Nelson circulating language on abortion proposal

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) is circulating potential language of a measure to restrict federal funding of abortion in the Senate health bill.

Nelson told reporters on Thursday that he's begun to send draft language around the Senate that he hopes to offer as a mirror of the House amendment offered by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.).

He reiterated his pledge to filibuster any health bill that doesn't contain such language, but cautioned that he may not have to resort to that option.

"I will not vote to take it off the floor," he said. "Whatever is finally considered has to have that language in it."

"Now I don't know that it's going to come down to that, because I don't know that Stupak's not going to pass," he added.

Nelson said that alternative bills or provisions could eliminate the need for such an amendment. "I don't know what kind of alternative legislation may be offered as an alternative bill," he said.

Nelson said, though, that he agreed with President Barack Obama that the focus of the bill shouldn't be abortion.

"The president's right: this is not an abortion bill; it is about healthcare," he said.