Providing for Consideration of H.R. Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of Providing for Consideration of H.R. Strength in Diversity Act of Providing for Consideration of H.R. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act; Providing for Consideration of H. Res. Condemning All Forms of Anti-Asian Sentiment As Related to Covid-19; and for Other Purposes

Floor Speech

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Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, a ranking member of the Rules Committee, for his support and his friendship for so very many years and for his fight for this cause in this Chamber and for his constituents in Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on my colleagues to defeat the previous question and bring up my legislation, H.R. 8251, which would ensure that all Americans can access hospitals and urgent medical care without fear of life-threatening delays due to violence and extremism.

My legislation would prohibit intentionally blocking hospital entries or exits by force, threat of force, or physical obstruction in order to injure, intimidate, or interfere with any person who is trying to obtain and provide lifesaving medical procedures or treatment.

Mr. Speaker, I am outraged that the irrational and unconscionable hatred directed at the brave men and women of our Nation's law enforcement resulted in the attempted assassination of two innocent deputies and the reckless endangerment of those in need of urgent medical care.

On September 12, a gunman attempted to execute two Los Angeles Sheriff's deputies, Claudia Apolinar, a 31-year-old single mother, and her 24-year-old partner, simply because they wore the uniform, simply because they were called to serve and to protect American neighborhoods.

This was a chilling and senseless act of brutality that we are seeing all over our country. Instead of turning to healing, protestors chose to endanger the lives of those in need of immediate medical care by actually blocking the entrance to the hospital where the deputies were receiving critical care and chanting, ``We hope they die,'' and, ``Death to police.''

``We hope they die,'' and, ``Death to police.''

The courageous men and women of our law enforcement are selfless public servants, Mr. Speaker. Every day, they choose to risk their lives to protect us. It is unconscionable that their sacrifices are being repaid with targeted violence and hatred. It is equally unconscionable that protestors would prevent innocent Americans from receiving lifesaving care by blocking hospital entrances.

I call on my colleagues--I implore my colleagues--for us to come together to defeat the previous question. Stand with our men and women in blue. Stand for what is right and just in our country. Stand for humanity and support my legislation.

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