Nebraska Democrat Senator Ben Nelson will NOT support health care bill without stronger anti-abortion language

obamacare-its-to-die-forOf course, actually beleving any Democrat senator, especially after they voted for cloture on the health care bill in the first place is a stretch. But for those who do, Nebraska’s “moderate” Democrat Senator Ben Nelson said Thursday that the need for stronger anti-abortion language in the Senate health care bill is “non-negotiable,” and he would filibuster the legislation without it. Politico reports:

Abortion is likely to be the next issue brought to the floor for debate following votes Thursday on women’s health care and Medicare. Nelson said he is circulating an

amendment that closely mirrors one approved in the House and drafted by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.).

Nelson’s insistence on the Stupak language creates another significant problem for Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who cannot lose a single vote from his Democratic caucus and still pass the bill without picking up Republican support. Reid has been in talks with the two Maine Republicans.

“It is Stupak language,” Nelson said. “I’ve said at the end of the day if it doesn’t have Stupak language on abortion in it I won’t vote to move it off the floor.”

Asked whether that meant he was intent on stalling the bill, Nelson said: “I just said that, didn’t I? This isn’t anything new, I’ve said this for a long time and people are finally hearing it.”

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said the Stupak language would not pass the Senate.

“I think he has said different things at different times,” Boxer said of Nelson’s filibuster threat.

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December 3, 2009 · Filed Under congress, Democrats, ObamaCARE


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