H6320 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 9, 2009 cared for in this Nation. We need to re- Resolved, That the House of Representa- viders, including doctors and the peo- duce the serious health disparities. We tives— ple who staff their clinics, is well- need to also ensure that there is a pub- (1) offers its condolences to Dr. Tiller’s known. Bombings, shootings, van- lic option, that there is universal ac- family; and dalism, and harassment all serve to cess to health care. Make it a good (2) commits to the American principle that warn women and their health care pro- tolerance must always be superior to intoler- Medicare plan that helps the young, ance, and that violence is never an appro- viders that they may pay a terrible the old, and the working Americans. priate response to a difference in beliefs. price if they choose to avail themselves In addition, we need to be fair to how of their rights under the Constitution. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- we pay for it. We need to realize that This was not the first time a health ant to the rule, the gentleman from physician-owned hospitals are not the care provider was similarly targeted. I enemy. In fact, they help to, in es- New York (Mr. NADLER) and the gen- am sure every Member of this House sence, bring down health disparities. tleman from North Carolina (Mr. and every decent American, however Many physician-owned hospitals or in- COBLE) each will control 20 minutes. they may feel or whatever they may vestor-owned hospitals with doctors in- The Chair recognizes the gentleman believe on the question of , volved are in the urban and rural areas from New York. will insist that this and every other where no other hospitals would go. GENERAL LEAVE question must be decided by our legal, Let’s fix this system in a fair manner Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. constitutional, and democratic proc- that addresses the question of making Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that esses and not by murderous violence. I sure the 47 million-plus who are under- all Members have 5 legislative days in am sure we all condemn those people or insured and those without insurance which to revise and extend their re- groups who espouse or excuse domestic can have a good public option, can as marks and include extraneous material terrorism. well have a fair system of good doctors on the resolution under consideration. But while violence has long been di- and have good hospitals and make it The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there rected at the clinics and the people work for working Americans and oth- objection to the request of the gen- who work there, this time the killer ers who are in need. tleman from New York? chose, in addition, to invade the sanc- f There was no objection. tity of the Sabbath. Murderous intoler- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Mr. NADLER of New York. I yield ance is never justified; even so, the PRO TEMPORE myself such time as I may consume. idea of bringing death and mayhem to Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of a house of worship strikes all people as The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. House Resolution 505, which condemns particularly reprehensible. These acts BLUMENAUER). Pursuant to clause 8 of the of Dr. George Tiller, who include the murder of an Illinois pastor rule XX, the Chair will postpone fur- was shot to death at his church on May in the pulpit in March of this year; the ther proceedings today on motions to 31. The resolution also offers the con- murder of an Ohio minister in Novem- suspend the rules on which a recorded dolences of the House of Representa- ber of last year; the murder of an usher vote or the yeas and nays are ordered, tives to Dr. Tiller’s family. I know that and a guest during a children’s play in or on which the vote incurs objection Dr. Tiller and his family are in the a Tennessee church in July of last under clause 6 of rule XX. year; the murder of four family mem- Record votes on postponed questions thoughts and prayers of every Member bers in a church in Louisiana in May will be taken later. of the House today. I want to commend our colleague, 2006; and the shooting of a worshipper f the distinguished chairperson of the outside a synagogue in Florida in Octo- CONDEMNING THE MURDER OF DR. Rules Committee, my fellow New York- ber 2005; not to mention the attempted GEORGE TILLER er, Ms. SLAUGHTER, for introducing this bombings of two synagogues in River- Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. resolution. dale in the Bronx just a few weeks ago. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules It is imperative that the House of Whether these acts of violence target and agree to the resolution (H. Res. Representatives speak with a united one individual or an entire community 505) condemning the murder of Dr. voice in condemning this crime. It is a of faith, we must all join together and George Tiller, who was shot to death at sad reminder that medical personnel speak out against them. his church on May 31, 2009. are still at risk from armed extremists I urge all of my colleagues to stand The Clerk read the title of the resolu- who are willing to resort to deadly vio- up to those who would bring their reign tion. lence in order to advance their causes of terror into a house of worship and The text of the resolution is as fol- even when they cloak their cause in those who would seek to change Amer- lows: the language of life. There can never be ican law by violence and unconstitu- tional means to express their oppro- H. RES. 505 room in a free society for the use of brium of this conduct by supporting Whereas Dr. George Tiller was murdered in deadly violence to advance a cause. It Wichita, Kansas, on May 31, 2009; is against everything this country this resolution condemning the murder Whereas Dr. Tiller is mourned by his fam- stands for. I have no doubt there isn’t of George Tiller and extending the con- dolences of this House to the members ily, friends, congregation, community, and a single Member of this House who colleagues; of Dr. Tiller’s family. would disagree. Whereas Dr. Tiller, 67, was killed in his I urge my colleagues to support this place of worship, a place intended for peace This resolution renews our commit- resolution, and I reserve the balance of and refuge that in a moment became a place ment to the American principle that my time. for violence and murder; tolerance must always be superior to Mr. COBLE. I rise in support of the Whereas places of worship should be sanc- intolerance and that violence is never House Resolution 505, Mr. Speaker. I tuaries, but have increasingly borne witness an appropriate response to differences yield myself such time as I may con- to reprehensible acts of violence, with 38 peo- and belief. ple in the United States killed in their place sume. As deplorable as this murder was, it I support House Resolution 505 which of worship in the past 10 years and 30 people was all the more reprehensible because wounded in those same incidents; deplores the murder of Dr. George Till- Whereas these acts of violence include the the victim was targeted as he was leav- er who was shot to death at his church, murder of an Illinois pastor at the pulpit in ing church. In the past 10 years, 38 peo- as has already been mentioned, on May March 2009, the murder of an Ohio minister ple have been murdered in their place 31. I join with the National Right to in November 2008, the murder of an usher and of worship and 30 more have been Life Committee, the Nation’s largest a guest during a children’s play in a Ten- wounded. pro-life group, in condemning the kill- nessee church in July 2008, the murder of Dr. Tiller was a controversial figure. ing of Dr. Tiller. As that organization four family members in a church in Lou- He was the target of threats and even a correctly said, Anyone who works to isiana in May 2006, and the shooting of a wor- prior shooting because of his dedica- shipper outside a synagogue in Florida in Oc- increase respect for human life must tober 2005; and tion to providing needed, if unpopular, oppose any unlawful use of violence Whereas violence is deplorable, and never services. He was murdered solely be- that is directly contrary to that goal. an acceptable avenue for expressing opposing cause of the work he did. The contin- Because I believe everyone who is the viewpoints: Now, therefore, be it ued violence directed at abortion pro- victim of unlawful violence should be

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:46 Jun 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09JN7.075 H09JNPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE June 9, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6321 treated equally under the law, I voted churches that we have taken no note of sician and father. It is a senseless trag- against the so-called hate crimes bill in the House of Representatives. As edy, and so I offer this resolution and when it was brought up on the House mentioned, 68 persons have been shot, hope that all Members of this House floor earlier this year. The resolution dead, wounded or assaulted in violence will say ‘‘no more.’’ we are now debating and another we in religious institutions here in the Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. will debate today recognize what United States. This is more than de- Speaker, how much time do I have left? should be obvious to all, which is that plorable. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- anyone can be the victim of hate-in- Deepening the tragedy is the fact tleman from New York has 12 addi- spired crimes and that the perpetrators that, until now, there has been no ex- tional minutes. of those crimes should be equally con- pression of outrage decrying violence Mr. NADLER of New York. I now demned and punished. in a place of worship. It shakes the yield 2 minutes to the distinguished I urge, Mr. Speaker, all of my col- foundations of our communities, our gentlelady from Colorado (Ms. leagues to join me in supporting this principles, and our Nation. It is not a DEGETTE). resolution. Christian issue or a Jewish issue or an Ms. DEGETTE. Mr. Speaker, our soci- I reserve the balance of my time. Islamic issue or any one faith. It is a ety has too often, recently, devolved Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. test of what we as a society are willing into violence to address controversy. The murder of a doctor, who was be- Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the dis- to tolerate and a reminder that some loved by his family, trusted by his pa- tinguished gentlewoman from New people in this Nation do not respect the tients, and respected by his commu- York (Ms. SLAUGHTER), the chairperson sanctity of a house of worship. nity, is never an acceptable form of ex- of the Rules Committee. The brutal killing of Dr. Tiller was pression. While virtually all estab- Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, the latest church killing. In March of lished groups have condemned this act, today I want to speak about the sense- 2009, Rev. Fred Winters was killed some individuals are still threatening while at the pulpit by gunfire at the less killing of a good man as he was violence against the health care pro- First Baptist Church in Illinois. It was volunteering as an usher among family viders they disagree with. The message and friends in his place of worship. Dr. only after the gun malfunctioned that to those people needs to be unequivocal George Tiller got shot to death, as members of the congregation subdued and it needs to be unanimous: We will most of us know, at his church in the shooter to prevent further fatali- not condone violence in any form, and Wichita, Kansas, on May 31. A single ties. those who perpetrate it will be pros- Rev. Donald Fairbanks, Sr., was fa- gunshot fired by a man who apparently ecuted to the fullest extent of the law. has a long history of animosity to a tally shot at the Ninth Street Baptist Mr. Speaker, we must have a civil woman’s right to choose ended the life Church of Covington, Kentucky, in No- discourse in this society, and this is of a man who had dedicated his life to vember of 2008. He was visiting from something we all have to strive for to- helping others and was a stark re- his Cincinnati, Ohio, church to attend gether. I know that we on our side of minder to all of us of the raw emotion a funeral for a woman with relatives in the aisle and my colleagues on the surrounding this issue. his congregation. Grief turned to fear other side of the aisle all believe this. In the days since the arrest of the as the gunman opened fire in the We need to put it into action. shooter, we have now heard reports church. I will say that Dr. George Tiller is that even more violence may be In July 2008, an usher and a guest survived by his wife, Jeanne, their four planned against doctors who believe in were shot and killed during the open- children and their 10 grandchildren. I choice. And while this kind of violence ing act of a children’s play in Knox- think the saddest thing about all this is deplorable, it seems to me that this ville, Tennessee. This time, the gun- and the thing that personalizes it the act is particularly villainous because it man walked into the sanctuary car- most is that Jeanne called Dr. Tiller took place in a house of worship. rying a guitar case with a 12-gauge ‘‘Buddy.’’ And the reason she called shotgun. He is said to have fired over 40 b 1245 him Buddy was because he was her best shots, killing two and injuring seven. friend. This church, a place where people In May 2006, five family members Mr. Speaker, the mark of a civilized come together to seek peace, safety, were killed by a gunman who opened society must be civil discourse. We and protection, was in an instant fire during a church service at The cannot lose one more of someone’s best transformed into a place of shocking, Ministry of Jesus Christ Church in friend because of this lack of civility. senseless violence. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A whole fam- Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Our places of worship are meant to be ily was wiped out, and the shooter’s Speaker, I now yield 11⁄2 minutes to the peaceful refuges for those who seek se- wife was abducted from the church and distinguished gentlelady from Texas renity in times of turmoil and safety in killed nearby. (Ms. JACKSON-LEE). times of hostility. The sanctity of One of the most upsetting church Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank these places is honored at all times and killings in recent memory occurred in the distinguished chairman and the au- without regard to denomination. There 1999 when a lone gunman massacred thor of this legislation, the distin- should be no exception to this rule that seven worshippers and wounded seven guished gentlelady from New York (Ms. we are taught early and that provides others at a youth celebration—150 SLAUGHTER), chairman of the Rules us with a structure for our interaction teenagers strong—that was taking Committee. And I rise to simply say to with other faiths and beliefs. Only the place in the sanctuary of the this House and to America, enough is most evil can bring violence into these Wedgewood Baptist Church in Fort enough. sacred buildings. To defile houses of Worth, Texas. The was one of I am delighted that we have heard worship with bloodshed is nothing less the worst ever, and I know there was a the majority of pro-life organizations, than villainous, and we should not tol- tremendous sense of loss after that who are Americans as well, denounce erate such actions in a civilized soci- awful act. this horrific act. My deepest sympathy ety. Why doesn’t America care about to Dr. Tiller’s wife and children and For millennia, into the Middle Ages, this? Why have we said absolutely grandchildren, but I think it is not our churches, synagogues, mosques, nothing about it? Why are we now al- enough to offer our sympathy; it is a and others have been the center of lowing concealed weapons to be carried requirement that we denounce this communities, places of scholarship, in Federal parks where, frankly, I hope with every fiber of our body. proponents of peace and love among most people will not be able to go in In addition, I think it is important, humankind. There is more to a place of any notion that they might come out as we go forward, that right-to-life or- worship than its physical presence; of there alive. ganizations learn to respect the First there is a sense of community and ac- Dr. Tiller’s family held a memorial Amendment, and certainly the sanctity cord and safety where worshippers can service for him over the weekend after of a house of worship. It is important share their faith. But when you look at his burial on Friday, and he was re- to note that Dr. Tiller is not and was our recent history, what we have seen membered by all four of his children not a criminal, did not perform crimi- is a disturbing rise in violence at for his care and devotion as both a phy- nal acts, but responded to women who

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:46 Jun 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09JN7.024 H09JNPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE H6322 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 9, 2009 willingly came into his office with the Violence, especially murder, should Nation. He had long been a target of vi- counsel of their family and a religious never be a recourse for differences in olence and hate because he provided leader and made a decision addressing beliefs. So I ask my colleagues to join legal , he provided medical the question of their health and the me in condemning acts of violence and care to women in need. Any time a doc- concerns of their family. Many of those intolerance. And I ask that we resolve tor has to put his life on the line to women who came to Dr. Tiller wanted to honor the memory of Dr. George provide medical care it has a chilling to have children, were praying for chil- Tiller, a physician and a man of God, effect on Americans’ ability to get the dren, and were able to have children by working harder than ever to pro- medical care that they need. and give birth to a healthy child there- mote tolerance and to promote non- The consequences of Dr. Tiller’s mur- after. violence. I urge all of my colleagues to der are a tragedy not only to his fam- I am concerned that the alleged per- stand unanimously and vote in favor of ily, not only for women in Kansas, but petrator now incarcerated and held in this resolution. for women everywhere, especially in jail is continuing to make threats Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. areas of our country where there are against those who are trying to both Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to the relatively few medical providers. Dr. abide by the law but serve the needs of distinguished gentleman from New Tiller is the eighth abortion provider more than 51 percent of America. Yes, York (Mr. TONKO). to be murdered since 1977, and he was we know there is opposition to abor- Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise one of just seven doctors in the entire tion. None of us stand here as abortion today in strong support of the resolu- State of Kansas. proponents. What we stand here as is tion before the House sponsored by my Where will women go for the medical simply individuals who believe in very good friend, Representative LOU- help that they need? We have seen choice, prayerfully believe in choice. ISE SLAUGHTER, condemning the sense- throughout history that hate is not Therefore, I am asking for full support less killing of Dr. George Tiller. just ugly, it can be deadly. I hope that for this initiative to denounce the kill- Dr. Tiller, as we have heard, was leaders on both sides of this debate will ing of Dr. Tiller, but I am also saying gunned down while serving as an usher look at the savage killing of Dr. Tiller enough is enough. during church services last week. We and call to account those who would Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. are blessed in this country to have the use hate, intolerance, and fear to di- Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to the freedom of speech, freedom of assem- vide us. distinguished gentlelady from Illinois bly, and freedom to protest. Our coun- My heart goes out to Dr. Tiller’s fam- (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY). try has a rich history of nonviolent ily and friends, and my prayers are Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I protests from the women’s rights with them. rise in support of House Resolution 505 movement to the civil rights move- Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. honoring the life of Dr. George Tiller ment to the gay rights movement. Dr. Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to the and condemning his brutal murder at Martin Luther King, Jr., preached non- distinguished gentlelady from New church. I thank Representative violence, and his great movement heed- York (Ms. SLAUGHTER). SLAUGHTER for this resolution. ed this call in the face of unspeakable Dr. Tiller was a husband and a father. b 1300 He studied at the acts of violence from their opposition. This shooting is, in the words of the Ms. SLAUGHTER. I thank my col- School of Medicine and served his New York State Catholic Conference, a league Mr. NADLER for yielding. country as a flight I want to close my portion here by surgeon intern. Despite attacks and terrible perversion of what it means to be pro-life. While we may have dif- reminding people what a terrible thing threats against him, he continued to that has happened in this country to a serve as a tireless advocate for wom- ferent views of this issue, no side should resort to atrocious acts of vio- man who was simply doing what he was en’s health and women’s rights. On allowed to do, what he was trained to May 31, he was brutally gunned down lence such as this. Since 1977, there have been more do. in broad daylight in his place of wor- I think perhaps I should state for the ship by an extremist who took the law than 5,800 reported acts of violence against providers like Dr. Tiller. Since record, too, that third trimester abor- into his own hands. Enough is enough. tions are less than 1 percent, and even It is time for us to condemn this act of 1993, eight people have been murdered, and there have been 17 attempted mur- Roe v. Wade says that after the first violence and state forcefully that we trimester the State has an interest and will not condone murder, threats, or ders since 1991. Clinics like Dr. Tiller’s that it takes two doctors, as well as it intimidation in the future. over a 20-year span have been bombed does for the third trimester. These are In addition to my condolences to Dr. 41 times and faced 175 and 96 at- Tiller’s family, I extend my gratitude tempted bombings and arsons. oftentimes babies that have been des- to them for his life, his courage, his I understand that this is a passionate perately wanted and planned, but in unyielding support for women, their issue for both sides, but we cannot order to save the health of the mother health, and freedom to exercise their allow this to continue. or to prevent her from carrying a toxic constitutional rights. Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. fetus that has already expired, it is Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to the sometimes necessary to do this. It is Speaker, I now yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentlelady from New not a whim. It is not something that distinguished gentlelady from Cali- York (Mrs. MALONEY). women do. I think, if anything, what fornia (Mrs. CAPPS). (Mrs. MALONEY asked and was given insults my intelligence and my feeling Mrs. CAPPS. I thank my colleague permission to revise and extend her re- as a woman and a grandmother is the for yielding. marks.) notion that women will just wake up Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support Mrs. MALONEY. I thank the gen- one morning and say, Well, I’ve had of House Resolution 505, with deepest tleman for yielding and for his leader- enough. That just does not happen. sympathy for the family and loved ones ship. Women are, by nature, nurturers, and of Dr. George Tiller and in strongest Rochester, New York, has histori- we are just not like that, and it’s a condemnation of his murder. cally given this Nation some of our major insult to us. Murder in any setting is horrific. It greatest women leaders: Elizabeth But as we remember this killing and is unconscionable but to commit a hei- Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and affirm the need for peace in our places nous crime of violence inside a place of LOUISE SLAUGHTER. With this bill that of worship, let’s remind ourselves of worship that teaches a message of tol- she authored, she is one of the strong- the need for tolerance and kindness. I erance and nonviolence is especially est links in leading women in this offer this resolution and offer the most reprehensible. Dr. Tiller was guiding country and protecting our rights. We sincere condolences to the family. worshippers to their seats and his wife thank you, LOUISE, for your continued The SPEAKER pro tempore. The was singing in the choir when he was leadership. time of the gentlewoman has expired. gunned down. This is so precisely the The horror that played out inside a Mr. NADLER of New York. I yield an opposite of where humanity should be Wichita church, the murder of Dr. Till- additional 30 seconds to the gentle- in 2009. er, is a wound to the conscience of this woman.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:46 Jun 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K09JN7.076 H09JNPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE June 9, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6323 Ms. SLAUGHTER. The resolution af- tion, of intimidating doctors from Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in firms that the House of Representa- availing themselves of their constitu- support of H. Res. 505, condemning the mur- tives commits to the American prin- tional right to perform medical proce- der of Dr. George Tiller. ciple that tolerance must always be su- dures that are legal and that they be- Dr. George Tiller was murdered in Wichita, perior to intolerance. lieve are moral by threats of murder Kansas, on May 31, 2009. Dr. Tiller was 67 I urge Members to join me in sup- and mayhem. years old, a father, a husband and a friend, porting this to renounce nefarious vio- I was glad to hear Mr. SMITH say that and was killed in his place of worship, a place lence in our places of worship where the pro-life movement is nonviolent, intended for peace and refuge that in a mo- Americans seek sanctuary. Violence is and I’m sure that most of it is. But, un- ment became a place for violence and murder. deplorable and never an acceptable av- fortunately, it is clear that there are As stated in H. Res. 505, in the past 10 enue for expressing opposing view- some people, a small minority, who be- years, 38 people in the United States have points. lieve themselves part of the pro-life been killed in their place of worship with 30 Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 movement who are not nonviolent. And more sustaining wounds in those same inci- minutes to the distinguished gen- these people have engaged in such con- dents. This violence is deplorable, and never tleman from New Jersey (Mr. SMITH). duct and have murdered several pro- an acceptable avenue for expressing opposing Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank viders of abortion simply for doing viewpoints. my good friend for yielding. what they believe to be the right thing, I join the author of this bill, Congresswoman Mr. Speaker, the pro-life movement what I believe to be the right thing, CAROLYN MALONEY, in offering my condo- is absolutely nonviolent and is totally and, more importantly, what the law lences to Dr. Tiller’s family, and commit to the committed to protecting unborn chil- allows them to do, and to intimidate American principle that tolerance must always dren and their mothers through peace- other people from doing this. be superior to intolerance, and that violence is ful, nonviolent means. I have been in This resolution, which I trust every never an appropriate response to a difference the pro-life movement for 37 years, and Member of this House will vote for, in beliefs. those peaceful, nonviolent means in- says that we do not believe in trying to It’s nearly impossible to find comfort after clude legal and constitutional reform change the law by violence. We do not such a senseless and horrific act, and I extend as well as tangibly assisting women believe in domestic terrorism, defining my deepest condolences to the Tiller family with crisis pregnancies. ‘‘terrorism’’ as an attempt to change and all those families whose lives he touched. Dr. Tiller’s murderer must be the law through murder and violence Like many others, Dr. Tiller persevered brought to swift justice commensurate and mayhem. We believe in constitu- through decades of threats and attacks, and I with the heinous crime that he has tional processes. And if every single condemn anyone who takes action or makes committed. one of us does not believe in that, then statements to incite violence as an acceptable Murder is murder. Murder is never we have no moral superiority over the response. justified and can never be condoned by terrorists that we condemn around the Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in any society committed to fundamental world. support of H. Res. 505, which condemns the human rights, justice, and the rule of So I trust everyone will vote for this tragic murder of Dr. George R. Tiller of Wich- just law. resolution to express our horror of ita, Kansas. I would like to thank the author of what was done in this instance, to ex- Let me, as well, like my other col- the bill, Congresswoman LOUISE SLAUGHTER press our belief that social change, if leagues on the floor today, extend my and Judiciary Chairman JOHN CONYERS for profound condolences to the Tiller fam- necessary, will be brought about by their expeditious work in bringing this bill to ily. peaceful democratic debate and by the floor. Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. votes, not by bullets, and that this We mourn the loss of Dr. Tiller, a husband, Speaker, I reserve the balance of my country stands for the evolution of law father of four, and grandfather of ten. We also time. by debate and by consideration and by mourn the loss of a man who was a friend to The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. democratic means. I urge everyone to women and young girls around the world, who CLAY). Without objection, the gen- vote for this resolution. he saw through their most desperate hours of tleman from California (Mr. ISSA) con- Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in need. trols the balance of the time of the strong support of H. Res. 505. Dr. Tiller, born and raised in Wichita, was gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Like the vast majority of people throughout the son of a physician. In medical school, Dr. our nation, I was appalled by the unconscion- COBLE). Tiller planned to become a dermatologist. There was no objection. able act of violence that took the life of Dr. After his father, mother, sister, and brother-in- Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back Tiller at his place of worship. law died in a 1970 plane crash, he returned to I offer my deepest and most sincere condo- the balance of my time. Kansas to close his father’s family practice. lences to the family and many friends of Dr. PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY His father’s patients pleaded with him to return Tiller. My thoughts and prayers are with them Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. and take over the practice. Eventually, his clin- as they struggle with this tremendous loss. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry. Dr. Tiller was a medical pioneer who, for ic evolved from general family practice to fo- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- two decades, worked to provide the highest cusing on reproductive services. tleman may state his inquiry. quality of care to his patients. Acts of terror and intimidation were an all Mr. NADLER of New York. Does that Despite encountering constant harassment too common occurrence at his clinic. In 1986, mean the gentleman has declined his and threats Dr. Tiller remained committed to Dr. Tiller’s clinic, the Women’s Health Care right to a closing? providing abortion services and other repro- Services, was bombed. In 1991, it was block- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ductive care to women and their families. aded for six weeks. In 1993, Dr. Tiller was tleman has yielded back his time. Often times, Dr. Tiller provided these serv- shot in both arms while trying to enter the clin- Mr. ISSA. I’m declining on this bill. ices to women during the most challenging ic. In May 2009, vandals cut wires to security I will pick up on the next one. Thank and heart-wrenching of circumstances. cameras and made holes in the clinic roof. you. The shooting death of Dr. Tiller is an affront Dr. Tiller was murdered on Sunday, May 31, Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. to all physicians who provide abortion and re- 2009. He was shot in his place of worship, the Speaker, I yield myself the balance of productive care to women; it’s also an affront Reformation Lutheran Church. Dr. Tiller my time. to a woman’s right to choose. served as an usher and his wife, Jeanne, Mr. Speaker, this resolution con- Moreover his death was an affront to our sang in the choir. demns the murder of Dr. Tiller. It con- nation’s rich religious and democratic tradi- I would like to insert into the RECORD an ar- demns the murder of people who are tions. ticle by Judith Warner that was published in murdered in church and places of wor- No matter which side you may stand on in her New York Times blog. One of Dr. Tiller’s ship. It condemns the practice, and it regards to protecting a woman’s right to cases mentioned by Ms. Warner, that involv- has become a practice, of seeking to choose, we can and should all agree that vio- ing a 9 year-old girl who had been raped by change the laws of this country, of lence has no place in our political discourse. her father, is particularly haunting. seeking to intimidate women from I thank my colleague Ms. SLAUGHTER for au- This child was 18 weeks pregnant and her availing themselves of their rights, of thoring this resolution, and I urge all my col- small body just would not be able to physically their constitutional right to an abor- leagues to vote in favor of its passage. bear the burden of labor and delivery. There

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:47 Jun 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K09JN7.027 H09JNPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE H6324 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 9, 2009 was no doctor or hospital in her rural, South- fairy tale where there are no fetal complica- the laws are enforced, you don’t see violence ern town that would provide her with an abor- tions, there’s no cancer, no terrible abuse of escalate. Protesters generally go someplace tion. She was referred to Dr. Tiller, the doctor girls, no cases where to make a girl go all where there’s a more hospitable climate,’’ the way through a pregnancy is to destroy she told me. But, she added, in a lot of com- of last resort. Dr. Tiller took her case for free. her. These are the realities of the story. munities, law enforcement views clinic vio- He kept her under his personal care for three That’s what Dr. Tiller worked with—the re- lence as a political problem. ‘‘They don’t days. The young girl and her sister stated that alities.’’ view it for what it is: criminal activity out- even in this difficult and heart-wrenching situa- There was a great deal of emotion in the side of a commercial establishment,’’ she tion, he could not have been more wonderful air this week as the reality of Tiller’s death said. ‘‘Law enforcement can’t treat this as a in his care. set in. Much of it was mournful, some was political issue. It’s a criminal issue.’’ On Saturday, memorial services were held celebratory, some was cynical and self-serv- We as a nation cannot continue to provide ing. a hospitable environment for the likes of for Dr. Tiller. His family and friends remem- There were the requisite expressions of dis- Roeder because the thought of what happens bered him for his generosity and his sense of approval and disavowal by politicians from to fetuses in late abortions turns our stom- humor. Let us also remember him for his cour- both sides of the abortion divide. And yet it achs. We have to accept that sometimes ter- age. seemed to me that even from pro-choice poli- rible things happen to young girls. We have Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much). ticians, the response was muted. In death, as to face the fact that sometimes desired preg- [From , June 4, 2009] in life, no one wanted to embrace this man nancies go tragically wrong. We have to who had specialized in helping women who weigh our repugnance for late abortion DR. TILLER’S IMPORTANT JOB learned late in their pregnancies that their against the consequences for women and (By Judith Warner) fetuses had gross abnormalities. girls of being denied life-saving medical The 9-year-old girl had been raped by her It seemed that no one wanted to be too treatment. father. She was 18 weeks pregnant. Carrying closely associated with the muck and mire of Only a tiny handful of doctors in this coun- the baby to term, going through labor and what Tiller had to do in carrying out the try will, like Dr. Tiller, provide abortion delivery, would have ripped her small body risky and emotionally traumatic second- and services for girls or women who are advanced apart. third-trimester abortions that other doctors in their pregnancies. These doctors aren’t There was no doctor in her rural Southern and hospitals refused to do. In news reports, well known to patients or even to other doc- town to provide her with an abortion. No there was a tendency to frame the ‘‘abortion tors, but they’re closely monitored by anti- area hospital would even consider taking her doctor’s’’ murder almost as a kind of combat abortion groups, who know where they work, case. death: a natural occupational hazard. where they live and where they worship. Susan Hill, the president of the National Yet Tiller—who went to work in a bullet- Roeder may have been a lone gunman, but in Women’s Health Foundation, which operates proof vest, lived in a gated community and the largest possible sense, he did not act reproductive health clinics in areas where drove a bulletproof car—was a doctor, not a alone. The location of Tiller’s gated commu- abortion services are scarce or nonexistent, soldier. And it is precisely this kind of nity was prominently featured on an easily- called Dr. George Tiller, the Wichita, Kan., thinking—this viewing of his life and work accessed Web site, along with a map of the ob-gyn who last Sunday was shot to death by through the lens of our most gruesome cul- streets surrounding his house. It was really an abortion foe in the entry foyer of his tural warfare, this slippage and mixing up of only a matter of time before someone was church. medicine and politics—that left him largely unbalanced enough to take the bait. She begged. unprotected at the time of his death. Most Americans, I’m sure, do not believe ‘‘I only asked him for a favor when it was Someone resembling Scott Roeder, the that a 9-year-old should be forced to bear a a really desperate story, not a semi-des- man charged in Dr. Tiller’s murder, was seen child, or that a woman should have no choice perate story,’’ she told me this week. Tiller on Saturday trying to pour glue into the but to risk her life to carry a pregnancy to was known to abortion providers—and oppo- lock on the back door of a Kansas City clin- term. nents—as the ‘‘doctor of last resort’’—the ic. Before that, abortion providers around By averting our eyes from the ugliness and one who took the patients no one else would the country had been telling local law en- tragedy that accompany some pregnancies, touch. forcement and the United States Justice De- we have allowed anti-abortion activists to ‘‘He took her for free,’’ she said. ‘‘He kept partment that harassment at their clinics define the dilemma of late abortion. We have her three days. He checked her himself every was on the rise, and they were scared. The allowed them to isolate and vilify doctors few hours. She and her sister came back to Feminist Majority Foundation had been like Tiller. me and said he couldn’t have been more won- hearing all spring that the atmosphere out- We can no longer be complicit—through derful. That’s just the way he was.’’ side clinics was heating up in the wake of our muted disapproval or our complacency— Other patients of Dr. Tiller’s shared their the new pro-choice president’s election. ‘‘We in domestic terror. stories this week on a special ‘‘Kansas Sto- all lived through Clinton, the shootings in Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, as millions of ries’’ page hosted by the Web site ‘‘A Heart- ’93 and ’94. We were concerned some of the Americans are now aware, Dr. George Tiller breaking Choice.’’ extremists said they had to take the fight was assassinated in his church on Sunday, One New York mother wrote of having ’back to the streets,’’’ Smeal said. been referred by an obstetrician to Tiller There are legal protections in place that May 31st, 2009 because of his political beliefs after learning, in her 27th week of preg- ought to keep abortion providers like Tiller and profession. Dr. Tiller provided legal abor- nancy, that her soon-to-be son was ‘‘so very safe. The Freedom of Access to Clinic En- tions, and his dedication to his profession, to sick’’ that, once born, he’d have nothing trances (FACE) Act, passed by Congress after the health and well-being of the women he more than ‘‘a brief life of respirators, dialy- the 1993 murder of Dr. outside cared for, cost him his life. I join President sis, surgeries and pain.’’ In-state doctors re- his Pensacola, Fla., women’s health clinic Obama, members of Congress, and millions of fused to perform an abortion. and the attempted murder of Tiller that Americans in professing horror, shock, and ‘‘The day I drove up to the clinic in Wich- same year, prohibits property damage, acts ita, Kansas, to undergo the procedure that or threats of force, and interference with and sadness over this blatant act of terror. I hope would end the life of my precious son, I also intimidation of anyone entering a reproduc- that all Americans—regardless of their per- walked into the nightmare of abortion poli- tive health care facility. sonal stances on the issue of abortion—will tics. In this world, reality rarely gets When the federal law is backed by com- join in opposing those who would seek to con- through the rhetoric,’’ wrote another moth- plementary state laws, and when local law trol the actions of women and doctors through er, from Texas, of the shouts, graphic posters enforcement officers apply those laws assidu- the use of violent intimidation. and protesters’ video camera that greeted ously, serious violence greatly declines. Abortion doctors and women’s clinics across her when she came to see Tiller. When the law’s not applied strenuously, this country which provide a range of women’s Our understanding of what late abortion is when vandalism goes uninvestigated, when health services including abortion face threats like has been almost entirely shaped in pub- protesters are allowed to photograph or vid- lic discourse by the opponents of abortion eotape patients arriving at women’s health and violent acts every day. I sincerely hope rights. In recent years, discussions of the clinics, when death threats aren’t followed that in the wake of this terrible event, the De- issue have been filled with the gory details of up, more serious acts of physical violence partment of Justice and law enforcement so-called partial-birth abortion; the grim follow. In fact, when intimidation occurs at agencies across this country take future miseries that drive some women and girls to a clinic, the reported rate of violence triples, threats directed toward women’s health pro- end their pregnancies after the first tri- the Feminist Majority Federation’s 2008 Na- viders seriously. Justice and the rule of law mester have somehow been elided. tional Clinic Violence Survey found. demand nothing less. ‘‘Late abortion is not a failure of contra- ‘‘We really do need to arrest people who Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sup- ception. It’s for medical reasons,’’ Eleanor are trespassing. Arrest people who are gluing Smeal, the president of the Feminist Major- locks. Committing more minor violations of port of H. Res. 505, condemning the murder ity Foundation, who has worked to defend the law so criminal activity doesn’t escalate, of Dr. George Tiller. abortion providers like Tiller against harass- so these criminals don’t feel emboldened,’’ On May 31, 2009, Dr. Tiller was gunned ment and violence since the mid-1980s, told said Vicki Saporta, the president of the Na- down while handing out church flyers to the me this week. ‘‘We’ve made pregnancy a tional Abortion Federation. ‘‘In places where congregation of the Reformation Lutheran

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:47 Jun 10, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A09JN7.005 H09JNPT1 smartinez on PROD1PC64 with HOUSE June 9, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6325 Church in Wichita, Kansas. Dr. Tiller was mur- At 28 weeks, however, extremely few physi- and local governments to establish or maintain dered because he had provided comprehen- cians in the country would provide the medical programs that provide protection or assistance sive legal reproductive healthcare to women care they needed. Dr. Tiller was rec- to witnesses in court proceedings involving and their families. ommended to them as the best physician to homicide, or involving a serious violent felony For 20 years, Dr. Tiller lived under a con- or serious drug offense as defined in section help them. 3559(c)(2) of title 18, United States Code. The At- stant threat of violence. His clinic was bombed I recall that I could not believe they had to torney General shall ensure that, to the extent in 1986 and he was shot in both arms in 1993. fly to Wichita, Kansas to get the medical care reasonable and practical, such grants are made He received constant death threats. Despite they required. As a member of Congress from to achieve an equitable geographical distribu- feeling the need to wear body armor and trav- New York, I have become accustomed to re- tion of such programs throughout the United el with a guard dog, he continued to provide ceiving the best health care in New York City States. reproductive services to women, often in the and could not imagine that they would have to (b) STATE DEFINED.—For purposes of this Act, most difficult and heartbreaking cir- travel half way across the country because no the term ‘‘State’’ means any State of the United cumstances. Dr. Tiller once said that he pro- such clinic existed nearby. Nevertheless, when States, the District of Columbia, the Common- wealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Amer- vided these services because ‘‘Women and they determined that there was no other place ican Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of families are intellectually, emotionally, spir- to which they could turn, Jason, Miriam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. itually, and ethically competent to struggle with their mothers flew to Kansas to Women’s SEC. 3. USE OF GRANTS. complex health issues—including abortion,’’ he Health Care Services of Wichita and Dr. Tiller. A grant made under section 2 may be used said, ‘‘and come to decisions that are appro- Jason has told me that the care they re- only to pay all or part of the cost of the program priate for themselves.’’ I could not agree more. ceived at Dr. Tiller’s clinic was extraordinary for which such grant is made. Women must have the right to make their own and that the people at the clinic treated them SEC. 4. PRIORITY. reproductive choices. as well as they could imagine. The procedure In making grants under section 2, the Attor- Regardless of one’s personal feelings about was safe and humane, and at the end, they ney General shall give priority to applications abortion, we all must stand vigilant against held their baby boy for a moment and said submitted under section 5 involving programs in such abhorrent and vile acts of violence. To goodbye. Today, the baby is buried not far States with an average of not less than 100 mur- murder someone because of disagreement ders per year during the most recent 5-year pe- from their home in north Virginia. riod, as calculated using the latest available with his belief system is morally, ethically, and So, as the House votes on this solemn res- crime statistics from the Federal Bureau of In- legally wrong. It is especially disturbing that olution, I ask that my colleagues reflect for a vestigation. this murder took place in a church. Assaulting, moment on the fact that Dr. Tiller helped SEC. 5. APPLICATION. intimidating, and harassing doctors and clinic someone right here in our congressional com- To be eligible for a grant under section 2, a employees should not be tolerated. munity and that his murderer took someone State, tribal, or local government shall submit to Dr. Tiller’s death is only one act of violence who was there for one of us in a time of need. the Office of Justice Programs an application in against those that perform abortion services. This is a terribly sad day, and I urge my col- such form and manner, at such time, and ac- Pro-life extremists have engaged in more than leagues to support H. Res. 505. companied by such information as the Attorney 5,800 reported acts of violence against abor- Mr. NADLER of New York. Mr. General specifies. tion providers since 1977, including bombings, Speaker, I yield back the balance of SEC. 6. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. arsons, death threats, kidnappings, and as- my time. From amounts made available to carry out saults, as well as more than 143,000 reported The SPEAKER pro tempore. The this Act, the Attorney General, upon request of a recipient of a grant under section 2, shall pro- acts of disruption, including bomb threats and question is on the motion offered by vide technical assistance to such recipient to the harassing calls. Eight abortion providers have the gentleman from New York (Mr. extent the Attorney General determines such been murdered in the United States, and an- NADLER) that the House suspend the technical assistance is needed to establish or other 17 have been the victims of attempted rules and agree to the resolution, H. maintain a program described in such section. murder. It is past time that we condemn the vi- Res. 505. SEC. 7. BEST PRACTICES. olence and intimidation against clinics that The question was taken. (a) REPORT.—Each recipient of a grant under provide legal services to women in need. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the section 2 shall submit to the Attorney General a I hope and pray that the friends and family opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being report, in such form and manner and containing members of Dr. Tiller find solace and comfort in the affirmative, the ayes have it. such information as specified by the Attorney as we deal together with this historic and Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, on General, that evaluates each program estab- that I demand the yeas and nays. lished or maintained pursuant to such grant, in- heartbreaking episode. cluding policies and procedures under the pro- Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- gram. support of H. Res. 505, which condemns the (b) DEVELOPMENT OF BEST PRACTICES.—Based tragic murder of Dr. George Tiller. The murder ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the on the reports submitted under subsection (a), of Dr. Tiller is a form of domestic terrorism Chair’s prior announcement, further the Attorney General shall develop best practice that we cannot tolerate in our country. proceedings on this motion will be models to assist States and other relevant enti- I firmly agree with President Obama that we postponed. ties in addressing— (1) witness safety; can maintain our beliefs while agreeing to dis- f agree. Dr. Tiller’s medical practice in Kansas (2) short-term and permanent witness reloca- WITNESS SECURITY AND PROTEC- tion; was operating legally, and we must abide by TION GRANT PROGRAM ACT OF (3) financial and housing assistance; and the rule of law. 2009 (4) any other services related to witness pro- Mr. Speaker, I have personal knowledge of tection or assistance that are determined by the the work of Dr. Tiller. In 2000, my Sub- Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- Attorney General to be necessary. committee Staff Director, Jason Steinbaum, er, I move to suspend the rules and (c) DISSEMINATION TO STATES.—Not later than and his wife, Miriam, were expecting a child. pass the bill (H.R. 1741) to require the 1 year after the development of best practice This was their first baby, and they were very Attorney General to make competitive models under subsection (b), the Attorney Gen- excited about becoming new parents. grants to eligible State, tribal, and eral shall disseminate to States and other rel- Through visit after visit to their doctor, they local prosecutors to establish and evant entities such models. (d) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of learned the pregnancy was proceeding well maintain certain protection and wit- Congress that States and other relevant entities and all seemed normal. The sonograms were ness assistance programs, as amended. should use the best practice models developed all as they should have been, until calamity The Clerk read the title of the bill. and disseminated in accordance with this Act to struck. At 28 weeks the doctors discovered a The text of the bill is as follows: evaluate, improve, and develop witness protec- horrible brain deformity. They said the baby H.R. 1741 tion or witness assistance as appropriate. would die in utero or shortly after birth. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (e) CLARIFICATION.—Nothing in this Act re- I recall that Jason and Miriam went from resentatives of the United States of America in quires the dissemination of any information if doctor to doctor and hospital to hospital to try Congress assembled, the Attorney General determines such informa- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. tion is law enforcement sensitive and should to find a way to save their baby boy, but all only be disclosed within the law enforcement told them that there was no chance that he This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Witness Secu- rity and Protection Grant Program Act of 2009’’. community or that such information poses a would live. At that point, after consulting with SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF WITNESS PROTEC- threat to national security. their clergy, their doctors, and their families, TION GRANT PROGRAM. SEC. 8. REPORT TO CONGRESS. they decided to terminate the pregnancy to put (a) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General shall Not later than December 31, 2015, the Attorney an end to this tragedy in their lives. make competitive grants to eligible State, tribal, General shall submit a report to Congress on the

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