House Health Care Vote Could Be Delayed
5505386Democratic leaders in the House intend to take up debate on their health care overhaul this Saturday, but they acknowledged Friday that it may be a few days before there is an actual vote on the measure.
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said Friday that House leaders "could use additional time, if needed," to approve its health care bill, Politico reports.
"Unless there are delaying tactics or something I don't foresee, I think we can finish the bill by 7, 8 o'clock tomorrow night," Hoyer reportedly said on a conference call. He said that Republican delay tactics or insufficient Democratic support could stall the vote until Sunday, or possibly Monday or Tuesday.
Hoyer acknowledged his party has not yet secured the 218 votes needed to pass the bill, according to the Associated Press. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has in recent days expressed more confidence in the vote. Last month she said she "definitely" had 218 votes. On Thursday, the speaker said "We will," when asked if she had the votes.
Democrats cannot lose more than 40 votes in the House if they are to pass the bill and are working to overcome issues pertaining to immigration and abortion.
