As penned in the Declaration of Independence, our forefathers founded America with the strong belief that individuals are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” Among those is the right to life, which influences my commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, including the unborn.

Since entering Congress, protection of life has been one of my highest priorities. Throughout my service in the U.S. House of Representatives, I have voted in support of life and currently have a 100 percent pro-life voting record. In the days ahead, I will continue to defend the sanctity of life with every vote I cast.

I am also a staunch supporter of the Hyde Amendment that has protected life and prevented federal taxpayer-funded abortions for nearly 50 years. Since the Hyde Amendment was enacted in 1976, it is estimated that this provision on annual appropriations bills has saved more than two million lives while also protecting the conscience rights of the great majority of Americans who oppose public funding for abortions – either for religious, moral or fiscal reasons.

Although the Hyde Amendment has historically been supported by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and signed into law by presidents of both parties, Democrats have unfortunately shifted their position and sought to repeal Hyde. The result of doing so would impose a pro-abortion-funding policy on states that have decided against it. I vehemently oppose any efforts to repeal the Hyde Amendment and other pro-life provisions traditionally included in funding legislation, and I remain committed to supporting legislation and efforts to defend vulnerable unborn children and protect the conscience rights of pro-life Americans.