The Republican's in the Senate should state NOW that they will NOT vote for this. That, by tieing this together with the rest of the health care bill, Bart Stupak and his supporters (not Republicans in the Senate) will be taking FULL RESPONSIBILITY for the abortions to follow. Dems hope to put Republicans in the position of voting against an amendment to restrict Federal funding of abortion. Declare NOW that if this happens, Stupak will be responsible for the abortions.
Right to Life is about MORE than abortions. It is also about the existence of "Death Panels" for the elderly, which are part of the health care bill which Stupak would be voting for. If Republican's do not declare NOW that they will not vote for the Stupak amendment (in Senate bill form), they will be aiding the "Death Panel" health care plan.
Republican Senators should say NO to "Death Panels" and let Stupak bear the abortion burden. BUT THEY HAVE TO SAY IT NOW!
The Republicans (most anyway) would vote in a heartbeat for a Hyde Amendment like provision. They would never go on record opposing such an amendment no matter what the short-term political gains.
But the deal is that every Republican and pro-life Dem in the Senate are not enough to pass a potential Stupak deal. That is what the GOP leadership is saying. There is no way to get to 60 in the Senate on a Hyde Amendment addition to 0bamacare. They tried it at Christmas and failed.
So Stupak always new he was barking up the wrong tree. But he had to bark. He had to look like he was trying to work with the leadership. I hope he stands pat. He can in good conscience go back to his district and tell them that they knew he was pro-life when they voted for him. If he does not cave and can hold a meaningful coalition together he should be commended for his courage. If he caves, he is a coward and a traitor. Pretty high stakes.