Pelosi Statement on Republicans’ Research-Chilling Criminal Contempt Vote

September 21, 2016

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released this statement on the Republican Committee to Attack Women's Health's vote to hold StemExpress in criminal contempt. All Democratic Members of the panel walked out to protest the Republicans' move.

"House Republicans' Select Committee to Attack Women's Health continues to draw from the Joseph McCarthy playbook of corrosive radicalism. The criminal contempt vote today is the culmination of Republicans' campaign of intimidation against those engaged in life-saving research with the apparent goal of driving companies away from the important research being done in this field. In the face of inflammatory rhetoric and ever-shifting demands, StemExpress has worked diligently to respond to the panel's demands.

"Republicans' anti-science, anti-women's health agenda knows no bounds. The only consequence of Republicans' actions today will be frightening researchers and endangering the search for life-saving cures.

"Families across America are facing public health crises: the Zika virus, poisoned water in Flint, the opioid epidemic, gun violence and more. Instead of confronting these crises, Republicans are consumed with their war on women's health. Republicans should stop putting life-saving research at risk and work with House Democrats to create a safer, healthier, stronger America for all."