Follow us on

Tuesday, May 21, 2013 | 4:29 a.m.

Powered by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Web Search by YAHOO!
 
Jamie Dupree's Washington Insider

Posted: 4:55 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009

Abortion Fight Continues 

Previous Posts

By Jamie Dupree

While Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) did his best to convince reporters on Saturday that his deal on abortion funding language in a new Democratic health amendment would end controversy on that issue, it seems far from over, and will likely spice up House-Senate negotiations on health care.

All eyes quickly went to Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), who won tough abortion funding language in a showdown with House Democratic leaders back in November. 

He was not impressed.

"While I appreciate the efforts of all the parties involved, especially Senator Ben Nelson, the Senate abortion language is not acceptable," Stupak said in a statement. 

Stupak labeled the Senate language a "dramatic shift in federal policy" that he says would let the feds subsidize abortion coverage through insurance policies.

At some point, negotiators will have to take another crack at this, for a final bill that would go before the House and Senate, a point clearly noted by Stupak.

"I look forward to working with members of the House, Senate and the Obama Administration to find common ground on this issue and draft language that guarantees continuation of current law of no public funding for abortion, " Stupak added.

This is just one of the issues that will confront negotiators.  Another big one will be how to pay for health care reforms, as the House and Senate have very different solutions.

If enough Democrats stick with Stupak in the House, the abortion issue could well tip the scales against the White House.

We'll see.  This will be one of the big issues in House-Senate negotiations, but most of the people who are pro-life will not be at the table.

 
My YahooRSS
 

Today on MyAJC.com

Atlanta traffic court needs changes

Your government: A closer look at the operations of traffic court

Atlanta’s traffic court needs work, including upgraded computers and judges working outside the usual business hours.

New terminal brings pleasures, perturbances

Bill rises for shuttles at Atlanta airport’s new terminal

To keep average wait times to five minutes or less, the airport is spending more than three times the original amount it originally expected on shuttles.

pjcollins0520

Personal Journeys: Mr. Collins goes to Washington

Georgia’s newest member of Congress sleeps on a cot, showers in the gym and finds the hardest part is being away from home.