Rep. McNerney Could Switch Vote To ‘No’ On Health Care (Updated)

Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA)
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Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA), who voted for the health care reform bill last year, says he may vote against the Senate bill over concerns about “backroom deals” with certain states and the number of people covered.

McNerney told a group of constituents last month that he doesn’t like the bill, according to the Morgan Hill Times.

McNerney criticized the current version of health care reform passed by the U.S. Senate for the deals it makes with certain states, its lack of a public option and the inadequate number of people it extends coverage to. He said he would not vote in favor of that version of the bill if it comes back to the House.

“We want to get our health care up to international standards, and we want to do it in a way that is American,” McNerney added.

But McNerney’s communications director tells TPMDC the congressman may be more open to voting yes than the Morgan Hill Times reported.

“Congressman McNerney has serious concerns about the behind the scenes deal making in the Senate and the amount of people who would be covered under the Senate bill. He wants to see a proposal that improves upon the original bill in the Senate,” writes Sarah Hersh. “He’s weighing all of the options and will make a decision when a final legislative proposal is outlined.”

She said he won’t make a final decision until he sees the final legislative language.

Ed. note: This post and headline have been revised since originally published.

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