The House has just voted to allow the use of the so-called “deem and pass” strategy, 222-203. Vote tally is here. A “yes” vote is a vote in favor of allowing the House to “deem” the health care bill into law later once it has been brought to the floor.
The vote on this resolution should not be taken as determinative of the health care vote later. It is rare for party members to vote against their own rules in the House, and some Democrats voting “yes” have at least promised to vote against the bill later. Likewise, some Democrats voting “no” might support the bill without being associated with an underhanded process at election time. That’s just in case the business of “deeming” gets real legs with the voting public — something a lot of liberals still doubt.
