There is a huge spotlight on about a dozen House Democrats who voted “no” on health care reform in November. As congress launches into the final legislative phase on health care reform this week, President Obama needs a number of them to switch to “yes”.
Two of these key House Democrats appeared on Fox News Sunday. They sound as if they are prepare to vote no again, even if it means a defeat for the president’s health care agenda.
“My constituents put me in Washington to cast tough votes on their behalf,” said Rep. Jason Altmire, D-Pa. “I’m not afraid to take the vote.”
Rep. John Adler, D –NJ said he would not support a final bill that doesn’t help businesses deal with rising insurance costs. “I’m not sure the bills coming through the House and Senate really address health care reform, delivery reform, and that involves cost containment,”
Along with cost-controls, abortion continues to be a controversial issue. Socially conservative House Democrats, led by Michigan Democrat Bart Stupak, say the final health care bill must include language to prevent federal funding of abortion.
In both the House and Senate, the aim now is to hold votes on health care reform before the end of the month