Cassidy takes floor on Obamacare

Statewide politics might be all the rage back home right now in light of the approaching elections, but members of Louisiana’s U.S. House delegation are enjoying a bit of a row on Capitol Hill as well. Action on the floor came to a peak Friday as lawmakers debated the so-called Protect Life Act. It’s directly aimed at overturning the provisions of President Barack Obama’s health care plan that link taxpayer dollars with abortion procedures. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, was the only Louisiana lawmaker to vote against the bill, which ultimately passed 251-172. All other delegation members signed on as co-authors, including Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, who personally delivered remarks from the floor, relying heavily upon his background as a medical doctor. “Life is too important an issue to allow any ambiguity in the law,” Cassidy said. “As a physician, I understand the importance of allowing health care providers a conscience exemption. Congress should ensure that no one is forced to act against their values.” House Democrats don’t see it that way, arguing the legislation could lead to hospitals rejecting women who require emergency care related to abortion. Should the legislation continue to move forward, Obama is expected to veto it. —Jeremy Alford