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Senator Nelson (D-FL) has finally responded to my e-mail about his vote on the Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment.

Since this is an open letter, I'm copying his entire response below (minus the "don't reply to this e-mail, etc." message).

From: Bill@billnelson.senate.gov
To: Andrew Ensley
Sent: Mon, Dec 14, 2009 at 8:49 AM
Subject: RE: Your response from Senator Bill Nelson

Dear Mr. Ensley:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the health care reform process as it relates to abortion.

On December 8, I voted against Senator Ben Nelson's amendment to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that would have imposed further restrictions on abortion, making it virtually impossible for a woman to purchase an insurance policy that covers abortion, even if she pays entirely with her own money. The health care bill now under consideration in the Senate follows the precedent set by the Hyde Amendment, that no Federal funds shall be used to provide abortions except in the case of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the mother. This compromise has been the law of the land since 1976, and I see no need to make any changes to this policy as a part of health care reform.

I believe in a woman's constitutional right to choose and in reducing the number of abortions in America by encouraging adoption. The Senate bill represents a reasonable compromise, crafted in good faith by both sides. As the bill makes its way through the legislative process, I will keep your views in mind.

Sincerely,
Senator Bill Nelson

Today, I sent my reply.

Senator Nelson,

I have received your response to my initial e-mail, and I am again disappointed by your point of view on the subject of the Nelson-Hatch-Casey amendment.

There are two possibilities here:

1. You have fallen for the rhetoric that your fellow Democrats have been spouting, in which case you have failed to understand legislation fully before voting on it. Or...
2. You are part of the rhetoric and willfully misleading others.

Which is it, Senator?

Rep. Capps herself admits that she is against the Hyde amendment (here in the second paragraph), and her voting record has always supported the expansion of abortion in every way. How are people to believe, then, that she would be at the forefront in implementing the very language she is against without altering it in even the smallest regard to favor her point of view? You insult my intelligence again, sir.

The Stupak amendment was overwhelmingly supported in the House (240 to 194), and all the Nelson amendment did was apply the same language to the senate bill.

Again, you have failed to represent the wishes of the majority, and - worse - you are lying to the general public (whether it's intentional or not).

Please listen to reason. Please do not support Senator Reid's health care bill. It is a terrible bill in many ways, but the most important issues are the respect for and defense of life. This bill does neither.

Sincerely,

Andrew Ensley

If you would also like to tell him how you feel,

1. Contact him by e-mail
2. Contact him by phone: (202) 224-5274

Possibly Related posts:

1. My Open Letter to Senator Bill Nelson
2. Sen. Bill Nelson did NOT represent us today
3. Nancy Pelosi is a liar, and I can prove it (stop the health care bill)

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