U.S. Rep. Chris. Smith (R-NJ) spoke to hundreds of thousands in Washington today rallying to protect life. The following are excerpts of his remarks:

                Thank you, President Trump, for making it absolutely clear today that you will veto any piece of legislation that undermines or nullifies any pro-life policy, regulation, or rule.

          Your extraordinary announcement—your bold solidarity with the weakest and most vulnerable—couldn’t come at a better time.

          The new Democratic majority in the House has made it clear that they want to eviscerate all pro-life protections including the Hyde taxpayer abortion funding ban which alone has saved over 2 million people from death by abortion.

          Mr. President, be assured that 169 House Members and 49 Senators—well in excess of the requisite number required to prevail—have pledged in writing to sustain your veto.

          Why is this so important? Because women and children deserve better than the violence of abortion.

          Just ask the brave and amazing women who are silent no more, who sacrifice everything to warn other women—and society—about the tragic consequences of their abortions.

          The shocking number of unborn children killed in America is unconscionable: 2,500 each day, approximately 61 million dead babies since 1973—a death toll that equates with the entire population of Italy.

          All this as our knowledge concerning the breathtaking miracle of life before birth is unparalleled and when science had made it absolutely clear that birth is an important event in the life of a child – but only an event not its beginning.

          Doctors today routinely diagnose and treat a myriad of conditions, illnesses, and diseases suffered by society’s littlest patients—unborn babies—significantly enhancing their health and chances to survive and thrive.

          Even first baby pictures proudly shared and displayed are most often ultrasound photos showing the baby alive and maturing in the womb.

          The humanity of the unborn child is beyond doubt.

          Yet, the pro-abortion movement, like some kind of modern-day flat earth society, continues to cling to outdated indefensible arguments cloaked in euphemism.

          Even the seemingly benign word “choice” withers under scrutiny.  Choice to do what? Dismember a baby? Starve a child to death and then forcibly expel her or him from the womb?

          In order to facilitate the baby’s extermination, pro-abortionists aggressively deny and disrespect the unborn child, and loudly mock and belittle those like each of you who defend a child’s right to life.

          I say, let their harsh criticism cause us to work even harder and more effectively—and as our Lord admonished, all the while loving even those who spew hatred at you and me.

          I believe that your presence here today— your prayers, fasting, and commitment throughout the year –will help ensure that one day soon protection of the weakest and most vulnerable from abortion violence will be restored.