Another day, another massive flip-flop for Ben Nelson. Despite consistently claiming to be pro-life, U.S. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) stood with his liberal Democrat leaders this evening and voted against cutting off federal funding to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), which the National Right To Life Committee (NRLC) has called “the nation’s largest abortion provider.” Notably, fellow Nebraska U.S. Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE) voted in support of ending federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
“The next time anyone hears Ben Nelson claim to be pro-life, we hope they remember his vote today,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Chris Bond said today. “Once again, Ben Nelson was given the opportunity of standing with Nebraska or standing with the far left in Washington, and he chose the latter. It’s unclear what’s happened to Ben Nelson since he’s been in Washington, but what is clear is that he stood with Planned Parenthood today and against the pro-life community in Nebraska.”
In a recent letter to Congress, the National Right To Life Committee (NRLC) noted that this key vote would be included in its legislative scorecard and wrote “PPFA is the nation’s largest abortion provider, reporting 324,008 abortions in 2008. . . . According to press reports, PPFA has recently mandated that all of its regional affiliates must provide abortions by the end of 2013. Recent media reports regarding abuses associated with PPFA-affiliated clinics in multiple states provide additional justifications for the amendment.”
And one writer for the Daily Caller succinctly laid out the facts of this vote, writing — a vote not to defund Planned Parenthood cannot be explained away with some kind of “no other good options so I had to do this” talking point. The Senate’s soon-to-be scheduled vote is strictly about preventing Planned Parenthood from receiving federal funds, not eliminating all federally sponsored family planning programs.
Additional Background…..
Nelson: “I Have Long-Held And Strong Pro-Life Beliefs And Have Fought My Entire Career To Protect Life And Strengthen Pro-Life Laws And Regulations.” (Senator Ben Nelson, “Nelson Statement On Sebelius Confirmation,” Press Release, 4/28/09)
Nelson: “[I] Have Always Been Pro-Life And Have A Strong Record Opposing Abortion.” (Senator Ben Nelson, “Nelson Speaks On Senate Floor About Nelson-Hatch Amendment,” Press Release, 12/7/09)
Nelson Said He Stood For His “Pro-Life Principles” During The Health Care Debate. “I want to be clear: I stuck to my guns and stood for my pro-life principles. I didn’t look for weaker language. I looked for clearer language.” (Senator Ben Nelson, “Senator Nelson Delivers Floor Speech On Abortion Language In Health Care Reform,” Press Release, 12/24/09)
“‘I’m A Pro-Life Person Who Happens To Be Involved In Politics,’ Nelson Said. ‘That Distinguishes Me From A Person In Politics Who Has A Pro-Life Position. ‘Mine is a heartfelt belief,’ said Nelson, the father of two adopted children.” (C. David Kotok, “Hagel, Nelson Differ On Plenty Of Topics,” Omaha World Herald, 7/21/96)
Another day, another massive flip-flop for Ben Nelson. Despite consistently claiming to be pro-life, U.S. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) stood with his liberal Democrat leaders this evening and voted against cutting off federal funding to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), which the National Right To Life Committee (NRLC) has called “the nation’s largest abortion provider.” Notably, fellow Nebraska U.S. Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE) voted in support of ending federal funding for Planned Parenthood.
“The next time anyone hears Ben Nelson claim to be pro-life, we hope they remember his vote today,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Chris Bond said today. “Once again, Ben Nelson was given the opportunity of standing with Nebraska or standing with the far left in Washington, and he chose the latter. It’s unclear what’s happened to Ben Nelson since he’s been in Washington, but what is clear is that he stood with Planned Parenthood today and against the pro-life community in Nebraska.”
In a recent letter to Congress, the National Right To Life Committee (NRLC) noted that this key vote would be included in its legislative scorecard and wrote “PPFA is the nation’s largest abortion provider, reporting 324,008 abortions in 2008. . . . According to press reports, PPFA has recently mandated that all of its regional affiliates must provide abortions by the end of 2013. Recent media reports regarding abuses associated with PPFA-affiliated clinics in multiple states provide additional justifications for the amendment.”
And one writer for the Daily Caller succinctly laid out the facts of this vote, writing — a vote not to defund Planned Parenthood cannot be explained away with some kind of “no other good options so I had to do this” talking point. The Senate’s soon-to-be scheduled vote is strictly about preventing Planned Parenthood from receiving federal funds, not eliminating all federally sponsored family planning programs.
