Bush Tax Cuts

GOP Rolls Out Tax Hike Ads

Brian Beutler | October 7, 2010, 11:56AM

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH)

Republicans promised they'd knock Democrats for not renewing (most of) the Bush tax cuts before hitting the campaign trail, and they're now making good on their word.

A new ad running in Michigan's first congressional district typifies the sort of attacks vulnerable Democrats will facing in the last weeks of campaign season. In the segment the Republican contender, Dan Benishek, saddles his opponent with the looming expiration of the Bush tax cuts.

"I favor lower taxes, not higher taxes," Benishek declares. "What should really scare us is the huge tax increase set for January 1. We should be scared of losing more jobs.... The Obama-Granholm-McDowell jobs strategy has failed."

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Oil Spill

Stupak Predicts Congress Will Re-Examine Oil Protection Act, Off-Shore Drilling

Christina Bellantoni | May 4, 2010, 5:22PM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

Rep. Bart Stupak told reporters on Capitol Hill today that he thinks the Oil Production Act will be reexamined "again and again and again" and that offshore drilling wasn't off the table but that the catastrophic oil spill is a "difficult hurdle" for advocates of drilling to overcome in the short term.

"We're still going to drill, but we will look at our plans better. We should learn from this one," Stupak (D-MI) said after an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing investigating the spill.

Stupak also said that it was too early for companies involved in the spill to identify exactly what went wrong. He said it was "premature" to detail what happened and said numerous studies must be finished before anything is known for certain.

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MI-01

Sorry, Connie: National Democrats Not Feeling Saltonstall Bid

Evan McMorris-Santoro | April 9, 2010, 6:23PM

Former Charlevoix County Commissioner Connie Saltonstall

Democrats in Washington are starting to move on from Rep. Bart Stupak's retirement today, and setting their sights on keeping the Michigan first district seat Stupak held for the Democrats for 18 years. The party has offered up a number of names as potential replacements for Stupak today -- but none of them is ex-Charlevoix County commissioner Connie Saltonstall.

Party officials say they expect more Democrats to enter the race, and they're making no mention of the progressive, pro-choice Saltonstall who was running against Stupak in the primary from the left with the support of several national progressive organizations. Saltonstall is unfazed by the lack of attention from the party and told TPMDC this evening she's as committed as ever to winning the nomination.

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Bart Stupak

Stupak Retires, Hints At Successor

Evan McMorris-Santoro | April 9, 2010, 12:53PM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

After making his official retirement announcement today, Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) gave a nod to state Rep. Mike Lahti to succeed him -- though he stopped short of formal endorsement. In the speech from his Michigan district, Stupak said he'll finish out his term in office, but not seek reelection to the seat he's held since 1993.

"It's time to begin a new and exciting chapter," Stupak said. "I will always serve the people of the First District, but I have chosen not to continue to serve as their congressman."

Stupak said his leaving doesn't mean the seat will fall into Republican hands, despite demographics and GOP confidence that the district is now a prime pickup opportunity.

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Bart Stupak

Dems Eye New Candidates To Replace Stupak

Evan McMorris-Santoro | April 9, 2010, 12:22PM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

With Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), headed for the exits Democrats are searching for new Democrats who can take his place in the conservative, GOP-leaning district he won by big margins for more than a decade.

So far, Democrats in D.C. aren't talking about Connie Saltonstall, the pro-choice candidate backed by national progressive groups. She's already in the race, but with a platform right out of the NARAL playbook, it's likely she won't be the one national Democrats turn to in the hopes of hanging onto Stupak's seat.

A few new names have floated to the surface since Stupak made his announcement this morning. Many of them are local and state office holders from inside Stupak's massive MI-01 district.

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2010 elections

Tough Road Ahead For Democrats In Stupak District

Evan McMorris-Santoro | April 9, 2010, 9:07AM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

The good news for Democrats in Michigan's 1st Congressional District is that they already have another Democrat, Connie Saltonstall, who has announced she will run for the seat of Bart Stupak, who is retiring. The bad news could be that she's a progressive running who was running as a pro-choice alternative until Stupak decided to drop his reelection bid this morning. An unstoppable conservative Democrat in a conservative, GOP-leaning district, Stupak had a hold on the MI-01 that the Democrats will be hard-pressed to maintain now that he's gone.

Independent analysts agree: Stupak's district will be a tough one for the Democrats to hang on to in November. For their part, Republicans and conservatives are ecstatic this morning -- they see Stupak's retirement as not just a defeat of one of their prime targets, but also a chance to pick up a seat they haven't controlled for more than a decade.

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MI-01

Stupak: I Intend To Run Again

Eric Kleefeld | April 8, 2010, 9:51AM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) is quickly moving to quash speculation that he might retire, saying that he in fact intends to run.

Stupak told the Detroit Free Press that he has not made a final decision on running. However, this because he hasn't had a chance to sit down and discuss the campaign with his family, which he usually does every two years before the filing deadline in May. Stupak also said he is not worried about his challengers: "I have 18 years of goodwill built up."

In addition, the Associated Press reports that the Democratic leadership has actively asked Stupak -- who has faced criticism from both liberals and conservatives for championing a pro-life position during the health care debate, and then ultimately voting to pass the bill -- to run. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) both reportedly phoned Stupak recently and encouraged him to run again.

Bart Stupak

Stupak's Office Doesn't Rule Out Retirement, Conservatives Already Airing Attack Ad (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | April 7, 2010, 3:01PM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), who has faced criticism from both liberals and conservatives for championing a pro-life position during the health care debate, and then ultimately voting to pass the bill, isn't closing the door on retirement. And if he does run, the opposition on the right is already gearing up against him.

"Every two years, Congressman Stupak discusses with his family and his constituents whether to seek re-election. He believes that is what the people of the First District of Michigan deserve," Stupak's press secretary Michelle Begnoche told CQ, in response to speculation that he might retire. However, Begnoche did say that "campaign plans are proceeding," and that Stupak has the petition signatures needed to appear on the ballot.

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Bart Stupak

Stupak Receives Threatening Fax With Drawing Of Noose

Rachel Slajda | March 24, 2010, 7:24PM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) received a fax today with a drawing of a noose and gallows, labeled "Bart (SS) Stupak."

[RELATED STORY: Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), who is African-American, received a fax depicting a noose. Click for here full story.]

The fax also a included a printout of a post from a blog called the Collins Report, a screed against Stupak for voting for Health Care Reform. (There is no reason to believe that anyone connected to the Collins Report added the noose and gallows or sent the fax to Stupak's office. The person who runs The Collins Report did not immediately return a request for comment.)

You can see the fax here.

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Bart Stupak

Pro-Choice Groups Back Saltonstall Over Stupak In Michigan

Evan McMorris-Santoro | March 24, 2010, 3:01PM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) and 1st District congressional candidate Connie Saltonstall (D)

Connie Saltonstall, the former county commissioner mounting a Democratic challenge against Rep. Bart Stupak in Michigan, has added two more national groups to her already impressive line up of national backers.

In a joint release today, Planned Parenthood and NARAL threw their support behind Saltonstall, who is running as a pro-choice Democrat against Stupak, who since the health care debate has emerged as one of the party's most famous pro-life politicians.

"The clock is ticking on Mr. Stupak's '15 minutes of fame,'" NARAL president Nancy Keenan said in a statement today. "We will work to put an end to Mr. Stupak's divisiveness and replace him with a leader like Connie, who represents Michigan's mainstream values."

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Abortion

Much Ado About Nothing: Explaining The Dustup Over The Health Care Abortion Compromise

Brian Beutler | March 23, 2010, 10:22AM

Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and a pro-choice rally

President Obama's decision to sign an executive order affirming that the health care bill's abortion language doesn't provide federal funds for abortion doesn't really change anything about the bill's provisions. Yet somehow it has infuriated both anti-abortion conservatives and pro-choice progressives.

Republicans, and pro-life groups have assailed the bill as the most pro-choice bill in decades. Taking him at his word, Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-CA) called the bill a "baby killer."

On the flipside, women's groups lashed out at the bill and Obama--and by association, pro-choice leaders in the House like Rep. Diana DeGette--for setting back the cause of reproductive rights.

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Randy Neugebauer

Neugebauer: 'I'm Just Trying To Represent The People Of the 19th Congressional District' (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | March 22, 2010, 6:32PM

Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX)

Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX), who yelled out "baby killer" during the debate on health care Sunday night, said that he apologized to Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), making it clear that he did not intend to attack Stupak personally. But he stands by the substance of his attack on the health care bill, saying he represented the people of his district, as expressed in the town hall meetings from last summer.

"I called Congressman Stupak today, and I said, I just want you to know that my remarks were not directed to you personally, that they were about the policy that was unfolding," said Neugebauer, in an interview excerpt aired on CNN. "I said I was very disappointed in the vote where we had a government takeover of health care, and I was particularly disturbed with the fact that we were somehow brokering a deal with the White House where we put the lives of unborn children in jeopardy. And I just told him, I was speaking passionately. Some people thought I was directing those remarks at him. And I wanted him to be assured that I was not directing those remarks at him."

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Randy Neugebauer

Texas Rep. Neugebauer: 'I Exclaimed The Phrase 'It's A Baby Killer''

Eric Kleefeld | March 22, 2010, 1:57PM

Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX)

Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX) has come forward and admitted that he was the one who yelled "baby killer" during the House debate on the health care bill last night.

In his statement, Neugeubauer said that he meant to refer to the bill as "a baby killer," not Stupak himself. That said, he has apologized to Stupak.

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Abortion

Rep. Broun: I Didn't Yell 'Baby Killer'

Justin Elliott | March 22, 2010, 1:30PM

Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA)

A spokesman for Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) tells us that he is not the member who yelled "baby killer" at Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) last night.

"Dr. Broun did not make the comment and he does not know who did," says Communications Director Debbee Keller.

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Abortion

Radanovich Denies Yelling 'Baby Killer' At Stupak

Brian Beutler | March 22, 2010, 11:11AM

Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA)

The denials keep coming. Rep. George Radanovich (R-CA), who was rumored to have yelled "baby killer" at Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) during a floor debate on abortion says he's not the man of the hour.

"In light of media speculation that I was the one who made the comment, I would like to set the record straight and be clear that I did not make the statement," Radanovich says in a statement. "I condemn any manner of disrespect and name calling among my colleagues. While I am disappointed in Rep. Stupak's decision to vote for this legislation, I would never attack his character and decisions in such an unacceptable manner."

In the great tradition of Washington whodunnits, the hunt for the actual heckler continues.

Abortion

Gohmert: I Didn't Call Stupak 'Baby Killer'

Brian Beutler | March 22, 2010, 10:28AM

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX)

We may be able to scratch one more suspect off the list of potential culprits: Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) says he's not the Republican who shouted "baby killer" at Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), during a debate about abortion on the House floor last night.

"I have no idea who yelled it because they were seated behind me and the House was packed," Gohmert said, according to the Lufkin Daily News. "Whoever said it was obviously upset, but it was inappropriate for them to yell that."

Gohmert sits in the same area where the taunt is reported to have emerged, and has a distinctive Texan accent, as Rep. John Campbell (R-CA) says the culprit had. In fact, a number of readers emailed TPM after the incident, certain, based on the accent, that it was Gohmert. He says that's not so.

Health Care

Pro-Life Group Strips Stupak Of Award

Christina Bellantoni | March 21, 2010, 8:43PM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

The anti-abortion Susan B. Anthony List group announced tonight they will strip Rep. Bart Stupak of the "Defender of Life" award that he's received several times. The group blasted Stupak's role in forging a compromise with the White House on abortion language in an executive order and said he is no longer truly "pro-life."

The group says President Obama's executive order was "unacceptable" and they are redoubling efforts to elect "true" pro-life candidates.

SBA List Candidate Fund President Marjorie Dannenfelser issued a statement saying the group had been planning to honor Stupak (D-MI) for his efforts at their Campaign for Life Gala scheduled for Wednesday. "We will no longer be doing so. By accepting this deal from the most pro-abortion President in American history, Stupak has not only failed to stand strong for unborn children, but also for his constituents and pro-life voters across the country," Dannenfelser said in the statement.

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Health Care

NOW Unhappy With Abortion Compromise: 'Obama Breaks Faith With Women'

Christina Bellantoni | March 21, 2010, 6:12PM

President Barack Obama

While House Democrats are hailing President Obama's executive order on abortion as a breakthrough that will help the final passage of health care reform legislation, at least one group is not happy.

The National Organization for Women (NOW) issued a statement this evening declaring that the group is "incensed" by the move. NOW President Terry O'Neill said in a statement emailed to reporters that Obama's executive order was "designed to appease a handful of anti-choice Democrats who have held up health care reform in an effort to restrict women's access to abortion."

O'Neill accused Obama of trying to "lend the weight of his office and the entire executive branch to the anti-abortion measures included in the Senate bill, which the House is now prepared to pass."

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Health Care

Dems: Leadership Is Telling Members They Have The Votes--But Abortion Still Threatens The Bill

Brian Beutler | March 21, 2010, 3:09PM

President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

Democrats have been told by party leaders in the House that they have the votes to pass health care reform, according to multiple sources.

"I understand that they may have the votes now," Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), who added that he was informed of this by a reliable member of leadership. "It won't be long before we're able to take a vote."

His account is confirmed by a Democratic aide, who tells TPM that, as of this morning, leadership had apprised members that they had at least 217 votes--the minimum number of "yes" votes they want to pass the bill by.

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Health Care

Stupak: Still No Agreement

Christina Bellantoni | March 21, 2010, 2:48PM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

Brian Beutler reports that Rep. Bart Stupak just told reporters on Capitol Hill he is working with the White House on language handling abortion.

"There is no agreement, so until there's agreement I'm a no vote," Stupak (D-MI) said as he walked from the House floor to the office buildings. Earlier today news reports suggested Stupak had flipped to support the bill, but he's saying he's not in.

The negotiations are critical as Stupak still holds a (shrinking) coalition of pro-life Democrats together against the bill. He said he has "pretty close" to 8 members standing with him. Brian asked how important the Catholic bishops are to the process.

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Health Care

Pelosi: 'No Separate Vote' For Stupak...Or Anybody Else

Brian Beutler | March 20, 2010, 12:09PM

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

House Democratic leadership has apparently told Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) to go take a hike--and they'll move forward without him, or any other anti-abortion Dems threatening to switch their votes from 'yes' to 'no.'

Just off the House floor moments ago, Pelosi told reporters there will be "no separate vote" on abortion or any other measure.

And Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a leading pro-choice progressive, said they're moving ahead without him. "There's not going to be any deal made with Mr. Stupak...there's been no deal whatsoever. He's been told that his language is not going to be added to the legislation," she told me this morning.

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Health Care

Stupak Postpones Key Press Conference--But Why?

Brian Beutler | March 20, 2010, 11:10AM

Speaker Pelosi, Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), President Obama

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.

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Health Care

Déjà Vu? Abortion Contretempts Still Threaten Health Bill

Brian Beutler | March 19, 2010, 7:46PM

Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO)

Several members of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus emerged--very unhappy--from a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi late Friday evening. The meeting lasted about half an hour, and most attendees were extremely tight-lipped when they left. But the gist is this: Pelosi is still trying to figure out how to assuage pro-life Democrats, who want the health care bill to contain tighter restrictions on funding abortions, and pro-choice members do not like the options before them.

Pelosi is weighing her option with respect to the remaining pro-life holdouts--led by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)--who are threatening to oppose the health care bill over its abortion language. One of the options floated a few weeks ago would've given Stupak et al a vote on a stand-alone piece of abortion legislation.

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Abortion

Dominos: Democratic Health Care Skeptics Fall Into Line For Reform

Brian Beutler | March 19, 2010, 6:35PM

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA); inset (clockwise): Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-IN), Rep. Allen Boyd (D-FL), Rep. John Boccieri (D-FL) and Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (D-FL)

Yesterday, it was clear House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had built real momentum for passing health care reform this Sunday--but she was also dealing with a tricky landscape. She hadn't converted enough health care skeptics in her caucus to make up for the fact that several anti-abortion members are threatening to bolt over the Senate bill's abortion language, she was facing revolt from two separate members who were expected to vote for the final package, and the remaining holdouts were never going to be easy pickups.

Today that all changed.

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Health Care

Stupak: 'Protect The Sanctity Of Life' And You Can 'Probably' Get My Vote (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | March 19, 2010, 10:31AM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) appeared on Good Morning America, and told George Stephanopoulos that no deal has been made on the health care bill -- but that he does want to vote for it.

Stephanopoulos asked about the idea floated by Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), another pro-life Democrat, to hold a separate vote on reinstating the Stupak language on abortion insurance, as a whole different bill. Stupak said that this was one possibility -- but he wanted to make sure such a bill would in fact be signed into law.

"Okay, we pass the bill, it has to go to the Senate. This is an enrollment corrections bill. It has to be passed before the president would sign the Senate bill. So there's a long ways to go," said Stupak. "And you know, dealing with the Senate has been unusually difficult these last two years, so I'm not a lot of confident it's gonna go any farther than the House of Representatives."

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Democrats

Pelosi Picks Off No Votes -- But Has Yet To Woo Toughest Reps On Health Care

Brian Beutler | March 18, 2010, 6:01PM

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

The past day and a half have gone pretty well for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Yesterday saw a number of in-play Democrats come out in support the final health care reform package, and netted her her first commitment from a member--Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH)--who voted against the House health care bill in November. Today, the Congressional Budget Office gave the legislation a winning score, and she won more commitments, and her second and third converts from no-to-yes: Reps. Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Betsy Markey (D-CO).

But here's the rub: Pelosi still lacks the votes to pass it. Some former supporters of reform continue to say they'll vote against the current legislation. And though many members are coming around, very few of them are in the elusive pool from which Pelosi needs to draw: Members who voted against reform in round one.

And she's running out of easy pick-ups.

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Health Care

Showdown On Abortion: Catholic Groups Face Off In Final Health Care Fight

Brian Beutler | March 18, 2010, 11:42AM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) and Nuns and Bishops

It's been coming for weeks. For at least the third time in the year-long fight over health care reform, abortion has become the seemingly insuperable issue standing between Democrats and their signature agenda item. And now, as we inch closer to a final vote on health care, Catholic groups are getting into the fray -- and are opposing each other on the issue of reform.

On one side, there is the Conference of Catholic Bishops, who take a conservative line on the issue. Like Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), they are adamantly opposed to the language in the Senate health care bill, and, back in November when the House passed its own legislation, the Bishops played a key role in inserting heavily restrictive abortion language at the last moment.

On the other side, however, other Catholic groups like the Catholic Hospital Association and about 60,000 nuns are chiming in--as are key pro-life Democrats who support the Senate language--and they're saying, in essence, ignore the Bishops, and pass this bill. The difference of opinion among Catholics could open up wiggle room for pro-life Dems looking for a way to support health care.

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Bart Stupak

More National Groups Sign On To Saltonstall Campaign

Evan McMorris-Santoro | March 17, 2010, 6:43PM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) and 1st District congressional candidate Connie Saltonstall (D)

More national progressive groups, including NOW and Blue America PAC, have signed on to help former county commissioner Connie Saltonstall in her insurgent bid to beat Rep. Bart Stupak in Michigan's 1st District Democratic primary. Democracy for America is about to get in, too, according to a spokesperson.

It's not yet clear how real the effort will turn out to be. But the national coalition to primary Stupak is certainly building, and Stupak's wife told me today her husband will be ready for it.

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Bart Stupak

Nat'l Progressives Make First Moves Toward Backing A Stupak Primary

Evan McMorris-Santoro | March 16, 2010, 6:58PM

Former Charlevoix County Commissioner Connie Saltonstall

When I interviewed Connie Saltonstall last week, the former Charlevoix County, MI commissioner told me she's aiming to become the next Bill Halter with her primary bid against Rep. Bart Stupak (D). Now it looks like her prediction may be coming true.

Democracy For America, one of the progressive groups that helped push Halter into his primary race against Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D) in Arkansas, is now polling its membership to ask them if the group should turn some of its resources to Saltonstall, who is running on a platform of opposition to Stupak's focus on abortion in the health care debate.

"We don't just jump into a primary race without the overwhelming support of members making it clear exactly where the DFA community stands," DFA deputy political director Michael Langenmayr wrote in an email message today.

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Health Care

Stupak: Pelosi And Hoyer Haven't Talked To Me (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | March 16, 2010, 11:16AM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

In an interview aired last night on Greta Van Susteren's show on Fox News, Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) said that the top Democratic leadership have not approached him about the health care bill.

"Has the Speaker come to you since I last spoke to you last week," said Van Susteren "or even Congressman Steny Hoyer, anyone come to you in the top leadership and talked to you, said down and said, you know, What's your problem?"

Stupak's answer: "No."

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Abortion

Pro-Life Dems Start Breaking In Pelosi's Direction

Brian Beutler | March 15, 2010, 4:03PM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

This is the week that Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) will be forced to show his cards and reveal whether he actually has the votes (and the will) to kill health care reform.

By all appearances, House leadership has given up on attempts to reach an accord with Stupak, and other pro-life Democrats who disapprove of the Senate bill's abortion language. Instead, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others hope that most of them will come to their senses (perhaps after a bit of arm-twisting and pressure from the White House) and vote for the bill.

Stupak himself has acknowledged that Pelosi has probably pulled a couple Democrats away from his group. "The House Democratic leaders think they have the votes to pass the Senate's health-care bill without us," Stupak told the conservative magazine National Review last week. "At this point, there is no doubt that they've been able to peel off one or two of my twelve."

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Health Care

Stupak: Dems Are Arguing That Fewer Abortions Means Higher Health Care Costs

Rachel Slajda | March 12, 2010, 5:59PM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

In an interview today with the National Review, a dejected Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) said he is a "definite no" vote on health care reform after negotiations for a deal on abortion language fell apart. He also described what he said is one argument Democratic leaders are using on his pro-life colleagues.

"If you pass the Stupak amendment, more children will be born, and therefore it will cost us millions more. That's one of the arguments I've been hearing," Stupak said. "Money is their hang-up. Is this how we now value life in America? If money is the issue -- come on, we can find room in the budget. This is life we're talking about."

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Health Care

Hoyer: I'm Not Negotiating On Abortion Provisions in Health Care Bill

Christina Bellantoni | March 12, 2010, 10:42AM

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Speaker Of The House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

TPM's Brian Beutler reports from Capitol Hill that House Democrats are moving forward on health care with or without prolife Rep. Bart Stupak and the dozen lawmakers he might get to attempt to block the bill.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters this morning that Democrats "have not discussed a third way" and that when he spoke with Stupak (D-MI) about the abortion provisions he wants in the measure, "I made it clear that I wasn't negotiating."

"We don't want to go without their votes, but we do want to forge ahead, and as you know Mr. Stupak has made it very very clear that he's very strongly in favor of achieving health care in this Congress. And I think that a lot of his colleagues feel the same way," Hoyer said.

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Abortion

Pelosi: I Won't Let Republicans Hijack 'Good Intentions' Of Pro-Lifers To Kill Health Care

Rachel Slajda | March 12, 2010, 9:48AM

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a long interview with MSNBC's Rachel Maddow yesterday, accused Republicans of hijacking the "good intentions" of pro-life Democrats such as Rep. Bart Stupak in order to kill health care reform.

"This bill is not about abortion. This is about health care for all Americans. And those who want the bill to fail hijack the good intentions of others who have concerns about the federal funding of abortion," Pelosi said, asserting that there is no federal funding of abortion in any proposed health care bill.

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Health Care

Are Democrats Really Scrapping Abortion Negotiations With Stupak?

Brian Beutler | March 11, 2010, 7:44PM

U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA)

The Associated Press raised a lot of eyebrows today with this piece, implying that negotiations over the abortion provision in the Senate health care bill had fallen apart.

"House leaders have concluded they cannot change a divisive abortion provision in President Barack Obama's health care bill and will try to pass the sweeping legislation without the support of ardent anti-abortion Democrats," they reported.

Democratic Rep. Henry Waxman of California, chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, said the leadership will press ahead without reworking the abortion provision, which opponents say falls short in restricting taxpayer dollars for abortion coverage. He predicted some of the anti-abortion lawmakers in the party will end up voting for the overhaul anyway.

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Health Care

Stupak: There Is No Abortion Compromise

Rachel Slajda | March 10, 2010, 8:12AM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), who earlier this week said he is optimistic there will be a compromise on abortion language in the health care bill, told the Weekly Standard yesterday that there is no such deal -- not even close.

"Everyone's going around saying there's a compromise -- there's no such thing," Stupak said. He said that "the majority party can get [a deal] done," but "no one has said here's how you do it, here's the legislative scheme."

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Bart Stupak

Stupak Gets A Primary Challenge From The Left

Evan McMorris-Santoro | March 9, 2010, 5:44PM

Former Charlevoix County Commissioner Connie Saltonstall

A former teacher and county commissioner will challenge Rep. Bart Stupak in the Aug. 3 Democratic primary in Michigan, the Detroit Free Press reported this afternoon.

Connie Saltonstall, a former commissioner in Charlevoix County, told me this evening she's challenging Stupak over his refusal to allow health care reform to move forward without abortion language attached.

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Health Care

Dirty Dozen: Does Stupak Really Have The Votes Needed To Sink Health Care?

Brian Beutler | March 8, 2010, 9:45AM

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI)

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) is holding health care reform hostage over the issue of abortion. He says he can flip about a dozen "yes" votes on health care (including his own) to "no" votes if nothing is done about the Senate bill's abortion language--which he and other pro-life Dems oppose.

House Democratic leadership is negotiating with Stupak, suggesting they think there might be something to his threat--and, of course, they recall November when his bid to insert restrictive abortion language in the House health care bill prevailed. So who are the Stupak-12?

It's hard to say for sure--Stupak hasn't named names. But it is possible to whittle down a list of likely suspects.

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