As prepared for delivery.

“Welcome to the first Committee markup of 2024. Today, we are taking steps to stop the Biden Administration’s attack on pregnant and parenting mothers and families. As written, a Biden Administration proposed rule at the Department of Health and Human Services could prohibit states from funding pregnancy resource centers through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant program. These centers provide expectant moms everything from diapers and prenatal vitamins to transportation and parenting classes.

“Yet, the Biden Administration is preparing to make it harder for moms to choose life for their unborn child and take care of themselves and their baby. If this rule takes effect, women in America will have fewer alternatives to abortion and less access to maternal care. 

“Nothing in the bipartisan law that created TANF gives the Biden Administration the authority to unfairly target pregnancy resource centers. The Biden Administration is deliberately attempting to sidestep Congress to further its political agenda. 

“I want to thank Representatives Fischbach and Tenney for introducing the legislation and standing up for moms across America and to Representative Chris Smith for his decades of tireless leadership fighting for the unborn. 

“I urge my colleagues to protect access to maternal care and support this legislation.”