Not so much… (photo 2007, courtesy of CAPAF)
It’s available at C-SPAN (CSPAN 3 on TV) if you want to follow along. Rep. Dennis Kucinich will announce his position on the health care bill within moments.
Incidentally, since my last whip count, Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick of Arizona decided to support the health care bill, putting her in the Yes column. She represents the 207th Yes or lean Yes vote, according to my count. Kucinich, if he decided to change his vote and support the bill, would be 208, putting the Democrats 8 votes from passage.
…Chris Bowers has a good piece about the implications of Kucinich switching his vote, which has been rumored. I don’t know why he would hold this press conference otherwise, actually, but Dennis doesn’t exactly play by the rules, so I guess anything’s possible.
…OK, here it is. Each generation has had to decide how to provide health care to our nation. I believe health care is a civil right. We’ve always seen resistance. I’ve spent my life striving for health care. I lived in 21 different places growing up, including a couple cars. I’ve struggled with Krohn’s disease most of my adult life. I’ve learned of the benefits of taking charge of my own health care. I’ve had access to the best practitioners, and I’ve received the benefits. Health and health care is personal.
…Some believe health care is a privilege based on ability to pay. Obama is attempting to open health care to 30 million people within a for-profit health care system. Others believe that health care is a right, and should be non-profit. I expanded the health care debate beyond a for-profit system. The first version of health care bill made the bill worth supporting in committee. I joined Progressive Caucus in saying I wouldn’t support without a public option or an ERISA waiver for single payer.
Some said I would cast deciding vote. President’s visit to my district underscored the urgency. I have taken this fight further than many in Congress cared to carry it.
OH-10 district has suffered under a struggling economy. I take my responsibility personally. In the past week, it’s become clear that the vote on the final health care bill will be close. I take this vote seriously. I’m quite aware of the historic flight that has taken decades. I’ve seen the political and financial pressure against taking this minimal step. I know I have to make a decision on the bill as it is. My criticism of the legislation has been well-reported. I do not retract those criticisms. They stand as legitimate and cautionary. I have doubts about the bill. It is not a step toward anything I supported. However, after careful discussions with the President, the Speaker, I have decided to cast a vote in favor of the legislation. If my vote is to be counted, let it count now in passage of the bill, hopefully in the direction of comprehensive reform.
Tags: Dennis Kucinich, Health care
