There is one way and one way only to know who has won the budget battle. The winner is not determined by whether the budget cuts $40 or $60 billion from the monstrous deficit spending bill. You will know who has won by seeing if Planned Parenthood is defunded.

This is the fight. The only fight that matters. Without entitlement reform, the budget cuts are taking a few grains of sand off the beach. But this is a battle that means something and makes a difference.

[The Hill] Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) declared Thursday that a Republican proposal seeking to ban taxpayer dollars for Planned Parenthood will not be part of any agreement to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year.

Asked Thursday about the GOP proposal, Reid defended group, which provides abortions, and said the GOP measure will not be part of a long-term funding deal.

“[It] won’t be part of an agreement,” Reid said.

Reid’s vow will complicate negotiations on that spending deal. GOP leaders are under intense pressure from their members and outside groups to deny federal funds to Planned Parenthood. Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), who crafted the House amendment, has said it is time to pass his measure. It is one of 67 riders attached to the spending bill cleared by the House last month. Pence’s office declined to comment on Reid’s remarks.

Americans overwhelmingly do not want their tax dollars funding abortion. If Planned Parenthood is defunded, they will be recognizing the will of the American people and saving lives.

This is the fight that matters. There is no other.