Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today, I join my colleagues in rising to support the dignity of human life, and no time is more appropriate to do so than when we approach the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

Not only was the Supreme Court's 1973 ruling a judicial overreach, it was an assault on a fundamental truth that is essential to our democracy, the truth that all people are created in the image and likeness of God and that all people have the right to life.

Protecting that precious, God-given gift of life is not just something I talk about; it is part of my identity as a doctor. When I graduated from medical school, I pledged never to perform, assist, or facilitate an abortion. The people of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District have sent me to Washington to apply that pledge to my work in Congress as well.

Madam Speaker, it is with a great sense of honor that I stand before you to deliver my first address on the floor of the people's House.

As legislators, one of our fundamental duties is to fully fund the government and to do it on time. But there are Federal employees, such as the brave corrections officers working at FCI Loretto, people whom, as their doctor, I have treated. These people continue to go without pay.

These hardworking men and women do not deserve this shutdown. No American does.

We are in this situation because Democrats refuse to compromise and fund the border wall, even though many of them have voted to do so in the past.

Today, I offer a question to my colleagues across the aisle: What changed? Are you really willing to reverse a previous position and keep government closed just so you can resist the President's agenda?

It is time to fund the wall and send the President an appropriations package that he will sign. I urge my Democratic friends to negotiate so we can get back to work for the American people.