Opinion
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Leading anti-abortion Dem sidelined by death in family
By: Susan Ferrechio
Chief Congressional Correspondent
11/03/09 11:55 AM EST
Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., who has threatened to hold up the House health care bill over language he believes would permit taxpayer dollars to be spent on abortions, may not even vote on the bill if it comes to the floor for consideration this week.
Stupak's mother-in-law, Elaine Olsen, died suddenly on Sunday and he is not expected to be in Washington D.C. this week.
Stupak had been negotiating with Democratic leaders over adding language to the House health care bill that would require fencing off federal health care dollars so none are used to cover abortions. Stupak said he has the backing of 40 fellow House Democrats who would vote against the bill if stiffer language is not included.
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