Posted by
Billy on Friday, December 18, 2009 11:27:35 AM
A moderate Democrat whose vote could be crucial said Thursday an attempted
Senate compromise on abortion is unsatisfactory, raising doubts about whether
the chamber can pass President Barack Obama's health care overhaul by Christmas.
"As it is, without modifications, the language concerning abortion is not
sufficient," Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson, a key holdout on the health care bill,
said in a statement after first making his concerns known to Majority Leader
Harry Reid, D-Nev.
Nelson said there were positive improvements dealing with teen pregnancy and
adoption, and that he was open to further negotiations. But in a radio interview
earlier in the day with KLIN in Lincoln, Nebraska, Nelson also said that
abortion wasn't his only concern and he didn't see how the Christmas deadline
was achievable.
The development came with Senate leaders working round the clock trying to
finalize their 10-year, nearly $1 trillion bill in time for a final vote on
Christmas Eve. Nelson is emerging as a major obstacle - perhaps the only
remaining one - since Democrats need his vote to have the 60 necessary to
overcome Republican stalling tactics.
(This is an outrage. At a time of the year when people are thinking about when the Lord came and how he brings peace into the hearts and souls of his followers, the Senate is going to vote on health care. My guess is this is a political move. Sen. Reid and the Democrats are thinking if they change the best health care system in the world on Christmas Eve no one be watching. Sen. Reid and others in his party including the President have the attitude that a bad bill is better than no bill. This vote and the debate should not be rushed or cut short. Shame on the Democrats!) Lets hope that they fail. Read more on this story DEMS PLANS
CHRISTMAS EVE VOTE ON HEALTH!)
