GOP Senators Block Vote on Sebelius Confirmation

Democrats say they have enough support to prevent a filibuster on the vote, which will likely happen next week.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (LifeSiteNews.com) - Republican senators today blocked a motion to vote on the nomination of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services, citing opposition in the Finance Committee.

Democrats say they have enough support to prevent a filibuster on the vote, which will likely happen next week.

The final Cabinet nominee still awaiting confirmation, Sebelius was approved by a divided Senate Finance Committee yesterday, despite questions raised concerning Sebelius' true relationship with notorious late-term abortionist George Tiller.

When asked about her connection to the Kansas abortionist by a senator, Sebelius originally reported only a fraction of the actual donations she received from Tiller and his political action committee, as later revealed in state records and a letter from Tiller. (http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/apr/09041611.html)

Other concerns have also been raised about the HHS nominee. Sen. John Kyl (R-Ariz.), the same senator who questioned Sebelius on her abortion ties, issued a press release Monday saying that he would not support Sebelius' nomination because she supports initiatives that could lead to a rationing of healthcare, to the disadvantage of the elderly and disabled.

"She [Sebelius] left me with no assurance that HHS, federal health care programs, or any new entity - such as the Federal Coordinating Council - will not use comparative effectiveness research as a tool to deny care," said Kyl. "And this should be a matter of concern to all of us."

Kyl highlighted one particular project that Sebelius supports, which promotes cost effectiveness research as providing "accurate and objective information to guide future policies that support the allocation of health resources for the treatment of acute and chronic conditions."

"'Allocation of health resources' is a euphemism for denying care based on cost," said Kyl. "Yet, Governor Sebelius did not agree to pull this project."

Democrats say they have enough support to prevent a filibuster on the vote, which will likely happen next week.

U.S. Capitol Switchboard
(202) 224-3121

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback
Phone: (202) 224-6521

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts
Phone: (202) 224-4774

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