in the Federal budget, which is a temporary protection barring the use of taxpayer funds to pay for abortions. However, this year, while calling for unity, the President is pushing for a $6 trillion budget with no protections for the unborn or for the taxpayer who will foot the bill. This is an action where everyone loses. Instead of callously endangering the lives of millions of women and children at taxpayer expense, we should be fighting tooth and nail for their protections. By making the Hyde amendment permanent, that is exactly what H.R. 18 will do. That is why I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18 and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, I missed the vote on rollcall No. 165. Had I been present I would have voted: ``nay'' on rollcall No. 165. members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress Barragan (Gallego) Cardenas (Gomez) Cleaver (Davids (KS)) DeSaulnier (Thompson (CA)) Gaetz (Greene (GA)) Gonzalez, Vicente (Gomez) Granger (Arrington) Grijalva (Garcia (IL)) Horsford (Jeffries) Hoyer (Brown) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Kim (NJ) (Pallone) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Langevin (Courtney) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Lieu (Raskin) Lowenthal (Beyer) Meng (Clark (MA)) Mullin (Lucas) Napolitano (Correa) Nehls (Fallon) O'Halleran (Stanton) Payne (Pallone) Porter (Wexton) Roybal-Allard (Escobar) Ruiz (Aguilar) Rush (Underwood) Sewell (DelBene) Sherrill (Pallone) Speier (Scanlon) Strickland (Kilmer) Wilson (FL) (Hayes) Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. Hill

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the service of Robert Hiller, also known as ``Racecar Bob'', on his efforts to raise money for the Sedalia, Missouri Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. Bob has been serving his community and the region for over three decades, working with law enforcement agencies across seven different states. He has done this with the help of his iconic racecar--he offers rides and appears in the program's annual car show in order to raise money as well as spread awareness. Next year will be Bob's 31st appearance in the car show--the same number as his racecar. The Sedalia D.A.R.E. Officers, through Bob's efforts, have been able to serve around 20,000 students without having to rely on public tax money, and they will be able to do so for another seven years without needing future funding. Additionally, the program has been able to establish two $500 scholarships for local high school students. Bob has had an incredible impact in educating young people about the dangers of substance abuse and making sure they stay safe and healthy. We are incredibly grateful for his service.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, I missed the vote on rollcall No. 161. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 161. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Barragan (Gallego) Cardenas (Gomez) DeSaulnier (Thompson (CA)) Fleischmann (Bilirakis) Gaetz (Greene (GA)) Grijalva (Garcia (IL)) Hoyer (Brown) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Langevin (Courtney) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Lieu (Raskin) Lowenthal (Beyer) Meng (Clark (MA)) Mfume (Evans) Mullin (Lucas) Napolitano (Correa) Payne (Pallone) Porter (Wexton) Roybal-Allard (Escobar) Ruiz (Aguilar) Rush (Underwood) Sewell (DelBene) Sherrill (Pallone) Strickland (Kilmer) Van Drew (Norman) Velazquez (Clarke (NY)) Wilson (FL) (Hayes)

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and life of one of Missouri's World War II Veterans, Lt. Colonel William Moore. Before joining the United States Marine Corps, LTC Moore served as a teacher at White Cloud Elementary School in Wheatland, Missouri, after earning his education degree and teaching certification from Central Missouri State Teachers College in Warrensburg and the University of Missouri--Columbia. While in the Marine Corps, he was assigned to Henderson Field in Guadalcanal and was as member of the Fighting Falcon Squadron. LTC Moore led his squadron in prayer under the wing of his assigned Grumman F4F Wildcat before each mission, earning him the respected nickname the ``Flying Deacon.'' The Fighting Falcon Squadron was credited with the destruction of 95 enemy planes. Two of those planes were confirmed to have been destroyed by CPT Moore, and likely yet unconfirmed the destruction of an additional two more enemy planes. He went through 75 combat missions without receiving a single scratch. This small Hickory County community in Missouri's Fourth Congressional District has lost an exceptional man at the age of 103. Due to his valor, LTC Moore was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, among other awards, for his extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, in actions against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II. It is with great honor that LTC Moore's dedicated service to this country will be honored and respected on June 23, 2021, with full military funeral honors and a flyover. Please join me in remembering this true American hero for his valor and service to our nation.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, on Friday, May 14, 2021, I was unable to vote. Had I been present I would have voted YEA on Roll Call 143.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the players, coaches, and student managers of the Glasgow High School Boys Basketball Program who were recently enshrined in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. This small Howard County community in Missouri's 4th Congressional District has produced one of the most successful basketball programs in state history . . . with the Yellowjackets advancing to 16 Final Fours and earning Class 1 State championships in 1974, 1978, and again in 1980. In addition, this roundball powerhouse has won 37 district titles and 28 conference championships. The 1986 movie ``Hoosiers'' told the story of a basketball team from a small Indiana town as it earned glory against all odds. It could easily be the story of the Glasgow High School basketball team--a small town team with a tremendous record of success. Congratulations to Glasgow High School's Boys Basketball Program on entering the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the community project of Patriot Parkway in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, which will be the adornment of 48 American flags along U.S. Highway 54 within city limits. In a time of division, the El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and members of the community have come together in an act of patriotism and unity. These flags will be displayed every year from Memorial Day to Veterans Day to commemorate our veterans and to show some American pride. This project was a vision years ago by Jack Tough, a dedicated member of his community who unfortunately passed before he could see it through. However, his dream came true by the efforts of his son, Jackson Tough, and his fellow members of the El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, who raised funds in the community to bring Patriot Parkway to life. Please join me in celebrating this act of patriotism and community pride.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, April 15, 2021 I was unable to vote on Roll Call No. 114. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA,

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pleasant Hill High School wrestling team on winning the State Championship at the Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 2 wrestling tournament. On March 11, the Pleasant Hill Roosters wrestling team won their first state championship in 25 years, finishing 37 points ahead of the second-place team. The Roosters had nine individuals receive medals at the tournament: Sam Ewing, who won his 2nd state title, and Garret Lyons, Ryan Volland, Lane Snyder, Brayden Bush, Zach Redwine, Lane Brattin, Jacob Hanes, and Dalton Cole, who also placed. Each of these young men have made their school and their state proud. I congratulate these hard-working athletes and the Pleasant Hill High School wrestling team on their impressive accomplishment. I am honored to represent them, and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the achievements women have made and reaffirm that we are already equal under current law. Women represent 51 percent of the population, comprise over half of college students, make up the majority of medical and law school students, and run 12.3 million women-owned businesses while generating $1.8 trillion each year. Little girls can be whatever they want to be, whether that is an astronaut, a doctor, a full-time mom working at home, or a Member of Congress. The ERA would not add to the rights already guaranteed by the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, but it could jeopardize them. How? Two ways. First, by making it discriminatory to offer benefits to women not offered to men; women's scholarships, women's colleges, job protection for pregnant women, and safe spaces may all be on the chopping block. When the equal rights amendment was first proposed a century ago, many women's rights advocates recognized the negative ramifications it would bring. In fact, future First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt expressed concerns that legislation protecting women in the workplace could be eliminated should the ERA become part of the U.S. Constitution. Secondly, because the 1972 definition of sex as male and female is no longer accepted by many today and, instead, will require new protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. This is a path that has already proven to be a threat to women's privacy, safety, and equality. Don't take it from me. Talk to the nine women in California who were sexually harassed in a women's shelter by a biological male identifying as a woman. The equal rights amendment would not only codify inequality for women, but also destroy the rights of the unborn. The ERA advocates have been unequivocal about their support for abortion and for using the ERA to overturn pro-life laws. Courts have already used State versions of the ERA to force taxpayers to fund abortions. A Federal ERA would threaten State pro-life laws, Federal protections like the Hyde amendment, and conscience protections for American medical professionals who may otherwise be forced to perform an abortion. Fortunately, the time limit to pass the ERA expired decades ago, and there is agreement that Congress cannot go back and remove a deadline from a previous constitutional amendment initiative. For example, the Supreme Court has already recognized that the 1972 ERA expired, and the Department of Justice issued a ruling saying: ``Congress may not revive a proposed amendment after a deadline, for its ratification has expired.'' Just over a week ago, a Federal district court ruled that the deadline to ratify the ERA ``expired long ago.'' And the recent ratifications of the amendment arrived ``too late to count.'' Pretending we can remove the deadline for passage is both futile and deceptive. The ERA is a threat to the historical strides women have made. It will eradicate State and Federal pro-life laws and policies, and the process is blatantly unconstitutional. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this resolution and to, instead, uphold the Constitution, promote life, and protect women's rights.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind screens and back in the classroom.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the $1.9 trillion spending boondoggle that is going to be on the House floor this week. While there are many irresponsible and careless facets of this bill worth noting, the elimination of alternative wage programs for workers with disabilities is one of the most devastating aspects of this bill, impacting over 5,800 Missourians and thousands more across our Nation. In fact, this provision will likely cause the end of these programs. By doing that, it will strip many individuals of their voice, workplace family, independence, and sense of community. That is why I am offering an amendment to protect the choices and voices of the Missourians next to me. They deserve a government that supports their efforts, not one that runs them out of business. With only 35 percent of individuals with disabilities employed in the competitive market, it is our duty to look for ways to expand employment opportunities for them, not diminish them. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and, if it does not pass, please oppose this bill.

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5, the so-called Equality Act. This bill should be called the inequality act as there is nothing equalizing about it. In fact, this bill hijacks the Civil Rights Act, codifying inequality into Federal law. Simply put, this piece of legislation blatantly discriminates against women, girls, parents, people of faith, and many more. To start, H.R. 5 dismantles Title IX, ending equal opportunity for females in education and sports. Similar policies are already wreaking havoc at the local level. In Connecticut, the State's Interscholastic Athletic Conference accepts boys who identify as females in their competitions. Two of these male athletes have gone on to claim 15 women's track championship titles since 2017. As someone who enjoyed playing sports and coaching high school track for many years, imagining the damage these policies will cause to women and girls is heartbreaking. The inequality act further discriminates against a woman's right to privacy and protection, especially while seeking refuge in a domestic violence shelter. We have already seen similar policies in Alaska and California put vulnerable women in danger. H.R. 5 also discriminates against parents. Parents who dare to oppose doctors performing life-changing surgeries or using hormone-altering drugs on their children will be considered abusive and neglectful. This has already happened in Ohio as a couple lost custody of their daughter after advocating against male testosterone supplements. This abhorrent destruction of parental rights is why I introduced an amendment that would ensure parents retain their right to make important choices for their children, especially concerning mental and medical care. Predictably, Democrats did not even consider my amendment, highlighting their desire to silence the voices of families across the country. Faith-minded individuals and organizations would also face discrimination under the inequality act, including adoption agencies and charities. Again, similar policies already exist in New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, forcing faith-based adoption agencies to shut down rather than violate their sincerely held religious beliefs. These policies only harm would-be parents and children in need of a forever home. Shockingly, it doesn't stop there. The inequality act clearly stipulates that religious beliefs and faith no longer matter in the Democrats' new world order. Living by your faith will be viewed as evil instead of good. Sadly, this bill contains no language to protect businesses or healthcare providers from being forced to pay for abortions. It also may require healthcare providers to facilitate abortion services. The biggest impact? Hundreds of thousands more innocent, unborn children will tragically perish from abortion, with Americans footing the bill. This grossly misnamed bill punishes everyday citizens, silences free speech, and instills discrimination. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''

Mrs. HARTZLER

Mrs. HARTZLER. Thank you, Representative Fischbach. Life is precious, and it is jeopardized under this very poor bill, and so thank you for raising those points. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Mrs. Boebert), a volunteer counselor to incarcerated women.