The Hill's Blog Briefing Room reported today that Ben Nelson has stated that he would not support the healthcare reform bill unless it has strong restrictions preventing federal funds from being used to pay for abortions. Senator Nelson also stated that he has other concerns about the bill. It needs to be noted that Ed Morrissey at Hot Air reported today that Governor Dave Heineman of Nebraska has told Senator Nelson that the current healthcare bill is bad for Nebraska and has asked the Senator to block the vote on it.
Several liberal Democrats are opposed to the bill because of the changes made in the bill to encourage the more moderate Democrats to support it.
The Hill reports:
"A deadline and timeline that's out there that's not achievable isn't helpful," he (Senator Nelson) said. "I couldn't tell you that they can't come up with something that's acceptable on abortion between now and then and solve all the other issues that I've raised to them, but I don't see how."
Nelson released a statement later Thursday afternoon confirming he won't vote for the bill in its current form."
It is not news to anyone that healthcare insurance reform is needed. The question becomes what that reform should include. Until healthcare reform includes tort reform, portability across state lines, insurance for pre-existing conditions, and tax credits to allow low-income people to afford health insurance, I am not interested in making any changes. Change for the sake of saying something was changed is not constructive.
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