MSNBC is reporting that Bart Stupak, he the leader of the incredibly shrinking group of pro-life opponents of HCR known as the Stupacrats, is holding a press conference at 4pm ET.
The conventional wisdom is that Stupak has struck a deal with the White House on an executive order that will essentially confirm that no Federal funds will be used to pay for abortion services offered through health insurance plans on the state/national health insurance exchanges.
If Stupak votes yes, that would probably give the Dems more votes than the 220 they had when the House passed its bill in Nov. 2008.
People can feel free to use this diary as a thread to report on the press conferene and other HCR related issues.
By my count, Pelosi has the votes. No to Yes + the 2 vacancies seem to exceed the Yes to No as currently reported.
Update: I'm opening this diary up as a live blog for the Stupak press conference.
Here are some updates:
- Dahlkemper up on the stage with Stupak and Marci Kaptur. Waiting for others.
- Announces agreement with White House and the Speaker.
- Hyde language to apply throughout the HCR bill.
- Comes out in support of President's executive order.
- 'Sanctity of life' in theory means more than securing actual life through health insurance.
- Executive Order will be signed after the HCR legislation.
- Community Health Centers will not be able to use Federal funds to perform abortions.
- Conscience clause applies for providers within the exchange.