US President Barack Obama was scheduled to visit Capitol Hill yesterday to try to close the sale on his signature healthcare overhaul, facing a make-or-break vote in the House of Representatives certain to be seen as a test of his presidency.
Obama scheduled a late-morning visit with House Democrats convening a rare Saturday session on legislation to remake the US healthcare system, extending coverage to tens of millions now uninsured and banning insurance company practices such as denial of coverage based on pre-existing medical problems.
Late on Friday, House Democrats cleared an abortion-related impasse blocking a vote and officials expressed optimism they had finally lined up the support needed to pass Obama’s signature issue.
Under the arrangement, abortion opponents were promised an opportunity to insert tougher restrictions into the legislation during debate on the House floor.
The leadership’s hope is that no matter how that vote turns out, Democrats on both sides of the abortion divide will then unite to give the healthcare bill a majority over unanimous Republican opposition.
With Democrats’ command of the necessary votes looking tenuous in the final hours, Obama threw the weight of his administration behind the effort to round up support. He and top administration officials worked the telephones to pressure wavering lawmakers.
Democratic Representative Jason Altmire said he heard on Friday from Obama, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
Their message: “This is a historic moment. You don’t want to end up with nothing,” said Altmire, who remained undecided.
Democratic leaders hoped to hold the vote last night, but Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said it could slip. Democrats hold 258 seats in the House and can afford 40 defections and still wind up with 218, a majority if all lawmakers vote. All 177 Republicans are expected to vote “no.”
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