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Pelosi annoyed on abortion - Live Pulse - POLITICO.com
Speaker Nancy Pelosi got exasperated when asked at her weekly news conference about the unwillingness of some Democrats including Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) to support the health bill because of abortion language.
Let me say this: This is not about abortion! This is a bill about providing quality, affordable health care for all Americans, she said, more eager than ever to stay on message as her legacy becomes increasingly tied to what happens in the next few weeks.
The speaker had just talked about areas of disagreement between the House and Senate bills that are being worked on as leaders iron out legislative language for a comprehensive package that Congress can pass. But she omitted abortion.
I will not have it turned into a debate on (abortion), she said, when asked a follow-up question about Stupak. Let me say it clearly: we all agree on the three following things. One is there is no federal funding for abortion. That is the law of the land. It is not changed in this bill. There is no change in the access to abortion. No more or no less: It is abortion neutral in terms of access or diminution of access. And, third, we want to pass a health care bill.
Stupak went on ABC Thursday morning to say he and 11 colleagues who voted for the earlier version of the House bill will vote no this time if abortion language isnt changed from whats in the Senate version of the bill.
Lets face it, I want to see health care, Stupak said. But were not going to bypass some principles and beliefs that we feel strongly about."
But Pelosi insisted during her news conference a few hours later that House Democratic members have not come to her with concerns about abortion language.
As a matter of fact, they havent said that to me, she said.
You know what? Again, this is the city of (rumors). When people think there isnt going to be a bill, they can take whatever position they want. But now they know theres going to be a bill, and these members are saying, lets talk, she said.
Pelosi reiterated her insistence that there shouldnt be anything controversial about abortion in the new bill.
So if you believe there should be no federal funding of abortion, and if you believe there should be no change in the policy, and if you believe we need health care for all Americans, we will pass a bill.
- James Hohmann