Reid says GOP stance on abortion rider 'indefensible'

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) accused Republicans of being willing to shut down the federal government over a rider relating to abortion rights.

“This debate was about saving money, but no longer,” said Reid in a floor speech.

Legislation approved by the House would eliminate funding for all of Title X. Though Title X does not pay for abortions, $75 million of last year’s Title X funding went to Planned Parenthood affiliates. Planned Parenthood provides abortion services, but says it does not use taxpayer money for that purpose.

“They think there is nothing more important than keeping women from getting cancer screenings?” asked Reid. “This is indefensible and every man and woman should be outraged.”

But Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) told Reid he was  “disappointed” in the leader’s remarks, saying the debate did not “boil down to a subsidy to Planned Parenthood.” 

Kyl said Reid was in an “untenable situation” because women have options for health screenings other than Planned Parenthood.

If a deal to fund the government is not struck by midnight on Friday, the government will shut down.

In his remarks, Reid tried to make the argument personal.

“More than five million women use these clinics every year, and one of them could be my granddaughter,” said Reid. “The House leadership only has a few hours left to look in the mirror and snap out of this and realize how shameful this is.

“We are very hopeful we can reach an agreement on the budget today,” added Reid.