Pelosi Statement on Senate Republican Vote to Block Legislation to Correct Hobby Lobby Decision

July 16, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to block legislation to prohibit for-profit employers from using religious beliefs to deny employees coverage of contraception or any other vital health service required under federal law. House Republicans voted to block the House from considering companion legislation yesterday.

"Once again, Republicans have stood against America's women, blocking legislation to correct the Hobby Lobby decision that curtails workers' rights and singles out women's health for discrimination.

"For-profit corporations must not be allowed to pick and choose which laws to obey or which essential health care services to insure. No employee, male or female, should be denied access to health services because of an employer's beliefs. Unfortunately, Republicans clearly do not understand that your personal health care choices are not your boss's business.

"Health care decisions should be made by a woman in consultation with her family, her faith and her physician – not by insurers, not by Washington politicians, and certainly not by her boss. While Republicans in the House and Senate continue to vote against women and workers, Democrats will continue to fight to undo the damage of the Hobby Lobby decision, and protect American women's right to comprehensive health care."