Senate Turns To Health Bill's Major Obstacles

The abortion provision, co-sponsored by Sens.. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) and Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah), would bar individuals who receive federal subsidies from purchasing insurance policies that cover private elective Abortions. It also would ban coverage under a government plan - an issue that could become moot if the public option is dropped.

A vote on the abortion amendment is expected Tuesday, and Nelson has warned that they could oppose the health-care bill unless the current Senate language is changed. Nelson's support is crucial: Without him, Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) would be one vote short of the 60 needed to pass the measure.

"Most Nebraskans, and Americans, do not favor using public funds To Cover abortion and as a result Bill Should not this open the door to do so," Nelson said Monday in a statement.

Senate Republicans have united against the health-care bill, and Reid Angered the GOP on Monday that by likening the opposition to those who Fought against abolishing slavery, women's right to vote and Civil Rights legislation.

"Instead of joining us on the right side of history, all Republicans can come up with is this: Slow down, stop everything, let's start over. If you think you've heard these same excuses before, you're right," Reid said.

Republicans denounced the Majority Leader's comments. It. John McCain (R-Ariz.), demanded that Reid return to the Senate floor, "if not [to] apologize, certainly [to] clarify his remarks." Republican National Committee Chairman Michael S. Steele said in a statement, "To suggest that passing this horrible bill is anything akin Thurs ridding our country of slavery is terribly offensive and calls into question Mr. Reid's suitability to Lead."Read Morehttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/07/AR2009120703986.html?hpid=topnews

Senate Turns To Health Bill's Major Obstacles