Nuns back health care

Bishops' concerns over abortion funding unfounded, they say.

Dozens of Catholic nun orders are breaking with their fellow bishops to support President Obama's health care plan.

For months, Catholic bishops have been on the Hill pressuring lawmakers to vote against the overhaul because of concerns over abortion.

The Senate health care bill limits abortion funding, but the bishops say it isn't strict enough.

The nuns disagree. About 59,000 nuns are part of the 60 religious orders that sent a letter to Members of Congress Wednesday lending their support to the Democratic plan, the Associated Press   reports.

"We have witnessed firsthand the impact of our national health care crisis, particularly its impact on women, children and people who are poor," they wrote, adding, "Congress must act."

Meanwhile, Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) made headlines by switching to a "yes" vote on health care. Democratic leaders are trying to gather the 216 votes needed to pass a bill through reconciliation this week.

Some Republicans are already looking past the health care vote, saying they will try to repeal the overhaul if it passes, the Washington Post   adds.

-- Ambreen Ali, Congress.org

Recent Headlines

Want to write Congress about SOPA?

If you'd like to write Congress about SOPA, the easiest thing to do is go to our Facebook page and use our Tell Congress app.

The Beat: How Government Works

In this episode of "The Beat," we talk with Roll Call Associate Editor Paul Singer about a new project exploring the behind-the-scenes work that makes government function.

The Beat: Defense

Congress.org editor Ryan Teague Beckwith and CQ defense reporter John Donnelly discuss the latest in defense news.

Directories

Legislation

Issues & Actions

Election


Soapbox

More Resources