Scalise Applauds Senate Hearing on Born-Alive Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement in support of the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

"I applaud the Senate Judiciary Committee's decision to hold a hearing on the life-saving Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. When Democrats refused to hold a hearing on this crucial bill in the House, House Republicans held our own hearing featuring powerful testimony from an extensive panel of doctors and nurses.

"At the core of the Born-Alive Act is a simple proposal: every newborn child deserves the same degree of life-saving care, no matter the circumstances of their birth. Abortion survivors face unique dangers and must be protected. Since Speaker Pelosi refuses to hold a vote on the Born-Alive Act, I introduced a discharge petition last year to force Democrats to bring the legislation to the House Floor for full debate and a vote. Every single House Republican and three House Democrats have signed the petition and we arejust over a dozen signatures away from a full House vote on this measure.

"While many Democrats have shown themselves to be abortion extremists beholden to special interests in the abortion industry, I am optimistic that the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on this critical bill will redirect national attention to this urgent issue and pressure House Democrats to sign this petition affirming the right of newborn babies to medical care.

"I want to thank the witnesses for their testimony, especially Jill Stanek and Dr. Robin Pierucci, who both testified at our hearing in September. I also want to thank Sen. Ben Sasse for leading on the Born-Alive Act in the Senate. All life is sacred and must be protected. Pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act now."