Dems get health ready for House vote - Washington Times

Dems get health ready for House vote - Washington Times: "Democratic House leaders are pushing for a final vote on a health care reform bill scheduled for Saturday with last-minute negotiations continuing over taxpayer-funded abortions and other contentious issues.

Leaders and at least a handful of pro-life Democrats appear to be close to a deal on language that would assure them that taxpayers would not have to pay for abortions, which is the most significant hurdle to final passage.

The 10-year, $1.2 trillion House bill would establish a government-run insurance plan, require individuals to obtain insurance and employers to provide it, and provide tax subsidies to help the poor and middle class obtain coverage.

Final passage in the House would put President Obama's goal of reforming the health care system within sight of the White House. From there, the Senate would have to pass its bill and then the two pieces of legislation would have to be combined, though neither is expected to be easy tasks.

It's not clear yet whether Democrats have the votes required to pass the bill. House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, when asked whether he has the 218 votes, simply said, 'We'll see.'

Democrats plan to make final changes to their bill - expected to include the abortion compromise - by Friday, when the Rules Committee meets. Chairman Louise M. Slaughter, New York Democrat, said there will likely be five hours of floor debate and no floor amendments accepted in a rare Saturday session in the House."