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Pelosi Remarks at Press Event in Support of Planned Parenthood

September 29, 2015

Contact: Drew Hammill/Evangeline George, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks today at a press event denouncing the House Republican attacks against women's health care. Below are the Leader's remarks:

"Thank you very much, Rosa. I was trying to cut your introduction short because my remarks will be short – because we have many people to hear from.

"We stand here in solidarity with Planned Parenthood. It's an honor to be with all of you – with the organizations, with the individuals [and] with my Members of Congress. And it's not about courage; it's just about doing what is right for the American people.

"It's really important for the public to know: 2.6 million women receive services from Planned Parenthood – around half a million breast exams, was it 370 [million] Pap tests – and all that that means, in terms of good health. But let me just put this in a little bit of perspective, following Rosa's lead.

"[Republicans] want to shut down the government to shut down Planned Parenthood. And what does that mean? It means they're so obsessed with depriving women of [their] respect that they deserve about their health, their families [and] their privacy. But also, that they're willing to lose jobs – over 100,000 lost when they shut down government before; 25 billion dollars lost to our economy.

"So, my friends, this is about Planned Parenthood, but it is about also undermining – not only the respect for women – but undermining our economy. [It's] about jobs, about investments in transportation, and keeping government open and not depriving people with disabilities and the rest of the respect that they deserve. About 30 percent of the workforce being veterans – they want to shut all of that down. So obsessed are they with Planned Parenthood.

"But, the consequences go well beyond Planned Parenthood. And, this is the message we must deliver to the American people. It's about jobs, it's about investments in the future, it's about respect for our veterans [and] it's about respect for our children, our seniors and everyone else who has any interaction with the government. So, thank you, Planned Parenthood, for being willing to take the hit, to go out there [and] to make the fight.

"And weren't we proud of Cecile Richards? Aren't we proud of her every day?

[Applause]

"So, are we all here in solidarity?

[Applause]

"That's right, for Planned Parenthood! Let's hear it for [Congresswoman] Rosa DeLauro once again at the microphone."

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Issues:Health Care