Velazquez on "A Day Without A Woman"

Washington, DC - Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez made the following statement today on the House floor regarding "A Day Without A Woman":

Mr. Speaker, today, across the nation, from every major city to every small town, women are standing in solidarity, and reminding the world of our contributions. On this "Day Without A Woman", women are sending a powerful message – about the role we play in local communities, in our nation and throughout the globe!

Yet, sadly, on this very same day that women are standing up to end gender discrimination and economic injustice, defend our bodies from governmental intrusion and to choose our own destiny, Republicans are proceeding with legislation to roll back the clock. Congressional Committees are starting to consider legislation eviscerating the Affordable Care Act. Not only would the Republican plan slash Medicaid – harming working women and children – but it defunds Planned Parenthood, ultimately depriving millions of women of lifesaving health services.

Mr. Speaker, it is a sad irony - on this "Day Without A Woman" – when millions of ordinary Americans are standing for women's rights and a more just economy – Congressional Republicans are rushing to deprive millions of women and their families of health services they need to survive. This bill was composed behind closed doors, in secret, and now Republicans are rushing it through the Committee process to avoid scrutiny.

On this "Day Without A Woman" we are sending a powerful message. I can only hope my Republican colleagues in Congress are listening. Because, today, women everywhere are saying with one collective voice – we will not be silenced!

I yield back.