Below is a complete transcript of the interview with U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar, a Democrat from Texas, which aired on “Face the Nation” on June 25, 2023.
In the past year since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the debate on abortion rights has escalated. While we have previously discussed this topic with Republican presidential candidates, today we have invited Texas Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, who is also a co-chair of President Biden’s reelection campaign. Good morning, Congresswoman, and thank you for joining us from El Paso. It has been 50 years since the 1973 ruling, and during this time, Congress has failed to pass any legislation protecting abortion access, even when Democrats were in control. Our CBS News poll shows that 53 percent of Democrats feel that their party is not doing enough on the issue of abortion. Why do Democrats believe this is a winning issue when they have not been able to deliver on it in the past?
REP. VERONICA ESCOBAR: Margaret, House Democrats have actually passed the Women’s Health Care Protection Act in both sessions of Congress when we had a majority. However, due to the Senate filibuster, we have not been able to enact protections for access to abortion care. It is crucial to consider the consequences since the Republican-controlled Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. We have witnessed a loss of reproductive healthcare access for 23 million women, 18 states enacting harsh abortion bans, and all Republican nominees expressing support for a Federal National abortion ban. We cannot allow this direction to prevail, which is why the upcoming elections are of utmost importance.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Even when there was unified control, progress was limited. Our CBS poll shows that abortion access has become more restricted over the past year, as you just mentioned. President Biden has taken executive actions, but why isn’t there more grassroots mobilization at the state level? Doesn’t the court ruling return the issue to the states?
REP. ESCOBAR: There has been significant grassroots mobilization at the state level, with many states working to implement protections at the state constitutional level. However, the challenge we face is that if Republicans maintain control of the House and gain control of the Senate or the White House, we will see even harsher national restrictions on abortion. Therefore, winning elections and regaining control of the House, as well as electing senators who will protect women’s rights, are crucial to prevent further rollbacks on reproductive freedoms.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley recently stated that both parties are not telling the American people the truth when it comes to abortion. She proposed finding national consensus on issues such as late-term abortion, adoptions, accessible contraception, and preventing the prosecution of mothers. Do you believe there are smaller issues related to abortion where consensus can be reached?
REP. ESCOBAR: The national consensus, Margaret, is that 80% of Americans do not agree with overturning Roe v. Wade. As for passing legislation in Congress, House Democrats have already passed the Women’s Health Care Protection Act. However, we face difficulties in the Senate due to the supermajority requirement of 60 votes. This is why winning elections is crucial. President Biden, who is committed to fighting for women’s reproductive freedom, will be on the ballot next November. While finding consensus is important, the priority is restoring the protections afforded by Roe v. Wade.
MARGARET BRENNAN: So, your position is endorsing protection up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, as stated in the Protection Act?
REP. ESCOBAR: Roe v. Wade protects a woman’s right to access abortion. In states like Texas, where rollbacks and bans are occurring even when women’s health is at risk, it is clear that politicians do not prioritize women’s well-being.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you, Congresswoman, for sharing your perspective. We will be back after a short break.
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