Earlier this week, The Washington Post speculated that Senate Republican leaders might be considering abandoning their attempt to defund Planned Parenthood in order to obtain passage on a reconciliation bill repealing some pieces of Obamacare.
Yesterday, however, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell assuaged worried pro-lifers, stating adamantly that the defund language would not be dropped from the bill:
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday dispelled speculation that Republicans might drop a provision defunding Planned Parenthood from an ObamaCare repeal package.
Senate Republican leaders initially wanted to vote on the ObamaCare repeal bill this week, but they’ve had trouble rounding up enough votes in part because moderates have balked at the Planned Parenthood language.
McConnell, however, held course Tuesday and vowed it would not be dropped to make the bill more enticing for Sens. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).
He told reporters the repeal package “will contain a defund of Planned Parenthood,” adding, “we’ll be moving to that after Thanksgiving.”
As Marjorie Dannenfelser wrote last week, this bill — as it is immune to a Democratic filibuster — represents an incredible opportunity for pro-life legislators to force President Obama into an uncomfortable position vis-à-vis his support for the ever-controversial Planned Parenthood. With this goal so close to being achieved, it’s time for GOP leaders to stand firm and capitalize.
Paul Dupont is the managing editor for ThePulse2016.com.
