Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of Veto Message From the President of the United States

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, last month I said that my Republican colleagues had declared their verdict against Planned Parenthood without ever holding a trial. Now it is even worse. A grand jury in Texas has not only refused to indict Planned Parenthood, but instead indicted two individuals who made this series of blatantly manipulated, false videos on which the Republicans base their attack.

Despite this unequivocal finding by a grand jury, not to mention by several congressional committees that Planned Parenthood has violated no laws and done nothing wrong, the Republicans are forging ahead in this ludicrous effort to cut off all Federal funding.

If we override this veto today, we will pass legislation that targets one organization and cuts it off from all Federal funding, including reimbursement for services provided, for no justifiable legislative reason beyond punishment for offering a constitutionally protected medical procedure.

This is a clearly unconstitutional bill of attainder. The prohibition on bills of attainder exist to ensure that Congress may not usurp the powers of the courts by using legislation to punish an organization or individual that a majority in Congress doesn't like. The Constitution is clear. Congress cannot be judge, jury, and executioner.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, it is not our role to declare an organization guilty and to impose a punishment. That is for a court. Not only is this bill an unconstitutional bill of attainder, it is a travesty and is seeking to punish one of the best, most praiseworthy organizations in the country, and punish it for what? For enabling women to exercise their constitutional rights. This is really not only an unconstitutional act, but it is part of the war on women.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source