House Votes Not There To Pass Health Care
Despite all the spin by pundits and all the assurances by Nancy Pelosi, Drudge is reporting that the House Whip is claiming the votes to pass the House’s version of health care reform aren’t there at the moment.
At least 44 more moderate Members of the Democrat Caucus have gone on the record in opposition to the current health care bill in the House, a Hill source claims. Likewise, at least 57 liberal Members of the Democrat Caucus have gone on the record saying they will vote against a health care bill without a strong public option.
Unless multiple Democrats flip on their stated position on health care, Speaker Pelosi lacks the votes to pass a bill through the House on the strength of Democrat votes alone.
Obviously, as noted, that is contingent upon those Democrats oppossing the bill remaining in opposition and it requires no Republicans vote for the bill. Of course the arm twisting hasn’t really begun in earnest but the key phrase here is “have gone on record”. Normally that isn’t done with the expectation of backing down, “flipping” and handing your election opponent a gold-plated hammer to pound you flat with in ’10.
Interesting stuff.
~McQ