One of Three Undecided Dems Votes Yes on Health Bill
Three Virginia Democrats were in the spotlight in advance of the big House health care vote last night. In the end, only one of them decided to support the legislation. Manuel Quinones reports from WCVE's Capitol Hill Bureau in Washington.
Congressman Tom Perriello - who represents a district west of Richmond – demurred for weeks before making a decision. He faced enormous pressure from Democratic leaders to support the bill. In the end he said he decided to vote “yes” because he says it’s right for his constituency – where about 13 percent are uninsured according to numbers compiled by the National Journal.
PERRIELLO - The health care system right now is crushing the middle class and small business and bankrupting the country. The hospitals in my district said they pretty much can’t keep their doors open with the status-quo. This is going to increase quality and reduce cost.
Perriello is among the most vulnerable Democrats heading into the midterm elections in November. He says preliminary numbers from the Congressional Budget Office also helped make up his mind. The CBO report shows the overhaul will help reduce the deficit.
Southwest Virginia Democrat Rick Boucher voted against the legislation largely because of cuts to Medicare. Hampton Roads area Democrat Glenn Nye also voted no, saying the bill doesn’t do enough to address health care costs.
From Capitol News Connection, Manuel Quinones, WCVE News, Washington.
Post new comment