Sen. Brownback supports Sebelius, draws disapproval

News Resources Tools Columns Documents ACI Group

Contenidos del sub-menu

Comments: 9

Washington D.C., Mar 2, 2009 / 06:25 pm (CNA).- Kansas Senators Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts are congratulating Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on being nominated to serve as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services. But their well wishes are not enjoying a good reception with some pro-life activists.

When news of President Obama’s nomination became public on Saturday, the two senators issued a joint statement describing her selection as "an honor."

"Congratulations to Governor Sebelius on being nominated to be the Secretary of Health and Human Services," the Senators said. "It’s an honor for the State of Kansas to have an elected official appointed to the president’s cabinet. We are hopeful Governor Sebelius will be a voice for Kansas and rural America at the Department. We look forward to working with her on issues important to the state including a National Cancer Institute Designation at the University of Kansas Cancer Center."

The statement also mentions that the two senators expect to have "different viewpoints than the Administration on many issues including health care reform" but does not mention abortion.

However, numerous pro-life organizations have roundly condemned Sebelius’ nomination. They note that as a state representative she voted against laws on parental notification, reflection periods and informed consent. As governor, she either opposed or vetoed legislation that would have required abortion clinics to abide by a set of health care standards and a 2006 bill that would have tightened regulations on abortions.

Austin Ruse, president of the Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM), told CNA that he is "deeply disturbed" by Brownback’s message.

"As an early supporter of Senator Sam Brownback for President and as a long-time ally of his in the U.S. social policy fights, I am profoundly disappointed in Senator Brownback's endorsement of the pro-abortion Catholic Governor Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services. She supported partial birth abortions performed on unborn Kansas babies.

"That Senator Brownback is proud of her appointment is deeply disturbing."

Comments: 9

Subscriber comments:

Published by: M.Kathleen Clancy
white Lake, MI USA 04/13/2009 02:12 PM EST

Indeed I am very much
disappointed with this move by Sr. Brownback.
This is one more reason to keep up our prayers for public officials.

Published by: David
Roanoke, VA, USA 03/06/2009 01:01 PM EST

Don't count him out. He is just being politic here. After all, didn't the pope 'congratulate' Obama on being inaugurated?

I for one still believe in Sen Brownback.

Published by: Bryce
Madison/WI/US 03/04/2009 08:42 PM EST

We shouldn't be so quick to see Senator Brownback's comments as being an "endorsement." What I see here is a diplomatic congratulations to a fellow Kansas politician and a request that she work to do the right thing.
Let's all pray that Sebelius will return to Christ and stop furthering the cause of evil.

Published by: Stephany
Texas 03/03/2009 11:31 AM EST

Something is wrong here. I hope Brownback explains this, because I for one find it unfathomable.

We're waiting Senator.

Published by: Mary Ann
Moulton, TX USA 03/03/2009 09:49 AM EST

Say it ain't so, Sam.

Where is your judgement? You could have been far less congratulatory.

We need real men and women in the pro-life movement, not cow-towwing pansies.

Published by: Johnny
US Forces Korea 03/03/2009 05:39 AM EST

This is a huge disappointment. Sen. Brownback was one of the good guys until I learned this. I am disgusted. This is why Rush so sharply rebuked the GOP for abandoning their conservative roots.

Published by: Scott
Seoul 03/03/2009 03:05 AM EST

Of course Senator Brownback wants her to be nominated and accepted. This means it is easier for him to become governor.
How obvious is his pandering?

Published by: Larry
Texas 03/03/2009 12:16 AM EST

Catholics who support Barack Obama and his pro-death administration should take a hard look at what their Christian faith really means.

The "evil one" is having a grand old time with this.

Larry

Published by: Rose
IL 03/02/2009 11:49 PM EST

Brownback attends the annual Washington D. C. Catholic prayer breakfast. He attends the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. as a speaker. I guess it's strictly a political move. Disturbing indeed; it is duplicitous behavior. Is he selling out the protection of the unborn for a Kansas Cancer Center?? Shame on him. A sad day for the Repbulican Party which he supposedly represents and a prime reason why more people of his own party are fed up with & distrust such Party hypocrites.

ADD A COMMENT (Your e-mail will NOT be published):


NAME:
CITY/STATE/COUNTRY:
EMAIL:
COMMENT:

PLEASE ENTER THE SECURITY CODE DISPLAYED ABOVE:
Chars:

* Thanks for your comments. The number of messages that can be online is limited. Length should not exceed 1500 characters. CNA reserves the right to edit messages for content and tone. Comments and opinions expressed by users do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of CNA. CNA will not publish comments with abusive language, insults or links to other pages.

ADVERTISING
CNA does not necessarily endorse these advertisers. Please proceed with discretion. If you feel that a website announced has inappropriate or offensive content, please send it by e-mail to catholicna@catholicna.com