Posted on 03/08/2005 9:26:42 AM PST by Crackingham
Their ranks strengthened in last fall's elections, Senate Republicans are seeking victory on the first abortion-related vote of the new Congress, one day after rejecting any increase in the minimum wage.
"They have their marching orders over there," Democratic Leader Harry Reid said Monday, shortly before the GOP majority rejected a labor-backed plan to raise the $5.15 hourly minimum wage by $2.10 as well a Republican alternative calling for a $1.10 increase.
Republicans explained their votes differently. "Large increases in the minimum wage will hurt low-income, low-skilled individuals — the very workers proponents claim they want to help," said Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyoming. "Mandated hikes in the minimum wage do not cure poverty, and they clearly do not create jobs."
As for the abortion-related showdown, "it's an uphill fight, but it isn't over," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., author of a proposal to prevent protesters at abortion clinics and elsewhere from using bankruptcy to avoid payment of court judgments.
The skirmishing over two controversial issues occurred on legislation to overhaul the nation's bankruptcy laws, a measure with bipartisan support that is expected to clear the Senate later this week.
Conservative Republicans in the House have blocked passage of bankruptcy legislation in the past because it contained a provision relating to clinic protesters. This year, with Senate GOP leaders trying to craft legislation that can reach President Bush's desk quickly, the issue has taken on a new significance.
Naral-Pro Choice America showcased the vote, calling it the first abortion test of the new Congress.
"Senators need to decide who they will stand with. There is not a single state where there is widespread support for turning this bill into the Firebomber Legal Protection Act," said Nancy Keenan, president of the organization.
Chucky 'The Schmuck' Schumer's ammendment defeated.
"Senators need to decide who they will stand with. There is not a single state where there is widespread support for turning this bill into the Firebomber Legal Protection Act," said Nancy Keenan, president of the organization."
Who is she referring too?
The protestors, or the clinics?
Because passage of Schumer's bill will do just that.
Protect the clinics from losing judgement money!
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