MARKING FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF DOBBS RULING

On 2026-06-30, Representative Julie Johnson (D-TX-32) delivered a floor speech titled "MARKING FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF DOBBS RULING" in the House.

MARKING FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF DOBBS RULING

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [House] [Page H4327] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] MARKING FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF DOBBS RULING (Ms. Johnson of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we have just recognized 4 years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Women today have fewer rights and are less safe because of Republicans. It is unacceptable that if you are a pregnant woman in this country, your only guarantee to access safe, effective care for you and your baby is where you live. Abortion bans haven't decreased abortions. Instead, they have only put women's lives at greater risk. If you live in a blue State, you can make your decision that you and your family determine is best for you, and you can access the care that you feel is appropriate. If you live in a red State and have a complication, however, you have to be near death to be seen by a medical professional. The Texas abortion ban specifically is so confusing and restrictive that doctors are refusing to treat pregnant women until they face life- threatening complications because treating them too soon could send that doctor to jail. These are the problems that women and families are facing across the country because of what Republicans have done, and it is putting lives at risk. Mr. Speaker, as we observe 4 years since this awful Court decision, our fight for safer health and reproductive care for women across this country must continue. We must never stop until women have their full equality to access the care that they deserve. Achieving a More Perfect Union Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 250th anniversary of the birth of our great Nation. Founded on the ideals of equality and self-determination, the American experiment has been an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy. For 250 years, our Nation has been at the forefront of innovation and scientific discovery. It is because of our strong democratic institutions and our Nation's diversity that this country is so great. Most importantly, we celebrate and honor the sacrifices that so many Americans have made to protect and defend the freedoms that we enjoy today, but we are at a crossroads. Rights are being eroded, not expanded. The right to vote is under attack. Racial divisions and healing have taken backward steps, while the rise of White Christian nationalism explodes. For the first time, our younger generations are not seeing a future where they are better off than their parents. We must reset as a politic and resume a focus on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for everyone; a focus that the rule of law and due process matters; and a focus that truth matters, service is honored, and accountability exists even at the highest levels of government. As we contemplate what it means to be an American today, we can look back and see that progress made by our ancestors and look forward knowing that, united under our ideals of freedom and equality, we can take steps to finally achieve that more perfect Union. ____________________