(July 29, 2008 - Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images North America)
President Obama and Speaker Pelosi Scramble to Find 218 Needed for Saturday Healthcare Vote…
The Hill was abuzz yesterday with members of Congress flying from office to office in an effort to figure out where the healthcare legislation stands if called to a vote today or some time tomorrow. There are thought to be significant divides between and among even those who support the bill. Some “Blue Dog” Democrats want to see a prohibition of abortion-related-funding added to the bill and could bring with them at least 20 votes in opposition if their demands are not met. The other end of the ideological spectrum has its own desires as well. Those to the far Left of the Democratic Party want to see a more “robust” public option as Pelosi had originally called for. If this group is not on board, the bill may fall well below the 218 mark. Making them happy must be among the top priorities of the Speaker this morning.
This bill will likely come to a vote this evening. I am not in any way surprised that they would vote on this thing on a Saturday. The weekend is the perfect time to vote on legislation that will change America for all of perpetuity. A Saturday vote, or even a Sunday vote if it is pushed until tomorrow, is the perfect smokescreen to keep Americans from realizing how drastically their lives are about to be changed. I would like nothing more than to see Pelosi think she has 218 today and then call for the vote only to find herself short. Such a display would sincerely make my month. Unfortunately, I think this bill will pass, and then we will be left to rest our hopes with the Senate.
Democrats hold 258 seats in the House and can afford 40 defections and still wind up with 218, a majority if all lawmakers vote. But all 177 Republicans were expected to vote “no,” and Democratic leaders faced a series of complications trying to seal the needed votes for their complex and controversial legislation that would affect one-sixth of the economy and touch the lives of countless Americans.
President Barack Obama and top administration officials called undecided Democrats to plead for support, and House leaders held talks with wavering members to nail down their backing.
Democrats were short of the 218 votes they need to pass the measure, but House Democratic leader Steny Hoyer said “we’re very close.” House members were warned the final vote could slip to Sunday or even later in the week.
Democrats cajoled dozens of party moderates concerned about abortion and immigration provisions in the bill, as well as its $1 trillion price tag and its possible effect on budget deficits.
“There are many people who are still looking to get a comfort level that this is the right thing to do,” Hoyer said. “We’re trying to answer any concerns they might have.”
