Sen. Robert Casey (D., Pa.), an abortion critic, tells NRO that President Obama’s decision to issue an executive order on abortion in order to win the vote of pro-life House Democrats was “a dramatic development” that “strengthens” Obamacare’s support for life. “We can debate whether it was necessary, in light of what we did in the Senate bill (on abortion), which I thought was very strong, but if this helps to clarify things, then all the better.” The Democratic party, he adds, “always will, and should be strong enough” to welcome pro-life politicians into its ranks.

Sen. Ben Nelson (D., Neb.), the last holdout over the Senate health-care bill’s abortion language, tells NRO that he sees Stupak’s executive order as something “made in good faith, at the very least” but “unnecessary.” He adds that he would “absolutely” be comfortable if it was never issued, since he believes the Senate’s language is enough. “It is a good faith showing by the administration that it doesn’t plan to change. That’s helpful.”