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Health care industry

House Votes to Block Obama Administration's Health Care Overhaul Funding

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 239 to 187 in favor of an amendment to block funding for the Obama Administration's health care overhaul. Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT) proposed the amendment as part of a bill to fund the federal government through the remaining months of fiscal 2011. The move is a significant blow to the administration's efforts to implement the overhaul, which has been criticized by many as costly and unpopular.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. House of Representatives voted 239 to 187 in favor of an amendment to block funding for the Obama Administration's health care overhaul.
  • The amendment, proposed by Representative Denny Rehberg (R-MT), was approved as part of a bill to fund the federal government through the remaining months of fiscal 2011.
  • Liberal U.S. Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) voted for the health care overhaul and has repeatedly defended its provisions, including the individual mandate and Medicare cuts.
  • The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) criticized Senator Tester's vote, saying it highlights the stark contrasts between Montana Republicans and Senator Tester on the health care issue.
  • Senator Tester has been a strong supporter of the health care bill, voting to pass the Senate version and providing the decisive 60th vote to invoke cloture on the Senate Health Care Bill.
  • Tester has also defended the health care law, stating it "saves lives, saves money, and saves Medicare" and that it is "a good law, and it is a law I believe is right for Montana."

Statistics:

  • 239: Number of votes in favor of the amendment to block funding for the Obama Administration's health care overhaul.
  • 187: Number of votes against the amendment to block funding for the Obama Administration's health care overhaul.
  • $2.5 trillion: Estimated cost of the Obama-Reid Health Care Bill.
  • 12/24/09: Date of the Senate vote on the health care bill, in which Senator Tester provided the 60th vote to invoke cloture.
  • 3/30/10: Date of a speech by Senator Tester in Billings, MT, in which he defended the health care law.
  • 3/25/10: Date of a press release by Senator Tester in which he defended the health care law and the Reconciliation Act.

Sources:

  • News Release: National Republican Senatorial Committee (n.d.)
  • "The House Approves an Amendment to Block Funding for Obama's Health Care Overhaul." Wall Street Journal. Feb 18.
  • H.R. 3590, CQ Vote #396: Passed 60-39: R 0-39; D 58-0; I 2-0, 12/24/09.
  • H.R. 3590, CQ Vote #395: Passed 60-39: R 0-39; D 58-0; I 2-0, 12/23/09.
  • "Tester Statement On Passage Of Health Care Reform Bill." Press Release. 12/24/09.
  • "Tester Takes Questions On Health Care Reform." Billings [MT] Gazette. 3/30/10.
  • "Tester: Reconciliation Act Makes 'A Good Health Insurance Reform Law Even Better.'" Press Release. 3/25/10.

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