Rep. Peters Denounces ‘Early Dismissal’; Demands Vote to Protect Women’s Access to Birth Control

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) continued his effort to convince Speaker John Boehner that the House of Representatives should not adjourn at the end of next week, as has been widely reported. Today, Rep. Peters called for the passage of H.R. 5051, the “Protect Women's Health from Corporate Interference Act of 2014,” which would protect women’s access to birth control and their ability to make their own health care decisions.

“As a husband, father, and longtime advocate for women’s rights, I was extremely disappointed by the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Hobby Lobby case,” Rep Peters said. “The fight for birth control is about much more than family planning – it’s about the right of women to access affordable, safe preventative care wherever they live or work. It is astonishing to me that in 2014 we are still having this debate.”

“Instead of sending Congress home for 7 weeks of campaigning, Speaker Boehner should allow a vote on legislation that ensures a woman’s right to access birth control and make her own medical decisions is protected.”

Rep. Peters is a cosponsor of the “Protect Women's Health from Corporate Interference Act of 2014.” Earlier this year, he spoke out on the floor of the House of Representatives against the Hobby Lobby case. In addition he spoke on the steps of the Supreme Court as part of a rally with advocates and supporters, including many from San Diego, of the effort to maintain access to birth control for women. He also joined a press conference with colleagues from the Pro-Choice Caucus to highlight his continued fight for women’s reproductive rights

Background on the Fight Against ‘Early Dismissal’

As part of his fight against Speaker Boehner’s move to dismiss Congress early for a 7-week campaign break, Rep. Peters is highlighting legislative priorities that are awaiting action in Congress and should be addressed before the House adjourns through mid-November. This week, Congressman Peters focused on the need to pass the “Paycheck Fairness Act” to ensure women receive equal pay for equal work and the need to pass the “Federal Student Loan Refinancing Act” to make college more affordable and reduce the burden of lower student loan debt.

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