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)

Some of you may know already that today, the Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment (which bans federal funding of abortion in the new health care bill) was tabled and thus defeated by a vote of 54 to 45.

You may also know that our distinguished senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) was one of those 54.

He has not responded to my first e-mail yet, but I sent him another one to let him know what I think of his actions today.

I would encourage you to contact him by e-mail and do the same.

Mr. Nelson,

I am extremely disappointed in your action today as you voted to table the Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment. I am dumbfounded by your inability to represent your constituents.

Why did you choose not to stand up for life? Why did you choose to ignore the wishes of the majority? You were not elected to do whatever you want, sir. You were elected to represent the views of the citizens of Florida.

If Sen. Reid's health care bill passes with the CAPPS language as it is now, I will do everything in my power to show fellow voters in Florida how you were directly responsible.

Please, stop ignoring the citizens. Do not vote for this health care reform bill. Do not vote for the 2000-page bill that will cost our weakened economy over 1 TRILLION dollars and 5.5 MILLION jobs. I'm not stupid. I know that this bill WILL increase taxes and premiums and cut benefits for everyone.

Health care reform is needed. But this bill is wrong in every way.

Thank you for your time,

Andrew Ensley

It was difficult to be this polite.

Possibly Related posts:

1. My Open Letter to Senator Bill Nelson
2. Senator Nelson Responds to Health Care Concerns
3. Nancy Pelosi is a liar, and I can prove it (stop the health care bill)

This is an open letter that I sent to Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) about the Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment which would ban federal funding of abortions in any new health care bill passed.

You can contact him yourself by calling (202) 224-5274
(Note: when I called it went straight to voicemail and the mailbox was full)

You can also contact him by e-mail here.

Dear Senator Bill Nelson,

I know from your history on the issue of abortion that you will probably oppose the Nelson-Hatch-Casey amendment, but I urge you, as a constituent in your state, to consider that a November CNN poll found that 61% of Americans reject federal funding of abortions.

It is a violation of the taxpayers' consciences to force us to fund elective abortions or plans that cover elective abortions.

All the Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment does is ensure that the long-standing language of the Hyde Amendment remains consistent in our nation's health care.

I must inform you that the respect for life is the most important issue to me when I vote. I will not support any politician that believes it is acceptable to end an innocent life in any situation. I personally know many other voters who would agree. I am sharing this letter (along with your response) with them and urging them to contact you as well.

Please respect the wishes of your constituents and the lives of the defenseless.

Please vote yes on the Nelson-Hatch-Casey Amendment.

Sincerely,

Andrew Ensley

Possibly Related posts:

1. Senator Nelson Responds to Health Care Concerns
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)