House debates GOP healthcare proposal
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The House began debate on the Republican healthcare plan this evening after arguing over an amendment that would have imposed limits on abortion funding.
A full roll call on the amendment is expected after the debate on the GOP proposal, which is expected to go down in the Democratic-controlled House.
Written by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), the abortion amendment would bar the proposed government insurance plan from covering abortions, except in cases of rape, incest or where the life of the mother is in danger. The amendment also would prohibit people who receive federal health subsidies from buying insurance plans that include abortion coverage.
It is not clear whether the amendment, if passed, will survive the conference committee deliberations on the shape of the final bill that resolves differences between the House and Senate versions. The Senate has yet to set a date to debate its measure.
A final vote on the House’s bill is expected later this evening.
--Michael Muskal
