Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 37th anniversary of Title IX. This landmark legislation prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities that receive federal funding, and has expanded educational and career opportunities for countless young women and girls across the United States.

This legislation is most famous for creating opportunities for women in athletics, but this legislation has done so much more. It is hard to imagine a time when women couldn't enroll in any college or university they wanted, had no chance of getting an athletic scholarship, and were steered away from classes in math and science in favor of home economics. But that was the United States before Title IX. This legislation works to address inequality and injustice in all areas of women's lives, from access to higher education, career training and advancement, and gender stereotyping and sexual harassment in schools, just to name a few.

In large part due to Title IX, more women are receiving higher degrees than at any time in the past, more each year are entering traditionally male dominated fields, and hundreds of thousands of girls are living happier and healthier lives because they have the opportunity to be part of a sports team and have strong women role models to look up to.

Yet despite the demonstrated positive impact of Title IX, opponents have tried to weaken this critical legislation. In 2005, the Department of Education issued a Title IX policy clarification that allows schools to use a less rigorous, e-mail based survey method to prove compliance. If enough young women simply deleted the mass e-mail, that was taken to mean that they were not interested in sports, and sports programs for girls could be cut. Men did not face the same burden, revealing a huge double standard while men's interest in sports was taken for granted, women's had to be proven.

What these actions seem to imply is that Title IX's work is done. I have worked to protect and promote women's rights since my very first day in Congress, and I look forward to the time when there is complete gender equality in the United States. But that day is not today.

While Title IX has undoubtedly opened doors for women faculty in higher education, women still make up just 36% of associate professors and 21% of full professors. Only 2.4% of full professors are women of color. Women only receive 20% of computer science and engineering- related Bachelor's degrees, and a joint study by the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine found that women who are interested in science and engineering careers are lost at every educational transition, and those who do enter these fields very likely to face severe discrimination throughout their careers.

The Obama Administration has already made an admirable start in tackling barriers to women's success by promoting work-family balance, establishing the White House Council on Women and Girls, and signing into law the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Strengthening Title IX enforcement at the Department of Education would bolster the progress that has already been made in advancing women's rights, while helping to address the inequalities that remain in so many areas.

Those of us with daughters will probably remember promising them that they can be whatever they want to be when they grow up. Title IX works to make this a reality. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 37th anniversary of Title IX and acknowledging the essential role it has played in expanding opportunities for women and girls in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, today I stand with my colleagues in this Congress, I stand with President Obama and Vice President Biden, in support of the Iranian people, their right to express themselves, their right to have peaceful demonstrations, and I stand in support of this resolution.

I hope that the ayatollahs understand that these demonstrations are about the future of Iran and the right of their people to have a voice in their government. Young and old, liberal or conservative, all ages, all economic groups are part of these demonstrations.

As President Obama has said, the entire world is watching, and the world is inspired. We applaud your efforts to move your country toward a more democratic, peaceful country.

Mr. Chair, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Appropriations Committee for their inclusion of language that I requested in the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2010. This language, which emphasizes the importance of federal support for crisis hotlines for rape victims, states as follows:

``Services for Victims of Rape.--The Committee is aware that an estimated one in six women in the United States will experience a sexual assault in her lifetime, and that the Federal Bureau of Investigation ranks rape as the second most violent crime, second only to murder. The Department of Justice is encouraged to continue supporting programs, including hotline programs, that facilitate the delivery of confidential recovery services to rape victims.''

The above language is specifically intended to express the House's support for the continuation of funding for the National Sexual Assault Hotline programs. These programs include the National Sexual Assault Hotline, accessible at 800-656-HOPE, the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline, a Web-based hotline at www.rainn.org, as well as the other education and outreach programs created and carried out by RAINN (the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). RAINN, a 501(c)(3) not-for- profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, currently receives funding from the Office for Victims of Crime to carry out its programs. In the past, RAINN also has received funding from the Office on Violence Against Women and the Office for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for this purpose.

While rape crisis centers in every state and the District of Columbia play a very important role in partnering with RAINN to support the operation of these national hotlines, it is important to note that they are truly national in scope. RAINN launched, and continues to operate, both hotlines from its headquarters in Washington, DC. As a result, every American, regardless of where they are located, who becomes a victim can seek immediate, confidential support services at any time of the day or night by calling 800-656-HOPE or by going to rainn.orit for Web-based information, referrals and support.

We specifically authorized RAINN to operate these programs for rape victims through fiscal year 2010, when Congress passed, and then President Bush signed into law, Section 628 of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. It is critical that Congress continue to provide the funding necessary to ensure RAINN's operation of these programs in fiscal year 2010. Absent such funding, victims of crime will not receive the resources they so desperately need in the aftermath of an attack. The House did not specifically include a dollar amount in the fiscal year 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act for RAINN to continue to operate such programs, and it is vital that the Department of Justice find a way to ensure that the organization can continue to carry out the important work it does to support rape victims in the aftermath of attack.

Vice President Biden, who sponsored a resolution honoring the National Sexual Assault Hotline in 2006, during his tenure in the United States Senate, described it as follows: ``[a] critical partner in our fight to end sexual assault has been the National Sexual Assault Hotline operated by RAINN, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. RAINN created this toll-free telephone hotline 1-800-656-HOPE--in 1994 and manages it with 1,100 local affiliates in 50 States and the District of Columbia. Victims from across the country can telephone the Hotline and receive confidential, trained expertise from experienced professionals with the assistance of over 10,000 volunteers. In June 2006, the Hotline received its millionth call since it answered its first call in 1994.

``The National Sexual Assault Hotline is truly a national treasure. It helps individuals and families recover from a horrendous violation. It provides a safe haven for victims to talk about the crime, and offers referrals on local psychological and physical help. A call to the National Sexual Assault Hotline is often the first step towards justice for a victim. . . . The hotline's volunteers are doing God's work and deserve our gratitude.'' I would agree, Madam Speaker.

In closing, I thank the gentleman from West Virginia for his inclusion of the above-mentioned language in this year's appropriations bill. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him during conference negotiations to ensure that the bill recommends a specified dollar amount of funding for the Department of Justice to support RAINN in its efforts to operate national hotline programs for victims of sexual assault.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to echo what President Obama said the other day. Something is happening in Iran, and it is something remarkable and inspiring.

Thanks to Iranian citizen journalists and technological innovations and communications, the entire world has seen the pictures from Iran of those who are giving their lives in the cause of freedom and democracy. The pictures show hundreds of thousands of people, men in green, women in chadors, young and old, rich and poor, taking to the streets in unity in peaceful protest. They have used the universal human right to peacefully assemble and to seek redress of grievances in the full knowledge it may cost them their lives.

They go out today in mourning for the scores of victims of shameful acts of repression. Their determination and bravery have the whole world watching, waiting and inspired, and hoping that Iranian authorities, with the support of the ayatollahs, will do the right thing.

Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Money Service Business Act of 2009''. This is bipartisan legislation that has been cosponsored by the Ranking Member of the Financial Services Committee, Spencer Bachus of Alabama as well as the Chair and Ranking Member of the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee, Congressmen Luis Gutierrez of Illinois and Jeb Hensarling of Texas and the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Judy Biggert of Illinois.

Last Congress, this bill passed the House on a unanimous voice vote.

The ``Money Service Business Act'' addresses the critical problem of money services businesses (MSBs) being denied access to the banking system.

MSBs have experienced blanket terminations of their commercial accounts over the past several years due, in part, to banks responding to unclear guidance from regulators.

This bill establishes a mechanism that would allow MSBs to self- certify their compliance with Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering requirements, while allowing banks to make risk-based decisions about banking particular MSBs.

MSBs, which include check cashers, money transmitters and money order issuers, have served our nation's communities for years.

If this issue is left unaddressed, the viability of MSBs will be compromised, potentially pushing many of these transactions underground and potentially untraceable to law enforcement.

Banks, reacting to regulatory fears, have terminated MSB accounts in a blanket fashion, in an attempt to minimize exposure to ``high risk'' businesses.

Without a banking relationship, MSBs are unable to provide financial services to communities, making it difficult for millions of Americans to pay bills, send money, or cash checks.

Federal regulatory agencies, recognizing the problem facing MSBs, have sought to address this issue through agency guidance and regulatory changes, with little effect.

This legislation addresses this problem by enabling MSBs to self- certify their compliance with Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering requirements.

This approach is not novel.

It is similar in principle to that used for international correspondent banking.

It would not relieve banks of their due diligence responsibilities with regard to their MSB customers, rather, it would permit appropriate reliance on self-certification to relieve banks of being the de facto regulators only of MSBs' Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering compliance.

The mechanics of this self-certification will be handled by regulations set forth by the Secretary of the Treasury and the certification will be filed with the financial institution where the MSB has a commercial account.

I do want to mention that even with the implementation of the self- certification; MSBs would continue to be responsible for complying with all other existing provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act and will continue to be the subject of rigorous on-site examinations by IRS examiners. MSBs are also State-regulated in many jurisdictions.

Currently, 28 States and the District of Columbia require MSB's to be licensed and/or regulated by State banking agencies.

Both MSBs and the Financial Institutions banking them will still be required to fully comply with all other aspects of the Bank Secrecy Act, including the filing of Suspicious Activity Reports and Currency Transaction Reports.

Any violation of their certification would render the same civil and criminal penalties provided for by the Bank Secrecy Act and other Anti- Money Laundering Provisions.

This is a well crafted bill that allows law enforcement to continue to track the transactions of Money Service Businesses, while allowing the MSBs to have access to the banking accounts they need to conduct business.

Madam Speaker, on June 15, 2009, I was delayed in returning to Washington, and missed rollcall votes numbered 336, 337, 338 and 339.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes: 336 expressing condolences to the citizens of Italy and support for the Government of Italy in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the Abruzzo region of central Italy; 337, a bill to name the Laredo Veterans Post Office; 338, Phylicia's Law; and, 339, a resolution expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the catastrophic explosion at the ConAgra Foods plant in Garner, North Carolina.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the men and women in our armed forces and H.R. 2346, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2009.

I support this bill because it is the first step toward ending the war in Iraq and bringing home the troops, as President Obama has pledged to do by August 2010. This bill is consistent with the President's plan and provides the troops with increased pay and better protection over the next few months as we begin to withdraw.

H.R. 2346 will provide $1.9 billion more than requested for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, MRAP, vehicles. Since most of our casualties in Iraq result from roadside bombs, it is critical that we fully fund vehicles capable of keeping our troops safe. In addition, this bill recognizes the hardships of ``stop-loss''--remaining on active duty beyond one's contract--on military servicemembers and their families by providing a retroactive pay increase for those serving under stop-loss orders.

This bill does what Bush-era war funding bills did not. By mandating performance reports, it illustrates the understanding that Congress needs to be fully informed about the progress of the military actions undertaken by the United States. By refocusing our efforts on success in Afghanistan, it demonstrates a shift from an open-ended two front war to a focused mission in Afghanistan centered on establishing a strong Afghan military and political infrastructure. Lastly, by extending a line of credit to the International Monetary Fund, which will be significantly leveraged, this bill reflects the Administration's strong belief that diplomacy and economic empowerment are critical to winning the war on terror.

Finally, I also support the funding for preparedness against pandemic flu. New York City has been hit the hardest by the recent outbreak of the H1N1 strand of influenza with 567 hospitalizations to date. Pandemic flu preparedness funding will prepare New York and the nation for the worst case scenario by increasing the national stockpile of antiviral drugs and medical supplies and improving our capacity to develop and produce vaccines to prevent infection.

I rise in strong support of the Nadler-Michaud-Maloney amendment that would fully fund the Debbie Smith DNA backlog grant program. And I applaud all like-minded men who are standing up in leadership roles to fund what many have called the most important anti- rape violence against women prevention bill ever to pass this Congress, the Debbie Smith Act. I particularly applaud my colleague from New York who has been a gladiator in support of women's issues, a strong defender and has worked hard to help us in many ways.

I applaud Congressman Mollohan for providing $146 million earlier this year for the Debbie Smith grant program. I must say that this bill, which I authored with Mark Green on the other side of the aisle, was truly a bipartisan mission, and it has saved lives. Every single unprocessed rape kit represents a victim who has been denied justice and a predator who remains at large, free to attack other women. The program's funding has been increased by $5 million for fiscal year 2010.

It has been an honor working with my good friends to deliver full funding for this vital anti-crime, protection-of-women, anti-rape legislation. I urge my colleagues to stand with us and support this important amendment. I applaud my like-minded male leaders who have stood so strong to protect and defend women from violence and one of the worst crimes of all--rape.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to join with President Obama, with Vice President Biden and with all of those around the world who have been

expressing their most profound concern about the events in Iran and, in particular, about the violence being used against those people who have been peacefully dissenting in the streets of Iran.

There are news reports that at least seven have been killed. Others have been beaten and have been badly injured. Both the protests and the violent suppression have been spreading. It has been reported that there are instances of live fire being used by police in the cities. The Iranian authorities have now indicated that they will do a limited recount of the election results. I hope they are sincere and earnest in this offer.

As President Obama has said to those who have used their right to dissent: The world is watching and the world is inspired.

I ask unanimous consent that the proceedings during the former Members ceremony be printed in the Congressional Record and that all Members and former Members who spoke have the privilege of revising and extending their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1674) to amend the National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act to allow for the treatment of the nonprofit corporation affiliate of the Bank as a community development financial institution for purposes of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this particular legislation and to insert additional information.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1674, the National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act Amendments of 2009. This legislation is necessary to make a technical correction to the statute of the National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act.

The National Consumer Cooperative Bank was created by Congress in 1978 and is dedicated to strengthening communities nationwide through the delivery of banking and financial services, complemented by a special focus on cooperative expansion and economic development.

The National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act of 1978 established a nonprofit corporation to reach further into low-income communities and to serve disadvantaged populations. NCB Capital Impact is that nonprofit, mission-driven subsidiary of NCB that works to provide housing, education, health care, cultural centers, small businesses, and social services in economically distressed communities.

In the last 10 years alone, NCB Capital Impact has invested more than $600 million in assistance to low- and moderate-income communities. These funds helped finance more than 33,000 affordable housing units; 8,000 affordable assisted living units for seniors and persons with disabilities; 137,000

school seats; 2.9 million square feet of community health center space serving 350,000 patients; and helped create 25,000 jobs for low-income individuals.

In my home State of New York, NCB Capital Impact has played a significant role in providing housing finance. In fact, NCB has participated in more than 600 loans in my district alone. Most of these loans are for housing, including affordable housing, as well as loans for community facilities and loans to nonprofit organizations like the Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominiums. Together, these groups are able to provide assisted living, affordable housing and services to the frail and elderly.

Presently, NCB Capital Impact is working with five community-based organizations to help finance 17 projects that will create 558 housing units. Despite their good work in serving low-income communities and disadvantaged populations, NCB Capital Impact is not eligible for assistance authorized under the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994, which is administered by the CDFI Fund. The fund has ruled it cannot certify NCB Capital Impact as a CDFI because of the corporate structure of its parent, NCB. In short, NCB Capital Impact is shut off from critical sources of financial awards that are needed to maintain their housing and community development efforts.

The interest of NCB Capital Impact in gaining CDFI certification is twofold. First, it has a track record that is comparable to other organizations that receive CDFI status; its mission is dedicated to working with low-income populations and communities. Second, increasingly in the community development finance field, CDFI certification is viewed as a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval in working with other Federal agencies and other public and private institutions.

I think that it is important to note that this legislation does not guarantee the NCB any assistance, nor does it authorize additional amounts for the CDFI program. All it does is allow NCB to better fulfill its mission by allowing them to compete for these funds. As such, the Congressional Budget Office has determined that this legislation will have no significant impact on the Federal budget.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this technical amendment to the NCB statute so that the nonprofit, mission-driven NCB Capital Impact may continue to provide services to distressed and underserved communities throughout New York and throughout the entire country.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to pay tribute to Park East Synagogue on its 119th anniversary, to honor the contributions of Rabbi Arthur Schneier and to recognize the achievements of the remarkable individuals the Synagogue is honoring at its annual gala.

Park East Synagogue was established in 1890 to serve the Jewish community of the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The Synagogue was originally called Congregation Zichron Ephraim in memory of the father of its first President, Jonas Weil. Today, Park East Synagogue is one of the nation's leading modern Orthodox congregations and an invaluable asset to New York City. Park East Synagogue plays a vital role in the cultural, civic and spiritual life of New York City, thanks to the dynamism of its congregants and its remarkable Rabbi, Arthur Schneier. Park East Synagogue provides the opportunity for spiritual growth, Jewish education and spiritual comfort for individuals, families, and the surrounding community, and fulfills its commitment to providing inspiring Jewish and general studies education to both children and adults.

The building in which the Synagogue is housed is an architectural jewel. Its Byzantine architectural style with dome-like cupolas, elaborately designed arched portico and large stained-glass windows make the building a beautiful historical landmark.

The Leon and Gina Fromer Park East Religious School and The Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School offer children an introduction to Jewish life in a nurturing and encouraging setting. The Day School, which Rabbi Schneier founded more than 25 years ago, offers children from early childhood through 8th grade a combined general academic and Jewish studies curriculum, with a decidedly global focus.

Rabbi Arthur Schneier is the heart and soul of Park East Synagogue, where he has been the Senior Rabbi since 1962. A Holocaust survivor, he is founder and president of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting religious tolerance and freedom throughout the world. He has been honored repeatedly for his efforts, including the U.S. Presidential Citizens Medal. Under his leadership, Park East Synagogue has expanded significantly and gained both national and international recognition. Most recently he has revitalized a tradition of cantorial music by bringing renowned Cantor Yitzhak Meir Helfgot of Jerusalem to Park East Synagogue as its Chief Cantor.

At tonight's Gala, Park East Synagogue is honoring several extraordinary individuals who have displayed their exceptional commitment and dedication to the Park East community.

Harry Lis is being honored as Patron of Education. Born in Munich and the son of Holocaust survivors, Harry has demonstrated his commitment to the Jewish communities in Germany, Israel, and the United States. He is a great supporter of education, and a dedicated member of Park East Synagogue. He serves on the Board of Trustees and is a patron of Park East Day School.

Barbara and Barry Zimmerman are receiving the Community Leadership Award for their involvement in the daily life of the Synagogue. Both have leadership roles in the Synagogue's organizations. Barbara is a Vice-President and a Director of Park East Sisterhood, and has been named ``Woman of Achievement'' by the Sisterhood. Barry is currently the President of the Park East Men's Club and has previously

been honored as Men's Club Man of the Year and as a Chatan Torah of Park East.

Alla and Phil Weisberg are receiving the Parent Leadership Award for their dedication to Park East Day School. With two children at the Day School, the Weisbergs are an extremely involved family. Phil serves on the Day School Board of Education and Alla is a past co-President of the Parents Association. Their desire to make education accessible to all is visible through their generosity to the Day School Scholarship Fund.

Madam Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the 119th anniversary of Park East Synagogue and in paying tribute to these outstanding individuals for their extraordinary commitment to the community of Park East Synagogue.

Madam Speaker, today I am reintroducing an important piece of legislation, the Breastfeeding Promotion Act with my colleagues Mrs. Capps, Mr. Olver, Mr. Frank, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Mr. Levin, Mr. Meeks, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Snyder, Ms. Schwartz, and Mr. Moran.

Statistical surveys of families show that over 50 percent of mothers with children less than one year of age are in the labor force. Whereas women with infants and toddlers are a rapidly growing segment of the labor force today, arrangements must be made to allow a mother's expressing of milk if mother and child must separate.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breastfeed exclusively for six months but continuing for at least the first year of a child's life. Research studies show that children who are not breastfed have higher rates of mortality, meningitis, some types of cancers, asthma and other respiratory illnesses, bacterial and viral infections, diarrhoeal diseases, ear infections, allergies, and obesity. There have also been numerous benefits to mothers shown, including improved bone mineralization, an earlier return to pre- pregnancy weight, and decreased risk of certain cancers.

Our bill will encourage and promote breastfeeding by removing common obstacles to breastfeeding and expressing milk in the workplace that many women face by: (1) amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect breastfeeding in the workplace, (2) providing tax incentives for businesses that establish private lactation areas in the workplace, (3) providing for a performance standard for breast pumps, (4) allowing breastfeeding equipment to be tax deductible for families, and (5) protecting the privacy of breastfeeding mothers.

We urge all of our colleagues to support this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to voice my concerns with the Transpotion Security Administration Authorization Act. While I supported this bill, I would like to make clear that I had concerns with the air cargo security language contained in Section 201 of H.R. 2200 and hope that as the bill moves forward that this provision is changed.

The 9/11 Commission recommended that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) be given the necessary staff and funding in order to screen 100 percent of all air cargo by August, 2010. Currently there are serious deficiencies in the screening of inbound air cargo, which accounts for nearly half of the air cargo carried on passenger airplanes each year. Section 201 of H.R. 2200 creates a significant delay of two years until 100 percent of cargo must be screened from the enactment of this bill, even though there was a year left on the original deadline as passed when Congress implemented the 9/11 Commission recommendations. It makes no sense to grant an extension with over a year until the original deadline.

Outbound passenger air cargo is screened at a much higher rate, but in order to be fully secure, inbound cargo must be thoroughly checked as well. As the United States continues to confront the threats of terrorism since September 2001, we must be as cautious and careful as possible with our transportation security net to ensure that passengers on commercial airplanes are safe, and that cargo on airplanes is thoroughly checked.

Meeting the 100 percent screening mandate presents significant challenges in both funding and manpower, however, Congress should not be diluting the requirements recommended by the 9/11 Commission and should be providing the TSA with the required resources to meet the deadline, instead of extending the deadline into the future. In doing so, we will increase our safety and security as well as fully implement the 9/11 Commission's recommendation for air cargo.

I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership.

Rochester, New York, has historically given this Nation some of our greatest women leaders: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Louise Slaughter. With this bill that she authored, she is one of the strongest links in leading women in this country and protecting our rights. We thank you, Louise, for your continued leadership.

The horror that played out inside a Wichita church, the murder of Dr. Tiller, is a wound to the conscience of this Nation. He had long been a target of violence and hate because he provided legal abortions, he provided medical care to women in need. Any time a doctor has to put his life on the line to provide medical care it has a chilling effect on Americans' ability to get the medical care that they need.

The consequences of Dr. Tiller's murder are a tragedy not only to his family, not only for women in Kansas, but for women everywhere, especially in areas of our country where there are relatively few medical providers. Dr. Tiller is the eighth abortion provider to be murdered since 1977, and he was one of just seven doctors in the entire State of Kansas.

Where will women go for the medical help that they need? We have seen throughout history that hate is not just ugly, it can be deadly. I hope that leaders on both sides of this debate will look at the savage killing of Dr. Tiller and call to account those who would use hate, intolerance, and fear to divide us.

My heart goes out to Dr. Tiller's family and friends, and my prayers are with them.