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President Obama has given Congress a deadline--just two weeks to pass health care reform. But in the House, it’s a Democrat that could stand in the way.
Bart Stupak of Michigan says he wants health care to pass, but that the bill should more explicitly state that federal funds won’t be used for abortion. ABC’s George Stephanopoulos grilled Stupak on the feasibility of such a change.
Stephanopoulos: “How can you do that? As I understand the process, that kind of abortion language cannot be tied to the reconciliation bill, it would be knocked out of the reconciliation bill. So there’s no way to change the Senate bill.”
Stupak: “Well, I disagree with you there, George... You can do it. If there’s a will, there’s a way.”
On Fox News Roll Call’s David Drucker says Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is cutting it close on votes.
“If everybody stays where they are and the only change is Bart Stupak and his voters in the house, then clearly Nancy Pelosi has a problem. If she can lose Bart Stupak, but bring on some replacement votes, then this thing could work for her.”
But a columnist at The Nation says Stupak’s understanding of the legislation is warped. Jessica Arons writes that the health care proposal only allows for indirect funding, meaning money that might be used for abortion, but might not.
“Our society recognizes the distinction between direct and indirect funding all the time. Indeed, if we did not, our government probably could not function. …Stupak's line of thinking goes way too far.”
George Harris of The Kansas City Star commends Stupak on fighting for what he believes in, but says this group of Democrats should consider the bigger picture.
“...But blocking legislation that would provide health care to millions and save tens of thousands of lives annually would keep me up at night. From a strictly political perspective, House Democrats who could block passage of historic reform legislation would likely go down to defeat with their entire party in November elections anyway.”
Writer: Lauren Zima
Producer: Brent Davidson