Granger Remarks Submitted for the Record on Hyde Amendment Hearing

Madam Chair, at a time when millions of Americans are facing untold hardship as a result  of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and Congress still needs to pass full year appropriations bills to avoid a possible government shutdown, it is disappointing that our Committee is debating a longstanding, bipartisan policy that polls have shown the majority of Americans support. In fact, the provision we are discussing, the Hyde Amendment, has been signed into law by presidents of both parties since the 1970s.

The Hyde Amendment prevents federal taxpayer dollars from being used to pay for abortions, except for in limited cases to save the life of the mother or when the pregnancy resulted from an act of rape or incest.

Madam Chair, I do agree with you and many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle that we can and we must do more to support women facing an unplanned pregnancy. However, the answer is not abortion – especially one that is funded by taxpayers.

We must commit to ensuring that these women have access to child care, education, job training, and other support so that they and their children can thrive.

Throughout my career, I have worked hard to fund programs that support vital resources for women – both here and abroad.

During my time in Congress, we have made great strides to increase opportunities and resources for pregnant women and their children.

Just last year, Congress passed paid family leave for federal employees so that they can care for their children and families. This is a small but vital step to ensure that women are supported during and after their pregnancies.

This is the kind of policy we should be focusing on, not repealing the Hyde Amendment which – if repealed – would disproportionately impact low-income women and women of color.

Madam Chair, as we complete appropriations bills for fiscal year 2021 and turn the page to a new congress where you will assume leadership of the Full Committee, I want to work with you to focus this Committee on policies that will uplift all women. We must continue to protect the moral and religious beliefs of millions of Americans and at the same time protect taxpayer dollars.