Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV), an appointed senator in a swing state who is in a close race this November, released a statement Thursday explaining his vote in support of the unsuccessful Blunt amendment, which would allow employers to exempt their insurance plans from covering activities that they find immoral (such as birth control, but potentially much more than that based on the wording).
Key quote:
Congress needs to be talking about bolstering economic growth, finding solutions to rising gas prices, and creating jobs. Nevadans and the American people want Congress to solve problems– not more of the same. Both sides should be ashamed we are not having this debate.
“However, the Senate is having a debate as to whether the federal government has the right to bully religious organizations. Let’s be clear, in no way would this amendment deny or interfere with a woman’s access to contraception. This is an absurd allegation. The debate today is about one thing and one thing only; whether the federal government can force religious organizations to provide a service that violates their faith. Supporters of the President’s healthcare law believe the federal government can oppress religious organizations, force individuals to buy a product they may not want, and put personal healthcare decisions in the government’s hands.
