President Barack Obama is fighting to save his landmark healthcare reforms before tonight’s cliffhanger make-or-break vote on Capitol Hill.
Senior Democrats were counting on passing the president’s health bill by the narrowest of margins in the House of Representatives.
But the outcome was far from certain as a key group of rebel Democrats continued to hold out over fears that the £600 billion health package would open the door to allow government funding for abortions.
President Barack Obama holds a letter from an American in need of health insurance as he addresses the House Democratic caucus
'Do it for the American people': President Barack Obama holds a letter from someone in need of health insurance as he addresses the House Democratic caucus
House leaders tried to win them over with a promise that Mr Obama will issue an executive order affirming a ban on government cash being used for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.
But Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur said it wouldn’t be enough to secure the support of the ten Democrat rebels.
Thousands of angry protesters gathered outside the Capitol yesterday, hurling insults at lawmakers and chanting at Democrats to ‘kill the bill.’
Mr Obama shelved his planned trip to Australia and Indonesia to try and drive through the ‘historic’ reforms.
A few protesters stay outside the Capitol late in the evening as they chant 'Kill the Bill'
Opposition: A few protesters stay outside the Capitol late in the evening as they chant 'Kill the Bill'
Instead of flying out to Asia, the president has spent the weekend arm-twisting and cajoling to try and guarantee the support of wavering members of his own party.
The Democrats hold 253 seats in the 435-member House, compared to 178 for the Republicans and need 216 votes to prevail.
Many of the rebel Democrats complained the plan interferes too much with the existing primarily private healthcare system. Other said it didn’t go far enough.
Speaking to House Democrats last night, Mr Obama admitted it was going to be a ‘tough’ vote to pass the overhaul, which would expand healthcare to 32 million Americans who are currently uninsured.
‘Don’t do it for me, don’t do it for the Democratic Party, do it for the American people. They’re the ones looking for action right now.’HEALTHCARE Q&A
Why is the vote so important to President Obama?
He has staked his reputation on overhauling America's healthcare system.
Why is it such a big deal?
The
1.6trillion healthcare industry accounts for one-sixth of the country's
GDP and if rising costs are not controlled it risks destroying the
economy.Why do Republicans oppose the health reforms?
They resent government intervention in the private insurance dominated system. They argue that reforms will make healthcare 'more bureaucratic and expensive'.
Is there any government healthcare in the U.S.?
There is no universal healthcare coverage and it is generally up to
individuals
to get health insurance. But there are federally funded programmes for
the elderly and the poor through Medicaid and Medicare.What changes are being proposed?
The bill favours tougher regulations on insurers, makes it mandatory
for individuals to have health coverage, offers subsidies for the less
well-paid, cuts waste and sets up insurance exchanges for those who do
not have insurance from their employers. It should help 32million
people currently without health insurance get coverage.Why are some Democrats opposing the plan?
Most of the Democrat rebels represent more conservative areas and they
fear that by voting in favour of the bill they will incur the wrath of
their
constituents. Some oppose it on religious grounds because they believe
it could open the door for the government to fund abortions.
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