For the last several days, the magic number to pass health care reform in the House has been 216. Today it went up by one. That’s because Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA) has decided to put off his resignation until after the health care vote.
“In recent days it has become clear to the American people that the House will be the final battleground in their effort to stop President Obama’s massive health care takeover from becoming law,” reads a typically…restrained…statement from Boehner. “The House is the last line of defense against this 2,700-page big government monstrosity, and the American people need every vote they can get in the effort to stop it from being enacted.”
Boehner’s statement continues. “Nathan Deal’s decision to remain in Congress for the upcoming health care vote is indicative of his long dedication to standing up for a common sense approach to changing health care. I’m pleased I can count on him now, just as I have during our years of service together in the House.”
The move comes as House Democrats struggle to round up a majority of seated members to pass the Senate health care bill. Every vote is significant, and the tally just got higher.
