Bullet Dodged? "Nelson (abortion) amendment expected to fall short even with GOP support"

[Clio the Leo]

Nelson amendment expected to fall short even with GOP support
By Alexander Bolton - 12/03/09 05:44 PM ET
An amendment restricting abortions does not appear to have enough support to be attached to the Senate healthcare bill.


Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl (Ariz.) said he expected that all but a few Republicans would support the Sen. Ben Nelson’s (D-Neb) amendment, which would restrict access to abortions for women who receive federal subsidies.

But the amendment is likely to be subject to the Senate’s 60-vote threshold, and Kyl does not expect 20 votes on the other side to back the controversial change.

“Most Republicans will but I don’t think that will be enough to carry it through, it’s a 60-vote margin,” Kyl told The Hill Thursday afternoon.

Republicans control only 40 seats, which means Nelson would have to pick up the support of at least 19 Democrats (or 18 plus one of two independents), an unlikely scenario given strong opposition from the Democratic base.

Liberal Democrats were confident the measure, based on an amendment Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) succeeded in adding to the House bill, would not pass the upper chamber.

“I don’t think Stupak is passing so I’m not worried right now, we’re going to defeat it,” said Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), one of the most outspoken Senate advocates for abortion rights.

http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/70551-nelson-amendment-expected-to-fall-short-even-with-gop-support

[wryter2000]

1. "All but a few Republicans will vote for it"

I wonder who would vote against it. Is it possible there are some so out of touch with reality that they'd vote against it because it isn't strong enough?

[Clio the Leo]

2. Snowe popped into my head when I read that.....

.... but that's just speculation.

[JuniperLea]

3. The GOP doesn't want to end abortion...

Just like they don't want to end immigration. They need those hot ticket items during each election cycle. Allowing abortion benefits in healthcare will help them. However, if more women have healthcare and access to birth control, there will be fewer abortions.