The Susan B. Anthony List’s response to the 54-45 Nelson-Hatch tabling:
“Tonight Senator Reid invoked Henry Clay, posing as a great compromiser even as he denied the consciences of the majority of Americans. Yet Clay himself would have never blanched at Nelson’s amendment, a commonsense proposal backed by 61% of America. You can’t find greater common ground than the decision to restrict government funding for abortion on-demand. With his actions tonight, Harry Reid has effectively tabled the common ground.
“Senator Reid’s tabling of the pro-life Nelson Amendment is just the latest reason why incumbents like Harry Reid are becoming top political targets: the disconnect between their words and actions inspire a rising populist opposition. Senator Reid calls himself pro-life, yet he continues to advance the largest expansion of abortion since Roe v. Wade at taxpayers’ expense.
“As it stands today, there should be no question about opposing the Senate health care bill. If you call yourself pro-life and genuinely care about preserving true common ground, you cannot possibly vote for this bill. Pro-Life senators – the sponsors of Nelson’s amendment included – must oppose this legislation.
“As the debate continues, on behalf of the 280,000 pro-life Susan B. Anthony List members and activists nationwide, I call on Senator Casey to follow the unyielding leadership of his father, former Governor Bob Casey. Senator Casey and his Democratic colleagues now have the opportunity to honor the consistent pro-life ethic of his father.”
The Nelson-Hatch Amendment, which closely mirrors the Stupak-Pitts Amendment that passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 240-194, was co-sponsored by Sens. Robert Casey ( D-Penn.), Sam Brownback (R-Kansas), John Thune, (R-S.D.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) David Vitter (R-La.), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), and was supported by the Susan B. Anthony List.