What a pleasure to hear from you. Thank you for contacting me to share your support for a provision in the FY2008 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill that would overturn the current "Mexico City Policy". Hearing from constituents on issues of concern is important to me and our office as we work to represent our district.
The Mexico City Policy announced by President Reagan in 1984 required nongovernmental organizations to agree (as a condition of their receipt of Federal funds) not to perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning in other nations. However, the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2764) contained a provision that overturned the Mexico City Policy. An amendment was offered by Representative Christopher Smith and Representative Bart Stupak to strike this section, but failed by a vote of 218 - 205. I voted for this important pro-life amendment because I believe in the sanctity and protection of life. Abortion has been a tragedy for many women here in the US, and carries with it the same hurt and trauma when performed abroad. I believe that the policy advanced in the FY 2008 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill is a step in the wrong direction, and I will continue to work for the rights of the unborn in the 110th Congress. Although we do not see eye to eye on this topic, I appreciate the benefit of hearing your views.
Please know that I appreciate both your interest and your time in contacting us on this issue. As the discussion and debate moves forward on this and other issues please feel free to visit our website at www.house.gov/blackburn where you can sign-up for our email update -- the Blackburn Report, updates on important issues; find information on constituent services; read columns, recent press and the latest legislative news; all of which affect and concern the people of Tennessee.
Sincerely,
Marsha Blackburn
Member of Congress
------This is just a guess, but I don't think Congressman Blackburn is too happy with the 110th.
