Principled Opposition: Focus on Current Healthcare Legislation: By The Skin of Its Teeth: 3 Votes Short of Death, Healthcare Bill Squeaks out of Energy and Commerce Committee: Expect Full House Vote in September.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

By The Skin of Its Teeth: 3 Votes Short of Death, Healthcare Bill Squeaks out of Energy and Commerce Committee: Expect Full House Vote in September.

The five Democrats who had the guts to break ranks with the Democratic party in The Energy and Commerce Committee -- which passed the HR 3200 America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 -- on 7/31 with a narrow vote of 31-28 were:

Bart Stupak of Michigan
Jim Matheson of Utah
Charlie Melancon of Louisiana
John Barrow of Georgia
Rick Boucher of Virginia

All 26 Republican on the committee voted no.

Between now and September "The most critical test may come from voters who, based on national polls, appear to be reeling from national spending fatigue."