GOP pushes abortion bill through House on March for Life Day - Is This Progress?

2015-01-23T02:28:13-05:00

From the "Associated Press"

http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CONGRESS_ABORTION_BILL?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-01-22-19-54-16

GOP pushes abortion bill through House on March for Life Day

WASHINGTON (AP) -- With thousands of abortion protesters swarming the city in their annual March for Life, Republicans muscled broadened abortion restrictions through the House on Thursday after a GOP rebellion forced leaders into an awkward retreat on an earlier version.

By a near party-line 242-179 vote, the House voted to permanently forbid federal funds for most abortion coverage. The bill would also block tax credits for many people and employers who buy abortion coverage under President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

A White House veto threat and an uncertain fate in the Senate mean the legislation has no realistic chance of becoming law.

[EDITORIAL COMMENT:-Several American Presidents have said "The business of Congress is to pass laws." (or words to that effect). This looks like the actions of a bunch of poseurs not legislators.]

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 7:21 AM

2015-01-23T07:21:43-05:00

I agree, COL Ted Mc. It comes across as a political stunt, especially since there's virtually no chance of it becoming law. The timing (March for Life Day) makes it suspect as well. I don't want to open up a debate on abortion, so I'll stop there.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jan 23 at 2015 7:38 AM

2015-01-23T07:38:47-05:00

I certainly think the timing is suspect, but think that the intent of the bill is good. Our tax dollars should not be used to murder innocent babies.

It is a shame that the Republican-led Congress failed, at the last minute, to pass the late-term abortion bill.

While I agree that both bills have little chance of not being vetoed by the President, I think Congress must take a stand and make the statement that abortion is wrong and make Obama also take a stand by vetoing the bill(s). The majority of Americans oppose abortion.

I believe in a woman's right to determine what is best for her body and for her health, however, that does not include murdering a baby. Yes, there may be circumstances related to health, incest and rape that could possibly have an impact on that decision, but those cases are very rare and should not be an excuse to allow carte-blanche murder of babies. I am ashamed of our country for allowing this.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 3:57 PM

2015-01-23T15:57:27-05:00

I have mixed feelings about it, I am normally opposed to abortions after the 12th week, however I do believe that when sever birth defects are evident the parents should be given additional options.

I don’t believe a fetus is a person, at the same time I also believe that it is more than just a cluster of cells and that respect for human life should also include treating proto-human life with a degree of respect. If republicans are serious about passing it, then they should also add language making birth control and emergency contraception more accessible.

I hope President Obama signs the bill for several reasons even though it is far from perfect...

First, life is precious… even proto-human life. A lot of generally liberal leaning folks such as myself do not agree with abortion on demand until birth.

Second, it would seal his legacy as a moderate who despite choosing Romneycare over single payer health care for all, or bombing terror suspects instead of affording them due process, is branded by the right as a liberal. Regular ice may seem warm when compared to dry ice, however it is still cold in my opinion, Obama only likes like a liberal when compared to hard core conservatives... compare him to a real liberal and it's obvious that he is no liberal.

Third, it would reduce the importance of abortion as a political issue, enabling us to better focus on more important issues like Climate Change. Liberal socialist democracies like Denmark and Germany limit abortion to 12 weeks… and abortion isn’t a major political issue.

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Jan 26 at 2015 8:40 AM

2015-01-26T08:40:16-05:00

It would be nice to be treated like a human for once, but I am a women so I know that is too much to ask. Maybe one day in my life the law will stop being archaic and recognize that I have my own brain and can think for myself. To be clear I am not a fan of abortion, but I do believe that we are a free country that rightfully should respect our own guiding principles and protract other's beliefs.

Response by SFC Steven Harvey made Jan 26 at 2015 11:15 AM

2015-01-26T11:15:52-05:00

It was a grandstanding gesture, late term abortions don't happen very often.

On that note I'm a Libertarian so as much as I dislike the idea of abortion in any stage I believe it should be up to the States to decide these matters.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-01-26T15:11:44-05:00

I used to be opposed to abortion completely but after reading "freakonomics" I'm no longer as die hard. It's not a good thing but it is better than some alternatives.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 26 at 2015 5:21 PM

2015-01-26T17:21:26-05:00

If the Republican Party were as politically astute as the Democrats, they would never touch this or any other controversial subject. Moral grandstanding will only cost them elections.

Does this make there cause wrong? No, of course not. The morality of abortion has nothing to do with it as a political issue and therein lies the problem.

The government should limit itself to those few issues enumerated in the Constitution. Everything else is political nonsense that serves no purpose other than to grow government and make it more intrusive in our lives.

In this case, it should neither prohibit nor subsidize abortions. Each community should be allowed to regulate its own destiny and allow free people to vote with their feet. When the federal government becomes involved, we are less free. We can run but we can't hide.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 5:47 PM

2015-01-26T17:47:55-05:00

I am becoming increasingly suspicious of your posts. You are not verified and espouse ideas largely inconsistent with your age. It doesn't add up. None of it.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2015 6:02 PM

2015-01-26T18:02:22-05:00

I think that an elected Representative should do what they believe their constituency wants them to do. In this instance I think that the Republicans feel that they could lose their job if they do not put forward legislation of this nature as a very large portion of the Republican membership is Pro Life and wants to see this happen. Whether it's a waste of time is a moot point, they are between the proverbial rock and a hard place. Put forth the bill that will almost certainly get vetoed and waste time and money. Or don't put forth the bill and alienate your constituency.

It's a no-brain-er for a politician. They know which side their bread is buttered on.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 4:13 PM

2015-01-27T16:13:28-05:00

Planned Parenthood was founded by a member of the eugenics movement... supporting PPH is supporting eugenics by proxy. Logic escapes some people, but I digress. 59% of the population were students of professors/teachers/parents who "silently" advocated population control.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Apr 2 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-04-02T15:35:45-04:00

Progress is when all that complain about abortion step up to the plate and adopt the children that are born and push for free birth control and sex education for both girls and boys and the ones making all these babies. Lets accept the fact that sex sells and everything we see has sex in it. So boys and girls and young adults will do the same thing we all did when we were teenagers and young adults.