This week, a freshman congressman introduced a bill- HR 5650, The Protecting Women’s Access to Health Care Act-  that would put a halt to attempts by the GOP to de-fund Planned Parenthood.  In fact, if you ask this congressman about it, he’ll tell you- he wants to save Planned Parenthood.

“Specifically, this legislation says that when it comes to participation in the Title X program, health care providers such as hospitals and health care clinics, including Planned Parenthood, cannot be discriminated against and excluded simply because they choose to offer additional services, separate from Title X.”

What makes this freshman congressman so special?  He’s a Republican.

That’s right, a freshman GOP congressman has made one of his first priorities protecting women’s healthcare.  He represents the northern suburbs of Chicago, IL.

It’s incredibly unlikely that this bill will get the bipartisan support he has expressed hope for.  It is infinitely more likely that he will be denigrated and abandoned by his party.  But he can be sure to get the majority of the Democrats on board.

And maybe, just maybe, our members of congress will learn that they’re supposed to be working with each other, to serve the people of the United States.  Not simply to march in step to the party agenda.

Thank you, Bob Dold.  And here’s to your noble effort.