UPDATE: Kanjorski’s a Yes, Berry, Costello and Lipinski are No’s. So that makes it 217-212 with 2 undecideds. Just because a couple people in the comments asked for it, I’ll put up the numbers at the bottom of this post. But as a news peg, let me show you Loretta Sanchez’ tweet from the well [...]

While I have no reason to disagree with the widely held belief that Democrats now have the votes to pass the health care bill, I want to raise a brief point of order. The group on the dais with Bishop Stupak moments ago were: Kaptur, Carney, Driehaus, Dahlkemper, Rahall, and Mollohan. If there was anyone [...]

UPDATE: Looks like there’s a deal. That would wrap this up. Stay tuned. Bart Stupak has scheduled his third press conference in less than a day, presumably to announce the state of play on health care and the abortion language. The first two press events were cancelled, so that’s always a possibility here. Stupak just [...]

When the House passed SAFRA in September 2009, only four Democrats opposed the bill. One of them was Paul Kanjorski, who represents a district with Sallie Mae offices. Kanjorski’s press aide has told the media that the Congressman may never announce his vote, just vote on the bill and leave the chamber. Sallie Mae lobbyists [...]

Earl Pomeroy announced in a statement that he would vote for the health care bill. Pomeroy made the statement with the rest of the North Dakota delegation, Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad. So we’re at 209-209, and there are only four non-Stupak related votes out there. The yes side can’t get to yes without some [...]

While we’re waiting on Bart Stupak, the only remaining obstacle, a couple updates: Bill Foster will vote yes. “After thorough consideration, I have decided to support the health insurance reform legislation because it eliminates pre-existing conditions, protects and strengthens Medicare and will significantly reduce the deficit by $1.3 trillion over 20 years. While the Senate [...]

Loretta Sanchez’ Chief of Staff confirmed to the OC Register that she would make it to Washington in time to vote on the health care bill today. I’d feel more comfortable putting her in the undecided category at this point, based on what I know. Groups like the Courage Campaign and OFA are really pressuring [...]

I’m trying to get confirmation on this, but apparently Marcy Kaptur has flipped and will vote Yes, irrespective of the White House deal on an executive order about the abortion language. Kaptur was among the lowest hanging fruit of the Stupak bloc. However, keep in mind that Stupak said there were 8 members in the [...]

Sorry I went missing last night. But Jane provided the scoop on Loretta Sanchez. Let me just interject. I know Loretta. I’ve had dinner with Loretta. I wouldn’t be totally surprised if she carried this out, but she’s just as likely to be there in the end. She does tend to overreact to possible electoral [...]

Via Carla Axtman, Kurt Schrader (D-OR) will vote yes: “In the coming days I plan to vote in favor of the healthcare bill before the U.S. House of Representatives because our nation and Oregon families cannot afford the status quo. One of my chief concerns with healthcare reform has been its ability to lower costs [...]

Another setback for Democratic leaders: Jim Matheson (D-UT) will vote no. Matheson, a conservative Democrat and leader of the Blue Dog caucus, said he is convinced the massive $940 billion bill would “leave our nation worse off.” “I am saddened that the year-long debate on health reform has resulted in legislation that is too expensive, [...]