Shelley Berkley

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor the Republic of Cyprus as its first six-month rotation of the European Union Presidency comes to a close. The EU Presidency is a significant event in the history of this nation with which the United States has such a close relationship.

This small, but vigorous country has overseen a number of historic events during its tenure in the Presidency. Most notably, the EU approved a new round of sanctions against Iran. These sanctions are the toughest measures imposed by the EU to date and target Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program. The sanctions ban financial transactions, prohibit the export to Iran of materials that could be used for its nuclear and ballistic program, ban the importation of natural gas from Iran, and impose an asset freeze and travel ban on 34 additional Iranian entities reportedly providing financial support to the Iranian government. I would like to congratulate the Republic of Cyprus for overseeing the enactment of these sanctions as they will work in tandem with the strong US sanctions imposed against Iran. This is a critically important step that will help to keep the rulers of Iran from fulfilling their quest for nuclear weapons. Furthermore, it will help to ensure the security of our strongest ally in the region, Israel, by maintaining regional stability. Again, I extend my sincere congratulations to the Republic of Cyprus on a successful EU Presidency.

Mr. Speaker, I mistakenly voted ``aye'' on rollcall No. 603. My intention was to vote ``no.''

Personal Explanation

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3803, the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Although nine other states have passed similar abortion bans, this is the first attempt to pass a law of this kind on a federal level. However, even the nine state laws include at least a narrow exception to protect women's health. This bill unfairly singles out the District of Columbia, but more importantly it lacks any health exceptions to the ban. Pregnancy can become dangerous, sometimes even life-threatening. This bill fails to provide women with necessary health exceptions to save their lives or their ability to have children in the future.

In addition to not protecting women who are pregnant, H.R. 3803 fails to provide exceptions in instances of rape or incest, even when it involves young girls. About 25,000 women become pregnant due to rape each year and about 30 percent of rape cases involve women under 18. This bill falls short in providing the necessary protections for these women.

I would have voted against H.R. 3803. Unfortunately my plane was delayed due to weather coming in to Washington, DC, causing me to miss the vote. I have been a strong supporter for women's health in the past and I plan to continue to do so.