UPDATE:
As many have become aware, LB626 did not pass cloture on Select File yesterday. We fell one vote short as Senator Riepe to a Present Not Voting position.
Here’s how it happened… early on in the beginning of the debate, Senator Hunt pulled her motions, allowing the introduction of Senator Riepe’s amendment, an amendment written by Senators Hughes and Ibach. There were several hours of debate in which Riepe touted his ties to the medical community and insisted they do as they are told it needs to be. Many of the Republican senators stood up for LB626, sharing personal testimonies, studies, and stats of our own states’ majority proLife position. The balcony was packed with a majority in support. There was a plan floating around that they had the votes for cloture and would then vote down the amendment. It seemed everything was going to be a big win. Hopes were certainly high, and even the democrats acted as though they’d already lost.
Upon the circulation of that plan, it seems Riepe decided to tank the bill rather than sticking to the promises of his campaign, as a cosponsor, an attendee of the ProLife rally and the party platform.
With that decision, LB626 is dead… unless Riepe, one of the no vote, or present not voting Senators’ motions for a vote to reconsider.
Many groups, entities, and county parties are calling for Senator Riepe to make the motion to reconsider with the promise of censure should he not uphold a ProLife position. Including the first passage of verbal censure by the Saunders County Republican Party. Others that have stated their displeasure include Douglas County Republican Party, Nebraska Republican Party, Governor Jim Pillen, Nebraska Freedom Coalition, Nebraskans Embracing Life, Nebraskans for Founders’ Values and many more are preparing to join.
There are other efforts and options being explored in the hopes of reviving LB626.
The Legislature resumes Tueday morning at 9am. Which seems forever away in the wake of yesterday’s tragic failure. Many are wondering what they can do and how they can help make this right.
We are calling on all patriots to pray and reach out to Senator Arch, the Speaker of the Legislature, and Senator Riepe to urge them to take action and bring LB626 back up for debate.
As you may know, LB626 aims to ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, usually around six weeks of gestation. This legislation has the potential to save thousands of unborn lives, but it needs your support.
Despite the failed cloture vote, the Nebraska Legislature rules allow for the bill to be brought back up for debate if 33 senators agree. This means there is still a chance for LB626 to pass if we can persuade Senator Arch to use his influence as Speaker and encourage Senator Riepe to reconsider his position.
We appreciate Senator Arch’s support of LB626 and recognize his vital role as the Speaker of the Legislature. Now, we need his leadership to keep working for the passage of LB626, whether that means allowing Senator Riepe to reconsider his no vote on cloture or bringing the bill back up for debate.
Please take a moment to contact Senator John Arch and Senator Merv Riepe, urging them to take action on LB626. You can reach them at the following contact information:
Senator Arch:
Phone: (402) 471-2730
Email: jarch@leg.ne.gov
Senator Riepe:
Phone: (402) 471-2623
Email: mriepe@leg.ne.gov
Together, we can send a strong message that the sanctity of life is a fundamental principle that must not be compromised. Please join us in advocating for the rights of the unborn and holding our elected officials accountable for their actions.
