U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chairman of the Bipartisan Pro- Life Caucus, made the following statement today regarding President George W. Bush’s letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi pledging to veto any legislation that weakens current federal pro-life policy:

    “President George Bush has been both faithful and courageous in defending both unborn children and their mothers from the violence of abortion.”

    "I am proud that a veto proof number of Members of this body signed a letter to the President making clear their commitment to sustaining any veto issued by the President because any pro-life provision has been weakened or nullified."

    “President Bush has clearly articulated his commitment to protecting the culture of life. It is simply repulsive to consider the possibility of the average American becoming complicit in the funding of abortion and abortion related activities such as funding for entities like UNFPA which is known to be complicit in China’s one-child policy.”

    Pro-Life Members of the House of Representatives—including Smith—sent a letter to President Bush pledging to sustain such a veto. 

    Today, the President’s released a letter to Speaker Pelosi promising to “veto any legislation that weakens current Federal policies and laws on abortion, or that encourages the destruction of human life at any stage.”