OPINION: Suzanne Berger | USA TODAY Network | July 1, 2022
Now that the Supreme Court has struck down Roe v. Wade, Republicans are coming after abortion access nationwide. Women here in New York won’t be safe if Republicans win back Congress and pass federal legislation banning abortions.
That’s where voters come in. If we support leaders fighting for reproductive freedoms, not only can we keep Republicans and their dangerous, backward ideas out of power, but we can elect enough Democrats to enshrine abortion protections into law and ensure all Americans have access to the health care and choices they deserve.
Here in the Hudson Valley, we are lucky to be represented by someone who is leading both fights. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney is not only a champion for women’s and reproductive rights, but he is also the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, where he fights every single day to defend the Democratic House Majority and keep radical anti-choice Republicans out of power.
As a senior member of House Democratic leadership, Maloney helped pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would enshrine abortion protections into federal law. He is a member of the Pro-Choice Caucus, a co-sponsor of legislation to repeal the Hyde amendment, and an unwavering champion for our communities. He supports eliminating the filibuster and doing whatever it takes to get protections for reproductive rights, voting rights, and other core civil rights into law. That’s why Maloney has my support and the endorsement of over 60 local Democratic leaders here in the Hudson Valley.
But his leadership for our communities doesn’t end with reproductive rights. Maloney led the successful effort to ban oil barge anchorages on the Hudson and hold polluters accountable. He helped write the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which is bringing billions to New York to improve drinking water infrastructure and rebuild our roads and bridges. And he has done all that while consistently winning in a swing district. That’s the kind of leadership we need, not a candidate who doesn’t live here, doesn’t know our communities, and is attacking a fellow Democrat for trying to keep radical Republicans out of power.
Republicans are coming for our rights, from abortion to gay marriage and contraceptives. If you want to protect abortion access and stop these dangerous GOP efforts, then your vote is best served with Maloney who has proven he will always stand up for our rights and that he can win tough elections.
Suzanne Berger is chair of the Westchester County Democratic Committee.
