Some Senate Republicans were concerned with Sebelius’ stance on abortion but were prepared to support her; however, they now are reconsidering, CQ Today reports. Among the Republican senators who were considered supporters of Sebelius but who might now be reconsidering are Sens. Sam Brownback (Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Arlen Specter (Pa.) (Wayne/Armstrong, CQ Today, 4/24).
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Republicans last week reached an agreement on the Sebelius vote, under which eight hours of debate will start at 10 a.m. on April 28. The agreement also stipulates that Sebelius’ confirmation will require 60 votes instead of a simple majority (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 4/24). According to CQ Today, with some Republican senators reconsidering, it could be a “far closer confirmation vote than she or President Obama would like” (Wayne/Armstrong, CQ Today, 4/24).
The latter two are well-known fence-sitters, but Brownback is a serious disappointment. I hope he does the right thing.