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Pro-Life Groups Oppose Compromise Deal on Senate Filibusters

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
May 23, 2005

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- As lawmakers continue attempt to broker a last-minute compromise deal on filibusters in the Senate, pro-life organizations have strongly come out against any deal. They worry a compromise would leave potential Supreme Court picks subject to filibusters.

Saying that there is "no room for compromise in the Senate regarding judicial filibusters" and that "concession is not an option," Family Research Council president Tony Perkins asked senators Monday to reject any deal.

"If these wavering Republican senators, after four decades of judicial activism which has created an environment of hostility to people of faith, cut and run at this critical moment when irrationally senseless activist courts are gaining in influence, they ensure the end of Republican control and will likely cause the loss of the White House and potentially Congress by 2008," Perkins said.

Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life agreed with Perkins' sentiments.

"Americans are sick of the way politics is conducted in Washington and are looking for leaders willing to take principled stands," said Fr. Pavone, director of the pro-life Catholic group.

"Senate Democrats have used unprecedented tactics to prevent qualified nominees from receiving votes on the floor of the Senate simply because of their religious beliefs, and it is time for this bigotry to end," Pavone said. "I urge all Senators to oppose compromises that allow for such discrimination to remain institutionalized."

Twelve lawmakers are hoping to craft a compromise that will allow votes on about two-thirds of a dozen nominees currently being filibustered.

The compromise would have six Democrats agreeing to not filibuster Supreme Court nominees except in "extreme circumstances." What that means is under debate and could jeopardize the deal.

Jan LaRue of Concerned Women for America said any deal "would result in dumping some of the nominees and allowing the Democrats to hold on to their obstructionist filibuster to use against future Supreme Court nominees."

She worries the term "extreme circumstances" could be used at any time with any high court nominee.

"Cutting a nutty deal with Democrats, who have nothing to lose and everything to gain, makes no sense," LaRue added.

 

 

 

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