Health Care Vote: LIVE Updates On Reform Whip Count
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At least two dozen Democrats remain undeclared on the final health care bill. We'll be updating the table below as soon as their positions are announced, and you can keep track of our reporters' breaking health care updates all day long HERE.
If you'd like to help us track down members' positions, please call the Capitol Switchboard at 877-762-8762 or 202-224-3121 or 202-225-3121 -- ask for the office of one of the members below and email us what their office tells you at huffpolitics [@] huffingtonpost.com.
Scroll down to follow the health care reform debate on Twitter live.
Undeclared Democrats On Health Care
| MEMBER OF CONGRESS & POSITION -- CURRENT LIKELY/FIRM 'YES VOTES: 198 (216 NEEDED) |
|---|
| John Adler (N.J. 3) -- The Hill notes, "Citing cost containment, Adler told the Courier-Post that he will vote against Senate measure" |
| Jason Altmire (PA. 4) -- "Altmire said he won’t let politics or pressure determine which way he’ll vote. He said Thursday he has concerns about the costs involved in overhauling the medical delivery system and needs ’to see better cost containment than was in previous versions of the bill.’" |
| Brian Baird (WASH. 3) -- "Baird has been undecided on how he’ll vote. The retiring Democrat previously voted no against the last measure. Baird tells the paper the calls are obviously responses from talk radio and some don’t know where they’re calling." [Link] |
| John Barrow (GA. 12) -- From the Daily Caller's Jon Ward: "John Barrow of Georgia has made a decision, he told me, but refused to say what it is." |
| Marion Berry (ARK. 1) -- Voted yes on the original House bill, and voted in the budget committee to move the bill to the Rules Committee. A retiring Blue Dog, most expect him to vote 'yes.' |
| Tim Bishop (N.Y. 1) -- From The Hill: "Must-have vote for leadership. Bishop's office told CNN that the New York lawmaker wants major changes to Senate bill. Voted yes in March 15 Budget Committee markup." |
Rick Boucher (VA. 9) -- Statement on Thursday to the Bluefield Daily Telegraph:
Boucher, who voted against the original health care bill in the House, said his final decision will be based on what is in the best interest of Southwest Virginia. “I voted against the bill that was considered in the fall,” Boucher said. “I was very concerned that a number of key measures of that provision would adversely effect health care in my district. The text of the bill that will be debated and voted on this weekend was only circulated about two hours ago. It was posted about 2:30 p.m. today. I have not had an opportunity to read it yet. I do intend to read it and will review it carefully with the interest of Southwest Virginia health care recipients and health care deliverers in mind. My judgment will be based entirely on what is in the best interest of Southwest Virginia. The position of my political party doesn’t matter in that consideration. All that matters is what is best for Southwest Virginia. As soon as I have had an opportunity to review the bill, and consider its provisions, I will reach a decision. Before I reach a decision, I will put out a public statement. I’m sure I’m going to have questions after I review it. I will place phone calls to knowledgeable individuals in my district to pose questions. When I reach a decision, I will put out a public statement.” |
| Allen Boyd (FL. 2) -- From the Tampa Bay News: "Florida Congressman Allen Boyd waved his hands and brushed past a small herd of reporters. 'Gotta go,' he said moments ago after leaving the House chamber. But Boyd said he was 'undecided' on the health care bill (he voted no the first time around, one of two Florida Democrats to do so). 'I gotta go figure out how I'm going to vote.' Boyd said he was studying the new CBO report showing the total cost of $940 billion. 'I'll let you guys know something; it'll probably be in the morning.'" |
| Chris Carney (PA. 10) -- Carney told the Scranton Times-Shamrock, "As I said publicly, I can't vote for a bill that will publicly fund abortion." |
| Jerry F. Costello (IL. 12) -- "Was still on record as of Thursday that he will vote no on the Senate version of the health care reform bill the House is set to vote on this weekend. But observers familiar with Costello and congressional deal-making said his opposition likely stems from an effort to wring concessions from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Barack Obama. These observers expressed confidence that Costello will ultimately vote yes on a measure that has become the No. 1 issue for his party's top leaders." |
| Henry Cuellar (TEX. 28) -- "Cuellar backs Stupak language but undecided. Cuellar's vote has been one of rampant speculation, but the office told The Daily Caller he is undecided. Under pressure from Speaker and the president, Cuellar backed the climate change bill and House healthcare measure last year." |
| Kathy Dahlkemper (PA. 3) -- "GOP target. Her yes vote could be key to passage. Strong backer of Stupak language" |
| Lincoln Davis (TENN. 4) -- CBS News: "Very likely no again. Has not told local papers which way he will vote." |
| Joe Donnelly (IND. 2) -- "Among the Stupak dozen — will vote no unless abortion language in Senate bill is changed, according to The Rochester Sentinel" |
| Steve Driehaus (OHIO 1) -- Voted yes on the original House bill, now considered a possible no. Wants stricter abortion language. |
| Brad Ellsworth (IND. 8) -- Voted yes on the original House bill, also fighting for stricter abortion language and is running for retiring Sen. Evan Bayh's seat. |
| Baron P. Hill (IND. 9) -- Supported first health care bill, wants stricter abortion language. |
| Paul E. Kanjorski (PA. 11) -- Likely 'yes' vote but facing tough reelection. |
| Marcy Kaptur (OHIO 9) -- "One of the key undecided members of Congress on health reform, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo), remained uncommitted yesterday but said she is "leaning" in favor of the bill after getting some personal attention from President Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. 'I am leaning toward voting for the bill if we can properly deal with the abortion issue and we are fast about that task,' Miss Kaptur said." |
| Suzanne Kosmas (FLA. 24) -- Has met privately with President Obama at the White House. |
| Daniel Lipinski (ILL. 3) -- Says he will vote 'no' unless they change the Senate abortion language. |
| Jim Matheson (UTAH 2) -- "As the clock ticks down, Matheson remains undecided on what could be the biggest vote of his five-term congressional career. He says he will base his decision solely on the policy details of a compromise bill released Thursday, but Utah insiders say Matheson's stand will have serious political ramifications that will last far past the climactic health-reform vote now slated for Sunday." |
| Harry E. Mitchell (ARIZ. 5) -- "In bad sign for the Democratic leaders, Mitchell voted with Republicans March 18 on motion to condemn "deem and pass" strategy. GOP target. His spokesperson told The Hill: 'The Congressman had some concerns with the Senate bill and will look over reconciliation to see how it impacts the Senate bill.'" |
| Alan B. Mollohan (W.VA. 1) -- Voted yes on the House bill, but analysts now call this seat one of the most competitive in 2010. |
| Scott Murphy (N.Y. 20) -- "Scott Murphy seemed somewhat unenthused by the CBO analysis. 'The issue of cost control goes beyond just deficit spending. To have true health care reform, we need to decrease the amount our families and small businesses spend on health care,' he said." Writes FireDogLake's David Dayen, "He’s still undecided (I have him lean Yes based on prior statements, but I’m rethinking that)." |
| Glenn Nye (VA. 2) -- In a tough, toss-up race. |
| Bill Owens (N.Y. 23) -- Voted 'yes' on first health care bill, and is considered a likely 'yes' vote again, but says he's still undecided. |
| Earl Pomeroy (N.D.) -- "Concerned about Senate abortion language and costs. Democrats just gave him the plum job of the social security subcommittee on Ways and Means after Rangel was forced to step down and the committee reorganized. Possibly a sweetener." |
| Nick J. Rahall II (W.VA. 3) -- The Bluefield Daily Telegraph reported Friday: "'I'm still trying to work through the abortion language,' Rahall said Thursday. 'I definitely am for health care reform and health insurance reform, and certainly I’ve said that during all of my town hall meetings. The status quo is not acceptable.' However, Rahall said he opposes the use of federal funds to pay for abortion.s He calls the current Senate language on abortion 'unacceptable.'" |
| Zack Space (OHIO 18) -- Represents a district that John McCain won easily in 2008, but is likely to vote 'yes.' |
| John Tanner (TENN. 8) -- Voted 'no' on the first health care bill but is retiring. |
| Harry Teague (N.M. 2) -- "Told The Hill that he will review bill to see if final bill brings costs down. If 'we are in the same place -- a no'" |
| Michael Capuano (MASS. 8) -- Reader Nina A. writes: "I just called Rep. Capuano's (MA) Washington office. They said that he's UNDECIDED. He's waiting to go over the final reconciliation package, which is coming out today." |
Stephen Lynch (MASS 9) -- The Boston Herald reports:
Not even President Barack Obama could sway U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch from voting against a health-care reform package now headed for a dramatic weekend showdown. |
| Shelley Berkley (NEV.) -- From reader Marla T.: "As recently as this morning I was told by her office that she is still undecided. Now she's waiting to read the updated language. I've been calling every day this week - and every day they tell me the same thing, undecided." |
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First Posted: 5/19/10 Updated: 5/25/11