In somewhat dramatic fashion, Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)–a leader of pro-life House Democrat–has indefinitely postponed a press conference that had been scheduled for 11 this morning, as House leadership seeks a solution to a dilemma over abortion language that’s threatening to paralyze, or even kill, health care reform.
Some background here. Stupak, and perhaps 10 other Democrats, are unhappy with the Senate health care bill’s language, which they believe expands federal funding for abortions, and they’re threatening to switch their votes from yes to no unless they get some sort of deal.
One of the potential deals being discussed–a complicated process called an enrollment corrections resolution–would allow anti-abortion Dems to vote on legislation that would amend the health care bill after it passes. Pro-choice Democrats are not on board with that proposal, and are also threatening to pull their support for reform if Stupak so much as gets a vote on the resolution–whether or not it passes.
It’s unclear why, exactly, Stupak postponed his press conference, but a keyed in aide suggests Stupak was planning to announce a tentative deal with leadership this morning, and has likely postponed in order to renegotiate. Another aide says it looks like Stupak isn’t gonna get his way…or at least not get everything he wants. More information as we get it. But as always, as major legislation approaches its final vote, things move very swiftly.
