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.

Durbin: Senate Version Of Stupak Amendment Unlikely To Pass

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) stated Friday that an amendment to the Senate health care reform bill barring federal funding of abortion may not pass in the Senate.

“We do not believe that the Stupak language, if offered at this moment, is likely to pass,” Durbin said during a conference call with reporters.

The amendment is a key factor in securing the vote of Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), a center leaning Democrat who has voiced dissatisfaction with the bill’s current language on funds for abortion.

“At the end of the day we need Senator Nelson’s vote,” said Durbin. “We still don’t have a promise of a vote from the Republican side, so we would need his vote to make our sixty.”

Durbin noted that a compromise is currently being examined.

“We are trying to find if there is an alternative provision that is somewhat different than the current bill, that doesn’t quite reach the Stupak level, that would satisfy the needs of Senator Nelson and our pro-life Senators.”

Pelosi Gives High Praise To Senate Abortion Language

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

During her weekly press conference, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) lauded abortion language in the Senate’s health care bill on Thursday.

The Senate bill, which was posted online Wednesday night, grants the secretary of Health and Human Services to decide if federal funds will be allocated for those who obtain insurance from the public plan. It would also require that private insurers split premiums from subsidies used to pay for abortion coverage.

“We have all agreed on all sides of this issue that we would maintain the status quo. There will be no federal funds for abortion,” said Pelosi. “I think the Stupak Amendment goes beyond maintaining the status quo. I’m pleased with the language in the Senate bill. I think it’s pretty clear that no federal funds will be spent on abortion,” she added.

The "Stupak Amendment" in the House bill would ban elective abortions for those covered by the public health insurance plan and would prohibit private insurers to offer abortion coverage to those who receive federal subsidies for health care premiums.

“I believe there is plenty of common ground to be found to do that [maintain status quo]... Conversations continue, and we will find common ground,” said Pelosi.

The Senate is expected to bring its bill to the floor for debate this Saturday.

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.