It’s pretty safe to say the Democrats will pass the health care reform bill this afternoon, but Republican opponents aren’t giving up yet.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said on Sunday’s Meet the Press that he is confident Democrats will be able to pass the bill with more than enough support.
“I think we are going to have the 216 votes when the roll is called, yes,” Hoyer said in response to a question by host David Gregory.
Gregory asked if Hoyer has the votes locked down now.
“There are still members looking at it and trying to make up their minds but we think that there are going to be 216 votes-plus when we call the roll.”
Republicans are still trying make the argument that it’s not too late to stop the bill from passing. Tea party protesters have swarmed the Capitol and the switchboard was tied up for days this past week with people calling to complain about the bill.
House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said public protest can still influence the outcome.
“It’s clear from listening to Steny that they don’t have the votes yet,” Boehner said. “If the American people stay involved, this fight is not over yet.”
