Nelson Rejects Abortion Deal

Ben Nelson says compromise language offered to prevent federal money from covering abortions "isn't sufficient" in the current Senate bill. The Nebraska Democrat is one of the holdouts Harry Reid must win over to get 60 votes, but Nelson told a radio station today that he's still not on board. "The basic question about the funding of abortion has not been answered yet."

Nelson's office later stated that he's still open to "additional attempts" to find a way around the impasse, reports the Wall Street Journal. But for now, his position further endangers Reid's goal of getting a bill passed before Christmas. "It may be possible, but I don't see how," Nelson said. Sen. Bob Casey said he met with Nelson this morning, and the two are continuing to work on a satisfactory compromise.
(More Ben Nelson stories.)