Posted on 01/23/2009 2:30:17 AM PST by markomalley
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- A group of more than 80 pro-life Congressional Republicans have issued a letter calling on President Barack Obama to back down from his pledge to sign the Freedom of Choice Act. Obama made the pledge in July 2007 at a Planned Parenthood event.
At the time, Obama said he would make the radical bill the first piece of legislation he would sign as president.
"The first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act," Obama said at the time. "On this fundamental issue, I will not yield. And Planned Parenthood will not yield."
House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio sent Obama the letter signed by his colleagues asking him to reverse his pledge to sign the FOCA bill that would make unlimited abortions the national law.
"Since the beginning of your presidential transition, Americans from all walks of life have been touched by your pledge to govern from the center, and by your vow to be a president for all Americans," Boehner wrote to Obama.
"We are writing to respectfully urge you to build on this foundation by withdrawing your pledge to sign the so-called Freedom of Choice Act, which would in one tragic act overturn virtually all pro-life laws nationwide and by refusing to support legislation that incrementally enacts the FOCA agenda by rescinding or weakening existing pro-life laws piece by piece," the letter said.
“You have expressed a desire to be a president for all Americans, and to use your presidency to promote initiatives that bring Americans together, rather than drive them apart," the letter, provided to LifeNews.com, also read. "We recognize it will not always be easy for you to do this. However, too much is at stake for this divisive and destructive legislation to move forward and life-saving laws to be rolled back."
The measure has been heavily criticized by pro-life advocates because it would also overturn hundreds of pro-life laws in place across the country.
Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN), Policy Committee Chairman Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), Conference Vice-Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and others formally sent the letter to Obama today.
Sen. Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat, and Rep. Jerrold Nadler, a New York Democrat are the lead sponsors of the bills, which have been filed in both the House and Senate.
Related web sites:
See the letter here.
Does anybody know a bill number?
pro-life ping!
This is a great opportunity for the Senate Republicans to filibuster.
Nope, Mr. Øbama does not respect or understand the value of his own life, so he will have none for other lives, from his own mouth, Mr. Øbama chooses death over ”PROBABLY” crossing the lines in terms of unconstitutionality,
State of Illinois
92nd General Assembly
Regular Session
Senate Transcript March 30, 2001
Page 87
http://www.ilga.gov/senate/transcripts/strans92/ST033001.pdf
Mr. Øbama “ And if we’re placing a burden on the doctor that says you have to keep alive even a previable child as long as possible and give them as much medical attention as — as is necessary to keep that child alive, then we’re probably crossing the lines in terms of unconstitutionality.”
Pro-Life bump
Senate Republicans won’t filibuster this in unity.
Specter and our Maine Duo wouldn’t vote or vote the other way. (They’d probably lose reelection if they did).
However, a few conservative dems would probably be forced to join the Republicans and it wouldn’t get out of committee. Obama could do what he wants with executive orders though but since he needs maximum support to fix the economy, I do predict we won’t see any socially liberal stuff until his approval rating solidifies a few years from now.
Obama better be careful when it comes to abortion or Hell could break loose on him.
I don’t think it will pass the House. National Catholic Register reports that there are 200 pro-life caucus House members. All you need is 218 to block the bill.
LET US PRAY NCR IS CORRECT.
IT WILL DEFINITELY SMOKE OUT SOME OF THE SELF-PROCLAIMED PRO-LIFE DEMS.
ROBERT CASEY JR CERTAINLY DOESN’T HAVE A 100% VOTING RECORD.
That’s the problem....there is no such bill. They were introduced in previous sessions and never even hit any traction. It isn’t even under consideration.
Now, once and if it is introduced again, then it is time to freak out.
But, there is no sense in panicking over every conceivable bill that might come up. So many bad ones never even truly make any headway and just languish in committee, even in a completely Dem Congress.
There are bills actually on the table worth fighting about, such as the stimulus package.
FOCA isn’t one of them, at least not yet.
Page me when it actually becomes a bill for this Congress to consider....
Agreed. As I posted in my initial comment. I would be making the same comments you are if the article didn't discuss correspondence from pro-life members...
Having said that, I do not know if it is currently in discussion and hasn't been introduced yet. Considering what Ø and the 111th Congress has done on the subject of "reproductive (barf) rights," it wouldn't surprise me if it DID gain traction this time.
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