[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 13 (Thursday, January 22, 2009)] [Senate] [Page S781] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROE V. WADE Mr. BURR. Mr. President, today, January 22, 2009, marks the 36th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision. Today, concerned Americans, including many North Carolinians, are gathering on the National Mall to March for Life, and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome them to Washington, DC. On January 17, 2009, in anticipation of today's events, North Carolinians gathered for their annual Rally and March for Life in Raleigh. I congratulate them on their successful event, and I would like to thank them for their efforts to promote a culture of life in America. In recent years we have made great strides in protecting the unborn through various measures, such as passage of the partial birth abortion ban, Lacey and Connor's Law, and tax incentives to enable more families to adopt. These achievements are a testament to the advocates who work tirelessly every day to remind us of the value of life. With these achievements and others, it is my sincere hope that my colleagues in the Senate will continue to work together to protect our children. Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, today marks the 36th year since the Supreme Court issued its decision in the case of Roe v. Wade, a court decision that evokes strong emotions all across America. Today, thousands of Americans who support life have taken time out of their busy schedules to travel to Washington to take part in the ``March for Life,'' an annual event on the National Mall. I share their hope for seeing the day where the sanctity of life is cherished, valued, and affirmed under the law. This morning, I had the opportunity to meet with some of these individuals, students from Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, and I expressed my gratitude for their steadfast commitment to protecting innocent human life. As a Nation, we have made significant progress in creating a culture that respects life in recent years. As someone who believes that every life is sacred, I encourage President Obama to follow the lead of his predecessor, and continue to restrict the use of taxpayer funding for organizations that perform abortion services or refer patients to abortion providers. This policy, known as the Mexico City Agreement, was first signed into order by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Over the years, the policy has been wrongly attacked and falsely characterized as a restriction on foreign aid for family planning. The truth is that the policy has not reduced aid at all. Instead, it has ensured that family planning funds are given to organizations dedicated to reducing abortions instead of promoting them. If the policy were to be reversed, it would blur the line that has been drawn between funding organizations that aim to reduce abortions, and those that promote abortion as a means of contraception. President Obama should make the right choice in keeping the Mexico City Agreement in place. In conclusion, on this 36th year since the Supreme Court handed down its decision, I commend the leaders of ``March for Life.'' Supporters are in Washington today, marching down Pennsylvania Avenue, reminding lawmakers of the importance of preserving and protecting life. Their voices are heard. They are heard year after year. I hope there is a day when their voices are heard in celebration that life is preserved and protected by the rule of law. ____________________