On the recordMarch 22, 2013
I rise today to offer a side-by-side amendment to Senator Shaheen's amendment No. 438. My amendment defends the rights of employers opposed to subsidizing certain health care services because of conscience objections or religious beliefs. We have all heard from employers, hospitals, and physicians who have told us about their concerns about inadequate exemptions for those with religious objections to certain types of health care services. In my home State, the Nebraska Medical Association passed a resolution in 2012 calling for increased protection of conscience rights for licensed physicians. I am pleased that this amendment does just that. The amendment does not add a dime to the deficit, it protects the quality of women's health care, and it defends the conscience rights and religious principles of employers and physicians. I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this important amendment. I ask for the yeas and nays on my amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient second. The yeas and nays were ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Washington.
