Democrat counterparts have blocked a Republican resolution that aimed to condemn the wave of violence and vandalism targeting pro-life groups and churches nationwide.
The resolution (H.Res.1233), introduced by Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) on July 19 and co-sponsored by 22 House Republican lawmakers, cited dozens of targeted assaults beginning May 3, a day after a leaked draft opinion suggested the Supreme Court would overturn Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision that largely legalized abortion in the United States.
Over the past few months, pregnancy centers and churches have been set ablaze, with some having their windows smashed, walls defaced, and buildings firebombed.
“If abortions aren’t safe, neither are you,” and “Your time is up” were some of the threatening messages that the vandals left.
“We shouldn’t be surprised that they’re occurring all across the country they’ve gone unchecked for far too long,” said Johnson on Tuesday as he and other House Republicans urged Speaker Nancy Pelosi (R-Calif.) to immediately bring the resolution to the floor for a vote. The “radical leftists,” he said, have been emboldened and “targeted their violence against the very groups that care for women and their unborn children in their most vulnerable moments.”
Their request was rejected by a party-line vote.
‘Not Remotely Unexpected’
The outcome, while disappointing, didn’t come as a surprise, the Republicans said.
“In saner times, this resolution would have passed unanimously. But now, even the simple idea of standing up for those who assist expecting mothers with diapers, baby formula, and other necessities has become something that my Democrat colleagues cannot support,” Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) told The Epoch Times. “It’s sad, but not remotely unexpected; I’ll pray for them.”
Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), who said he was proud to have a “100% pro-life record,” took to the House floor on Tuesday pushing for the resolution to be considered.
“Denouncing violence should not be a party-line issue,” he told The Epoch Times.
By Eva Fu
