Iowa Congressman Wavers On Health Care Bill

KCCI.com

U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Iowa, speaks to fellow Democrats at the Jefferson Jackson Dinner, Saturday Nov. 21, 2009 in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Steve Pope)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Mar 20, 2010 at 10:23 AM CST

Story Updated: Mar 20, 2010 at 12:37 PM CST

DES MOINES - One of Iowa's three Democratic congressmen said he hasn’t decided whether to vote for or against the health care reform bill.

Rep. Bruce Braley said, “It's one of the most important votes I will ever take in my life and that's why I'm spending a lot of time trying to make the right decision.”

The House is expected to vote on the measure Sunday.

The proposed bill would extend coverage to an estimated 32 million Americans who lack it and forbid insurers to deny coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions.

U.S. Reps. Leonard Boswell and Dave Loebsack have both said they’ll vote for the measure. But, Braley said he's holding out until Democratic leaders include Medicare reform in the bill.

Braley said, “We know Iowa doctors and hospitals routinely rank at the top in terms of quality patient care and at the bottom in terms of Medicare reimbursement per patient, so this change would help address that problem.”

Every Republican has pledged to vote against the bill, including Iowa Reps. Steve King and Tom Latham.

Republicans believe the measure is a takeover of health care. They argue it would increase taxes and cut Medicare payments.

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