Texas House Approves Abortion Regulation Bill 

Congratulations to Texas conservatives for persevering in the face of demonstrations, death threats and left-wing media distortions. Last night the State House of Representatives passed a ban on late-term abortions. 

Once again, the hatred of the left was on full display. Several sources reported that the protestors demanding a right to destroy a baby in the last weeks of pregnancy were chanting "f--- the church." 

When State Senator Wendy Davis (D) launched her filibuster of this pro-life bill, several Planned Parenthood leaders and other liberals declared that the pro-choice "majority" was finally speaking up. They were desperately trying to reignite the "war on women." But they are delusional. 

Americans overwhelmingly oppose late-term abortions. According to Gallup, just 27% support abortion in the second trimester and only 14% support abortion in the third trimester. 

Normally liberals are eager to impose regulations on businesses. But they vehemently oppose any effort to require facilities that destroy babies for profit, and occasionally kill women, to meet modern health standards. 

I am grateful to Governor Rick Perry for not allowing an unruly mob to block this important legislation. And I want to give a shout-out to Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell (R). 

Sen. Birdwell is a former member of my church in northern Virginia, and a brave survivor of grievous wounds from the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. My political action committee helped him win a special election to the Texas State Senate, and now he is helping to get this important pro-life legislation passed. 

Hundreds Answer The Call 

Every aborted baby is a tragedy. But it is a particular comment on our society that children with Down syndrome have become an "endangered species." 

That reference may offend some, but how I wish children with Down syndrome had the same level of protection our government gives to endangered species! Sadly, the overwhelming majority of them are destroyed in the womb -- victims of a "search-and-destroy" mentality as George Will once put it. 

Over the years, I have known many individuals who were born with Down syndrome, including a delightful young woman in my extended family. It has been my experience that, in spite of their various challenges, they are some of the happiest and most joyful people you will ever meet in your life. Those who raise them will face more difficulties, but they will also attest to great delights. 

Some may ask, "How can you bring a child into the world who will suffer?" I would ask them to explain why suicide rates for individuals with Down syndrome are virtually zero. 

Contrast that to the "beautiful people" in Hollywood. With all the money you could ever hope for, physical "perfection" and the adoration of our pop culture, so many of our "stars" routinely make headlines for their bad behavior, addictions and suicides. 

Yes, there is a lot to lament about the state of our culture. But as Father Thomas Vander Woude discovered, there is also a vast reservoir of men and women of faith willing to step up and answer the call to help. 

Father Vander Woude, of Gainesville, Virginia, recently encountered a young lady, five months into her pregnancy, whose child was diagnosed with Down syndrome. She was going to have an abortion. 

He promised to help her find a family to adopt the baby if she would consider that option. But he had very little time to act as she lives in a state that bans abortions after six months of pregnancy. 

He posted a message on his church's Facebook page asking interested families to immediately contact the church. The next day the church's phone rang "nearly nonstop." Calls even came in from Europe, and the church received more than 900 emails! Three families have been chosen and an adoption agency is now working with the young lady. 

Kudos To Dr. Price 

Several weeks ago, I suggested that House conservatives should propose legislation to keep the IRS out of our health care decisions. I'm pleased to report that Rep. Tom Price (R-GA), a doctor by profession, has introduced a bill -- just two pages long -- that will prevent the Treasury Department (which includes the IRS) from enforcing any provisions of Obamacare. 

Hispanics Support Border Security 

Once again proving that the Washington conventional wisdom is often wrong, there's new polling data finding that Hispanic voters overwhelmingly support strong border security legislation -- includingtough triggers that were voted down by the Democrat Senate! 

Stand With Israel 

What is Obama thinking? Secretary of State John Kerry seemingly spends every waking hour trying to force Israel and the Palestinian Authority to the negotiating table. But even the New York Times is questioning the administration's priorities. 

Thousands are dying in Syria. Egypt is in turmoil. Iran is marching toward an atomic bomb. And yet as the Times put it, Kerry is trying to bring peace to "tranquil Tel Aviv." 

This is a good reminder that even the best plan to bring peace between Israelis and Palestinians won't solve the myriad of problems bedeviling the Middle East. Israel is not the problem! 

It's also a good reminder of why it is so important for supporters of Israel to make our voices heard. That's why I hope you will make every effort to join me later this month at the Christians United for Israel Washington Summit!

This year's Summit will include speeches from leading media personalities and public officials, as well as sessions on topics such as Islamic terrorism and the basics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I will be participating in a panel discussion about the central role Iran plays in the region's turmoil. 

Summit attendees will also spend a day meeting with their elected officials on Capitol Hill making the case for our continued alliance with Israel. 

I think it's so important for pro-Israel supporters to come to Washington now that I am making a special offer: I'll pay $100 towards the registration fee of the first 50 people who register. And I'll pay $50 towards the registration fee of the next 100 people who register! 

Call 1-877-706-2834 or click here to register today! You must enter the promo code "Gary100" when you register online or reference this special offer over the phone. 

I look forward to seeing you there!