Stupak Will Not Seek Re-Election

Embattled Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) told the Associated Press Friday that he will not seek re-election this November.

The pro-life Democrat became a lightning rod for criticism amid the health care reform debate. Stupak angered many on the right for backing the legislation after striking a deal with the White House for an executive order to prohibit federal funding for abortion. Conservative critics charged that the order was too weak to warrant his support.

The Michigan representative also drew ire from his Democratic colleagues for pushing an amendment in the House health care bill with similar intent. Some Democrats charged that the controversial amendment signaled a step back for women's reproductive rights.

On Wednesday, Stupak downplayed rumors that he was planning on retiring, and told the Detroit Free Press that he intended to run for a 10th term. He is expected to hold a press conference this afternoon in his home district.

Stupak, who represents Michigan's 1st Congressional district, joined the House in 1993.

Conservatives Pile On Stupak

Conservative activists angered by the passage of health care reform legislation have focused their attention on Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) and are waging a $250,000 media campaign against the pro-life Democrat.

“It's time to vote him out of office," Mark Williams, who chairs the traveling organization the Tea Party Express, said in a statement sent out Wednesday. "Bart Stupak has lost touch with the people of Michigan, and he has betrayed the public's trust.”

Stupak angered many on the right for backing health care reform legislation in the hours before the House cast their votes. Stupak based his support on an agreement between the White House and pro-life members of Congress promising an executive order to prohibit public funds for abortion. Conservative critics claim the order is too weak and will not carry out its stated intention.

One radio ad that ran in the Democrat’s district accused Stupak of trading his support for $700,000 for Michigan airports.

“Bart Stupak has become just another corrupt Washington politician,” the low-voiced spokesman in the ad states. “You sold us out on the health care vote and now it’s time for you to pay the political price.”

In addition to the ad campaign, the Tea Party Express plans on holding five rallies across Michigan. Mike Cox, the state’s Attorney General, has announced that he will make an appearance at the events.

On Wednesday, rumors arose that Stupak will not seek reelection. Stupak denied them shortly after and told the Detroit Free Press that he intends to run again.

House Pro-Choice Caucus Pushing To Remove Abortion Amendment

By Travis Martinez - University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) along with members of the Pro-Choice Caucus will push to remove the Stupak-Pitts amendment, which would block federal funds to support partial term abortions, from the Affordable Health Care For America Act 2009.

“We will try very hard to make sure it is not included in the final product,” Wasserman Shultz said in a conference call Monday. “I’m going to be pushing extremely hard to make sure that language is not included.”

The Florida Democrat also rebuked comments made by Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas), who on Friday stated that women should pay higher health premiums due to the possibility that they could become pregnant.

“I’ve never seen a more disrespectful display,” Wasserman-Shultz said. “At one point in the debate, [Sessions] actually compared women to smokers and suggested women, like smokers, should have to pay more for insurance, just by the accident for their ability to get pregnant."

House Adopts Stupak Amendment

The House voted Saturday to adopt an amendment to the Affordable Health Care for America Act providing the language to bar federal subsidies for insurance plans that cover abortions.

The amendment, which was introduced by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), was approved by 240-194, with 176 Republicans voting yay coupled with 64 additional votes in favor from Democrats.

There were no nay votes from Republicans, but one GOP member did vote present. 194 Democrats opposed the amendment.

Pelosi: Amendment Clarifying Abortion Funding May Not Make It Into Health Care Bill

By Leah Valencia, University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News Service

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday that the decision has not been made over whether lawmakers will be allowed to offer amendments to the Affordable Health Care for All Americans Act once it reaches chamber floor, including any amendment pertaining to abortion.

“We may not have any amendments,” Pelosi said during her weekly press conference.

Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.) and Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) along with many other pro-life democrats have threatened to oppose the bill until language barring federal funding for abortions is introduced.

Current versions of the House health care legislation do not directly address the issue of abortion, however House leaders have maintained throughout the health care debate that the bill would not allow abortions to be federally funded.

The Speaker needs 218 votes to pass the bill, including as many pro-life Democrats as possible. Pelosi said that although she knows some Democrats have strong convictions regarding abortion, she still believes in their support for health care reform.

"Congressman Ellsworth's record in Congress and his statements outside of Congress have been strongly pro-life," Pelosi said. "He and others who have strong pro-life convictions want very much to see a health care bill passed."

The House Rules Committee Friday will finalize all the rules for this weekend's House health care debate.