Minnesota's two senators voted against a controversial amendment to the health reform bill Tuesday that attempted to ensure public funds do not indirectly fund abortions.
The amendment, sponsored by Democrat Ben Nelson, failed on a procedural vote -- unlike its nearly identical counterpart that already passed in the House. Seven Democrats supported the legislation.
It would have prevented private insurance companies from covering abortions if they receive federal funds -- excluding cases of incest, rape or health risks. This includes insurers whose customers benefit from government health insurance subsidies. It also would have prohibited coverage of abortions in a proposed government-run insurance plan.
Reps. Tim Walz, Betty McCollum and Keith Ellison were the delegation's only 'no' votes for the mirror legislation in the House - the "Stupak" amendment. At the time, Rep. Jim Oberstar hinged his vote largely on Stupak's passage.
The amendment's failure means abortion will likely play a large role in the Senate debate moving forward and could complicate the combination of the two bills later down the road (if the Senate bill passes).
Franken spoke on the Senate floor on Monday about why he opposed the legislation.
