Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I have heard many unfounded claims from the Republicans today, claims that this bill would prevent the FDA from acting to remove unsafe products or somehow direct funding for abortion. This bill simply provides a right to contraception. Republicans are trying to distract from their poor record on women's health. The half-measures that Republicans are purporting to bring forward today do not establish a right to contraception, nor do they ensure that hostile State legislators can't take away birth control in the future. Only the Right to Contraception Act ensures that. That is why I support this legislation, and I hope my colleagues will, as well. Madam Speaker, I urge everyone to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Delaware (Ms. Blunt Rochester), a member of our committee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1224, I call up the bill (H.R. 8297) to prohibit the interference, under color of State law, with the provision of interstate abortion services, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez and Hispanic Federation as they are honored by the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development (PRAHD) at its 34th Annual Roberto Clemente Gala on July 22, 2022. It is my privilege to recognize the outstanding efforts of PRAHD and this year's gala honorees. Former Executive Director/CEO of PRAHD, the Honorable Yvonne Lopez represents the 19th Legislative District of New Jersey and currently serves as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly. She is also Chair of the Housing Committee, a member of the Transportation and Independent Authorities committee, Financial Institutions and Insurance committee, and Joint Committee on Housing Affordability, as well as a member of the NJ Legislative Latino Caucus and National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. She also served on the Complete Counts Commission and the New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission and previously worked in the private sector as Vice President/Community Affairs Manager for Wachovia Banks. In her capacity at PRAHD, Assemblywoman Lopez oversaw the operations and management of the organization while cultivating community and public relations. Assemblywoman Lopez truly embodies the spirit of the Roberto Clemente Award and I join with PRAHD in applauding her leadership and service to the community. Partner of the Year Award recipient, Hispanic Federation, echoes the mission of PRAHD. Its advocacy efforts, programs, and public education initiatives support community organizations and strengthen individuals and families. Its work assists individuals to obtain health insurance, citizenship and civics education, job training, childhood literacy skills, college preparation, and more. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hispanic Federation provided relief and recovery grants to local organizations and small businesses and held a national outreach campaign to educate Latinos on COVID-19 vaccines. Hispanic Federation continues to promote Latino interests and uplift the Hispanic community and its efforts are to be commended. For nearly 50 years, PRAHD has provided outstanding support to our local communities. Its comprehensive services and programs promote self-sufficiency and community involvement. I applaud PRAHD for its dedication to improving the well-being of our communities and the evening's honorees for their commitment to service and action. Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope my colleagues will join me in honoring Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez and Hispanic Federation for their contributions to the community and congratulating them on this well- deserved recognition by PRAHD.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Lois Frankel).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Eshoo), the chairwoman of our Health Subcommittee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1224, I call up the bill (H.R. 8296) to protect a person's ability to determine whether to continue or end a pregnancy, and to protect a health care provider's ability to provide abortion services, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add extraneous material on H.R. 8296, the Women's Health Protection Act of 2022.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Escobar).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 8296, the Women's Health Protection Act. This bill is necessary now more than ever following the Republican- controlled Supreme Court's extreme decision ripping away a woman's right to abortion. The Court's ideological decision ignored nearly 50 years of precedent and is the culmination of decades of unrelenting efforts by Republican politicians to control women and their bodies. The consequences of last month's decision have been swift and severe. Already, abortion bans are in effect in nine States, and more than a dozen more are expected to either ban or severely limit abortion soon. As a result, women are being forced to travel long distances to States where abortion remains lawful or, for those who lack logistical or financial support to travel, continue pregnancies against their wishes. There have been devastating stories of patients being denied care and doctors hesitating to provide lifesaving healthcare services out of fear of criminalization. States have enacted dangerous laws banning abortion without any exceptions, inciting citizens to track and report women in need of an abortion and criminalizing providers or those assisting someone in obtaining care. These laws turn back the clock on the health, well-being, and equality of women across the Nation. Republicans have made it clear: This is just the beginning. Congressional Republicans are already pushing a nationwide abortion ban that would criminalize abortion in all 50 States. That is why this House is acting today on the Women's Health Protection Act to restore the right to abortion nationwide. This legislation ensures that no matter where you live, you have a right to comprehensive healthcare that is free from unnecessary restrictions that are intended only to impede access. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to protect the right to abortion and ensure that all Americans are entitled to make their own healthcare decisions. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette), the chairwoman of Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko), who chairs our Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time remains on both sides.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke), who is a member of our committee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cardenas), who is also a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. Craig), who is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from the State of Washington (Ms. Schrier). Dr. Schrier is also a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Kuster), who is a member of our committee.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee), who is co-chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Dean).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries), the chairman of our Democratic Caucus.