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Democrats down to a seven-vote margin on health vote
By: Susan Ferrechio
Chief Congressional Correspondent
11/07/09 9:07 PM EST
As the House nears a vote on health care reform, Republicans are busy tallying the Democratic "no" votes and there are 34 so far, according to their estimates.
Those on the list are the most moderate and also the most vulnerable in the party, including Rep. Harry Teague, of New Mexico and Travis Childers of Mississippi.
The list also includes members of the conservative House Blue Dog Coalition including Allen Boyd, D-Md., and Rick Boucher, D-Va.
Boucher told The Examiner the pubic option would make health care in his district "unsustainable" because the reimbursement rates for doctors and hospitals would be too low.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., praised the $1.2 trillion bill in a floor speech.
"For all Americans, this legislation makes a big difference," Pelosi said. "No discrimination for pre-existing medical conditions, no dropped coverage if you are sick, no co-pays for preventive care. There is a cap on what you pay in but there is no cap on the benefits that you receive. It works for seniors closing the donut hole, offering better primary care, and strengthening Medicare for years to come. It works for women preventing insurance companies from charging women more than men for the same coverage. No longer will being a woman be a pre-existing medical condition."
Her speech followed hours of debate, with Republicans unified in opposition to the bill.
"This ill-conceived power grab will bankrupt our country as it destroys our freedom," Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., said. "Wake up America."
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