Lawmaker casts historic vote to block GOP effort to defund women’s health, Planned Parenthood

WASHINGTON, D. C. – Late yesterday, Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) reached a congressional voting milestone in the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Markey cast his 20,000th vote, voting against a Republican resolution to eliminate funding for women’s health services.

“Whether it is protecting the environment, consumers, or public health, the honor and responsibility of voting for the best interests of the people of Massachusetts and this great nation continues to inspire me,” said Rep. Markey. “I cast every vote with the same hope and intent as I did on my first day in the House of Representatives in 1976 - to better the quality of life and economic opportunity for the people of the 7th district and for citizens all across America.”

Rep. Markey was acknowledged on the House Floor by the longest-serving Member of the House of Representatives, John Dingell (D-Mich.). Rep. Dingell recognized Rep. Markey, praising “this distinguished Member for a long period of outstanding service to the public.”

Rep. Markey ranks 9th in overall House seniority. First elected to the House of Representatives in 1976, Rep. Markey is the Dean of the Massachusetts and New England Congressional Delegations. Currently, Rep. Markey serves as the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee and as a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

###