The Nelson Dilemma

Senator Ben Nelson (D) from Nebraska has proposed an amendment to the senate health care bill. According to the Washington Examiner, Nelson will propose an amendment that would prevent tax money from paying for abortions much like the Stupak amendment stipulated in the house bill. It will be interesting to see how this will play out and its greater impact on the legislation's chances of survival. If the amendment passes, which needs 60 votes, this would be a compromise that Harry Reid would have to drag his caucus towards. The Democratic Party does not tend to support the right to life movement and Ben Nelson is a rare pro-life democrat. Without the Nelson amendment, Nelson might vote against the final bill and Reid will fall 60 votes short to move the bill off the floor. With the amendment, staunch abortionist in the party could also derail the bill. Senator Reid has to thread the needle with this sensitive issue. Also, Senators Nelson, Joe Lieberman, Mary Landrieu, and Blanche Lincoln are all opposed to a public option being proposed which further complicates matters. I am against tax money going to pay for abortions in any form. I am also against the creation of another government insurance program.