We'd heard about Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson's plan to propose an amendment "as identical to Stupak as it can be," and today Nelson did just that. The measure, which would deny millions of women access to abortion services, was introduced this afternoon, and debate was underway even before it was formally proposed.
Senator Claire McCaskill (MO) spoke out against the bill's House counterpart in an appearance on CBS this morning, saying it "goes too far" and prohibits the use of "private money in a private market for any kind of health services related to abortions." McCaskill also outlined her belief that senators will reject Nelson's measure, a view Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI) also shared with supporters today.
On the Senate floor, Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) took the lead in voicing opposition to the amendment, passionately explaining the danger of potential new restrictions on women's rights.
Watch Boxer in action here:
Also speaking out against the amendment was freshman Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), who worked to explain exactly what the proposed health care legislation would do -- and how the Nelson amendment would go beyond current legislation to restrict women's rights.
A vote on the amendment is expected to take place Tuesday.
There's been plenty of content on the blogs lately about continued anti-reform protests at health care town halls around the country. And while I'm glad bloggers are there to report first-hand about the wild antics they're seeing, I have to admit I also love reading something positive about town halls whenever I'm lucky enough to find something.
There was a great piece on Show Me Progress today, highlighting Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill's recent town hall in Kansas City. McCaskill has certainly dealt with her share of protesters at recent events, but she reportedly handle yesterday's crowd with grace -- and a little tough love.
Here's a blurb:
It was obvious who the shouters and naysayers were going to be - they came in in clusters, then spread themselves out in the back, on the bleachers, so they could stomp their feet and make more noise and sound like they were a lot larger in number than they really were...
But Claire is a pro (and a Mom) and she knows how to handle a bunch of brats and troublemakers, and she chided some of the naysayers early on saying that she knows good and well that there were people in attendance who have never voted for her and never will - but she is still their Senator, too.
The Kansas City Star also reported that McCaskill drew praise from supporters of reform, who came out in large numbers to attend the town hall.
Today, Senators Barbara Boxer (CA), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), and Amy Klobuchar (MN) offered their support for Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor, highlighting the importance of having another woman's voice on the highest court in the land.
“[Sotomayor’s nomination is] important because we want our [government] institutions in this country…to reflect the diversity of our country, and the majority of the people in this country are women and we need to be represented. It doesn’t mean women are better but we are equal,” Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) said.
Over the past couple of months Sotomayor has met with many of our women senators, including Klobuchar, Boxer, Gillibrand, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA), Sen. Claire McCaskill (MO), Sen. Barbara Mikulski (MD), and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (NH).
Check out photos from her meetings with some of the senators that EMILY's List helped elect.
Read My Lipstick