Health Care House Vote Whip Count List (Tenative)

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WHIP COUNT: House Democrats' Positions On The Health Care Reform Bill



The Hill's survey/tracking of House Democrats' positions on healthcare reform legislation.


UPDATED: 3/21/10 at 3:17 p.m.

RECENT UPDATES:

Reps. Earl Pomeroy, Bill Foster, John Tanner, Dale Kildee, Charlie Melancon, Lincoln Davis, Brian Baird, Loretta Sanchez, Solomon Ortiz, Marcy Kaptur, David Wu, Ron Kind, Bruce Braley, Gabrielle Giffords, Kurt Schrader, Glenn Nye, Loretta Sanchez, Mike Capuano, Jim Langevin, Jerry McNerney, Jim Matheson, Zack Space, John Hall, Henry Cuellar, Shelley Berkley, Marcia Fudge, Ciro Rodriguez, Sanford Bishop, Chris Carney, Dennis Cardoza, Melissa Bean, John Tanner, Ike Skelton, Jim Costa, Bruce Braley, Paul Tonko, Mike Quigley, Mary Jo Kilroy, Baron Hill, Tim Holden, Bill Owens, Mike Ross, Bart Stupak, Marion Berry, John Barrow, Harry Teague, Michael Arcuri, Scott Murphy, Harry Mitchell, John Salazar, Tim Bishop, Bob Etheridge, Suzanne Kosmas, Brad Ellsworth, Jason Altmire, Joe Courtney, John Adler, Allen Boyd, Adam Smith, Dina Titus, Chris Murphy, Peter DeFazio, John Boccieri and Charlie Wilson


House Democrats not on this list are expected to vote yes.


All House Republicans are expected to vote no, but President Barack Obama has reportedly called Rep. Joseph Cao (R-La.) to urge him to vote yes. However, Cao, who is a proponent of the Stupak language, is still expected to reject the bill.

If every member votes and all GOP lawmakers vote no, the maximum number of Democratic defections to pass a bill is 37, which would result in a 216-215 tally.

* — Voted for Stupak amendment in November
(Y) — Voted yes in November
(N) — Voted no in November


Firm No, Leaning No, Likely No (39)


John Adler (N.J.) (N) Adler announced March 18 he will vote no

Jason Altmire (Pa.) * (N) Announced March 19 he is going to vote no, saying, "I strongly believe that a vote in opposition to the health care bill is consistent with the views of the district I represent." On March 16, Altmire told Fox Business Network that he has major problem with Democrats' "deem and pass" strategy, calling it "wrong." Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) told McClatchy Newspapers earlier this month he was targeting Altmire

Michael Arcuri (N.Y.) (Y) He is now a firm no. His statement reads, "And after several meetings and conversations with the president, Speaker of the House, administration officials and colleagues, I am not convinced enough changes can be made to the Senate health care bill to meet the needs of the people in my district."

John Barrow (Ga.) * (N) Announced on March 19 he is a no. Barrow told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "It puts too much of the burden of paying for it on working folks who are already being overcharged, and that’s not fair. It threatens to overwhelm Medicaid in Georgia, and that's not right. And it barely touches the insurance companies, and that's not smart." Barrow had been considered a likely no vote. He voted no last year in committee and on floor.

Marion Berry (Ark.) * (Y) Berry has not been talking publicly recently. Berry, who is retiring, could be a yes. However, he has been critical of the president since announcing his retirement. Strong backer of Stupak language. Voted yes in Budget Committee markup on March 15. He voted no on climate change last year

Dan Boren (Okla.) * (N) Won't be changing his mind — firm no

Rick Boucher (Va.) (N) GOP target who has told local press outlets in Virginia he has major problems with Medicare cuts and "unsavory dealmaking" that benefited Nebraska, Louisiana and Florida. Leaning no

Bobby Bright (Ala.) * (N) Voted against House health bill, stimulus and climate change. Firm no

Ben Chandler (Ky.) * (N) His office told The Hill on March 15: “Congressman Chandler’s position on the bill remains the same. He expects to vote against the legislation.”

Travis Childers (Miss.) * (N) Told the Daily Journal he will vote no, citing lack of strong language on abortion funding. From Childers's statement: "While I cannot vote for current House legislation, I remain committed to effective, fiscally responsible healthcare reform that makes sense for North Mississippi."

Jerry Costello (Ill.) * (Y) One of his senior aides, David Gillies, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Costello will vote no on the Senate bill. Most of the calls, e-mails and letters he has received have advised a no vote. His office did say he was "undecided" on the reconciliation legislation if it comes up for a vote.

Artur Davis (Ala.) * (N) Running for governor, but will make sure to return to D.C. to vote no

Joe Donnelly (Ind.) * (Y) Among the Stupak dozen — will vote no unless abortion language in Senate bill is changed, according to The Rochester Sentinel

Steve Driehaus (Ohio) * (Y) In toss-up race in November who is ardent backer of Stupak language. Now sounds like a very firm no. Told the Cincinnati Enquirer, "They are going to have to do it without me and without the other pro-life Democrats." His spokesman told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer: "Unless changes are made to the abortion language in the Senate version, Rep. Driehaus will be voting no."

Chet Edwards (Texas) (N) Perennial GOP target. Edwards spokesman told CNN he will vote no. Votes no at March 15 Budget Committee markup

Larry Kissell (N.C.) (N) GOP target, but reelection chances on the rise. Firm no

Frank Kratovil (Md.) (N) Voted for climate change; says he will vote no

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (S.D.) (N) Congresswoman told the Rapid City Journal she's a no, noting she is not a fan of reconciliation. She also voted no on education reform bill expected to move in reconciliation with healthcare reform

Tim Holden (Pa.) * (N) The Morning Call reported March 20 that Holden received a call from President Barack Obama, and told him he will be voting no. Has expressed concerns about cuts to Medicare. Voted against healthcare and climate change in 2009.

Daniel Lipinski (Ill.) * (Y) Will not vote for abortion language in Senate bill, but has other concerns as well. Democratic leaders cannot count on Lipinski

Stephen Lynch (Mass.) * (Y) Says he will vote no. Proponent of Stupak language. Has major problems with "deem and pass" strategy. Told Politico, "I don’t buy the argument that he’s done if this doesn’t pass. He’s got three more years. He can recover.”

Jim Marshall (Ga.) * (N) Perennial GOP target, but favored to win re-election. Told The Hill he's a no

Jim Matheson (Utah) * (N) Announced on March 20 he will vote on no. He voted no last year, both on the floor and in committee

Mike McIntyre (N.C.) * (N) Seven-term lawmaker rejected House health bill and climate change. Spokesman tells The Hill McIntyre is a no. Expected to win re-election easily even though Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) won district

Mike McMahon (N.Y.) (N) Suggested last month he was a no to the Staten Island Advance. McMahon told The Hill on March 12 he is leaning no. Voted no on education reform bill that is expected to move with healthcare reform in reconciliation

Charlie Melancon (La.) * (N) Senate hopeful voted no in November and no in committee. Likely no

Walt Minnick (Idaho) (N) One of the House's most conservative members. Firm no

Glenn Nye (Va.) (N) His no vote is a big setback for Democratic leaders. Nye announced his vote late on March 20. A press release cited "potential problems for TRICARE recipients, the cost of the bill, and cuts to children's hospitals. Nye is in a toss-up race. He voted no on climate change in 2009

Collin Peterson (Minn.) * (N) Ag chairman not shy in bucking leadership. Firm no

Nick Rahall (W.Va.) * (Y) The Hill reported March 19 that Rahall is involved in discussions with Senate on abortion provisions. Told the Charleston Daily Mail that he will vote no unless abortion language is changed. Rahall is third committee chairmen on this Firm No, Leaning No, Likely No list. Rahall voted no on climate change bill in 2009

Mike Ross (Ark.) * (N) AP reported March 19 that Ross is a firm no.

Heath Shuler (N.C.) * (N) CNN reporting Shuler is a no. Doesn't hold his tongue when he opposes Democratic leaders. Critic of reconciliation. Gannett New Services reports Shuler is leaving himself wiggle room. Shuler said: "Until I know the details of the final bill and the process, I am reluctant to draw a line in the sand."

Ike Skelton (Mo.) * (N) GOP targeting his seat. Armed Services Committee chairman is a firm no. He reiterated his no vote on the House floor on March 20

Zack Space (Ohio) * (Y) In big setback for House leaders, Space announced on March 20 he will vote no. He voted yes in committee and yes on the floor last year


Bart Stupak (Mich.) * (Y) Was going to hold March 20 press conference with "other pro-life Democrats," but it was canceled on Saturday morning. Many believe the press conference was to announce a deal with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), but any deal is off -- at least for the moment.

Gene Taylor (Miss.) * (N) Has been a firm no all Congress. Constituents last summer urged him to get others to vote no

Harry Teague (N.M.) * (N) Announced March 19 that he is a no and ripped the bill for doing more for insurance companies than the uninsured: "In fact, I believe we are doing more for the insurance companies than we are for the people who need this coverage, and that is why, despite the positive steps it takes, I must vote against this bill."


Firm Yes (54)


Joe Baca (Calif.) * (Y) Must-have for leadership and was at 3/18 CHC press conference where lawmakers announced they would vote for the bill Melissa Bean

(Ill.) (Y) Centrist announced on March 20 she will vote yes

Shelley Berkley (Nev.) (Y) Announced that she is a yes vote

Sanford Bishop Jr. (Ga.) * (Y) Favors Stupak provision, but will vote yes

Tim Bishop (N.Y.) (Y) Must-have vote for leadership. Bishop's office told CNN that the New York lawmaker wants major changes to Senate bill. Voted yes in March 15 Budget Committee markup

John Boccieri (Ohio) * (N) Announced he will vote yes at a March 19 presser. He said: "Yes, I will be voting yes for the bill. I was very encouraged by the budget results that came back from the Congressional Budget Office." Clyburn had publicly said he was leaning on Boccieri, who is in a tough reelection race

Leonard Boswell (Iowa) Firm yes

Allen Boyd (Fla.) (N) Big yes for Democrats. Boyd said on March 19 he is a yes.

Voted no on March 15 during Budget Committee markup and voted no on last year's bill
Dennis Cardoza (Calif.) * (Y) After Speaker ditched "deem and pass," Cardoza announced his support of bill on March 20

Russ Carnahan (Mo.) (Y) Announced his support of bill on March 18. In competitive race this fall, but should win

Chris Carney (Pa.) * (Y) Big yes vote for Democratic leaders. Announced his vote on March 20. On March 19, Carney was seen on the floor talking to Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.). Carney this month told the Scranton Times-Shamrock, "As I said publicly, I can't vote for a bill that will publicly fund abortion."

Jim Costa (Calif.) * (Y) Costa told Politico on March 20 that he will vote yes.

Joe Courtney (Conn.) (Y) Announced on March 19 he is a yes. Had expressed concerns about excise tax

Peter DeFazio (Ore.) (Y) DeFazio and Democratic leaders on March 20 worked out a deal on Medicare reimbursements, securing DeFazio's vote.

Brad Ellsworth (Ind.) * (Y) Seneta hopeful said on March 19 he is a yes, which is a huge get for Democratic leaders

Henry Cuellar (Texas) * (Y) Cuellar announced on March 20 that he is a yes. Under pressure from Speaker and the president, Cuellar backed the climate change bill and House healthcare measure last year.

Eliot Engel (N.Y.) (Y) Said on MSNBC March 19 he is a yes, but that was expected

Bob Etheridge (N.C.) * (Y) Announced March 19 he is a Yes

Marcia Fudge (Ohio) (Y) Fudge announced this weekend she is a yes vote.
Obama lobbied for her vote, giving her a ride on Air Force One on March 15

Dale Kildee (Mich.) * (Y) Not one of Stupak's Dozen

John Garamendi (Calif.) (Y) Vowed last summer to vote against any bill without a public option, but his office says Garamendi is a firm yes and will keep fighting for the public option

Bart Gordon (Tenn.) * (N) Gordon said in a March 18 statement on the bill: "I am supporting it."

Luis Gutierrez (Ill.) (Y) Said at a March 18 press conference he will vote for the bill because he got a renewed commitment to immigration reform from President Barack Obama.

Raul Grijalva (Ariz.) (Y) Grijalva was at 3/18 CHC press conference where lawmakers announced they would vote for the bill

John Hall (N.Y.) (Y) Hall announced on March 20 he will vote yes

Debbie Halvorson (Ill.) (Y) Announced on March 20 she is a yes

Baron Hill (Ind.) * (Y) Announced on March 20 he is a yes

Steve Kagen (Wis.) (Y) Told Fox 11 in Wisconsin that he prefers more incremental approach. But on March 13 he said, "We're going to find and secure enough votes to pass healthcare ... "

Mary Jo Kilroy (Ohio) (Y) Announced on March 19 she will vote yes.

Ann Kirkpatrick (Ariz.) (Y) Congresswoman on March 16 said she's a yes, asserting bill will enhance the healthcare of children and seniors. Kirkpatrick voted against climate change bill in 2009. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) won Kirkpatrick's district by 10 points in the 2008 presidential election

Suzanne Kosmas (Fla.) (N) In a big boost to the chances of health reform passing, Kosmas announced on March 19 she is a yes. President Obama urges her to support the measure during a recent meeting in the Oval Office, according to March 16 AP report. Kosmas voted no last year

Dennis Kucinich (Ohio) (N) His yes vote, announced on March 17, is a huge boost to the chances of healthcare reform passing. Kucinich is first no vote in 2009 to commit to voting for yes. Before supporting bill, Kucinich had blasted it on cable news networks

David Loebsack (Iowa) (Y) Will vote yes

Dan Maffei (N.Y.) (Y) On March 16, Maffei said, "I'm proud to support this legislation."

Betsy Markey (Colo.) (N) The Denver Post reports she will vote for the bill

Jerry McNerney (Calif.) (Y) Announced on March 20 he will vote yes

Harry Mitchell (Ariz.) (Y) Announced on March 19 he will vote yes. Big pickup for Democrats

Richard Neal (Mass.) * (Y) Fan of Stupak language, but will vote yes

Jim Oberstar (Minn.) * (Y) Wants Stupak language but told Politico of Senate bill: "On balance, it does what we need to do."

Bill Owens (N.Y.) (Y) Announced on March 20 he will vote yes. Latest upstate New

York Democrat to vote yes, following Reps. Scott Murphy and Dan Maffei.

Chris Murphy (Conn.) (Y) GOP target said on March 19 he will vote yes

Scott Murphy (N.Y.) (N) Announced on March 19 he is a yes. Murphy was personally lobbied by President Barack Obama and later, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Soon after meeting with Pelosi on March 19, he announced he was a yes vote

Silvestre Reyes (Texas) * (Y) Intelligence panel chairman on board

Ciro Rodriguez (Texas) * (Y) San Antonio Express-News reporting that Rodriguez is a yes vote. Considered by Cook Political Report to "likely" retain seat. Bucked his leadership by voting no on climate change measure last summer

Tim Ryan (Ohio) * (Y) On March 16, Ryan said on the House floor, "We need to pass this bill." Congressman voted for Stupak language

John Salazar (Colo.) * (Y) GOP target told the Denver Post he is a yes

Mark Schauer (Mich.) (Y) Told the Citizen Patriot he will vote for the bill. Schauer said: “I needed to see the bill and the Congressional Budget Office score. The bill fundamentally does what I hoped it would.”

Adam Schiff (Calif.) (Y) Firm yes

Carol Shea-Porter (N.H.) (Y) Spoke out favorably on healthcare reform on the House floor on March 16. In a toss-up reelection race, according to Cook Political Report.

Adam Smith (Wash.) (Y) Will approve bill

Vic Snyder (Ark.) * (Y) Has gone from lean yes to firm yes. Not seeking re-election

Betty Sutton (Ohio) (Y) Told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer: "The legislation is not perfect and indeed contains provisions that I will continue to strive to improve, but I will vote for the bill."

Dina Titus (Nev.) (Y) Announced on March 19 she is a yes

Paul Tonko (N.Y.) (Y) Said on March 19 he will vote yes

Charlie Wilson (Ohio) * (Y) Announced on March 19 he is a yes. Considered less vulnerable this fall than other Ohio Democrats.


Leaning Yes or Likely Yes (13)


Gerry Connolly (Va.) (Y) Obama to visit Connolly's Fairfax, Va.-district on Friday. But Obama doesn't have to worry about Connolly's vote. He is a very likely yes. Voted yes in Budget Committee markup on March 15

Mike Doyle (Pa.) * (Y) Doyle told The Hill on March 16 that he will likely vote yes
Gabrielle Giffords (Ariz.) (Y) Was one of 10 Democrats to vote with Republicans on resolution criticizing "deem and pass" strategy on March 18. But GOP target will likely vote yes, according to Arizona Daily Star

Jim Himes (Conn.) (Y) Must-have vote for leadership. Likely yes

Jim Langevin (R.I.) * (Y) Langevin's seat not in danger this fall. He has previously fended off primary challenges. Voted yes in March 15 Budget Committee markup

Mike Michaud (Maine) * (Y) Likely yes

Dennis Moore (Kan.) (Y) Retiring this year. New Budget Committee member voted yes in March 15 markup

David Obey (Wis.) * (Y) Waiting to review bill language; likely yes

Tom Perriello (Va.) * (Y) Said he will vote yes on March 19 if gets assurance from 51 senators that bill will be amended in the upper chamber. In toss-up race this fall; Pelosi had long talk with the Virginia Democrat on March 10 on the House floor

John Spratt (S.C.) * (Y) Budget Committee chairman is in competitive re-election race. Spratt will soon be trying to collect votes for his budget resolution. Voted yes in Budget Committee markup on March 15

Anthony Weiner (N.Y.) (Y) On March 12, Weiner noted that 290 times this Congress, the Senate has failed to act on bills passed by the House, adding, "Fool us once, shame on you, fool me 290 times, shame on us." Regardless, Weiner is a very likely yes

David Wu (Ore.) (Y) His office told NPR he is leaning "Yes", but the only floor vote he missed, on March 18, was the motion to table the GOP resolution condemning the "deem and pass" strategy. Was undecided for three hours during 2003 Medicare drug vote, then voted with the GOP. Republicans are targeting Wu this fall

John Yarmuth (Ky.) (Y) Considered a team player. Likely yes. Voted yes in Budget Committee markup on March 15


Undecided/Unclear (19)


Brian Baird (Wash.) (N) Retiring member who bucked party on Iraq war surge. Another target of Clyburn

Bruce Braley (Iowa) (Y) Expected to vote yes, but kcci.com reported Braley is concerned about Medicare cuts

Michael Capuano (Y) Wanted to be a senator, but doesn't trust the Senate. TPM reported that Capuano is leaning no. In an e-mail to supporters, Capuano said he has many problems with Senate measure

Jim Cooper (Tenn.) * (Y) Has had up-and-down relationship with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)

Kathy Dahlkemper (Pa.) * (Y) GOP target. Her yes vote could be key to passage. Strong backer of Stupak language

Lincoln Davis (Tenn.) * (N) The Hill on March 19 moved Davis from Likely No category to Undecided column. Voted no in November, but has been avoiding requests for comment

Bill Foster (Ill.) (Y) GOP target who voted no on climate change last year.

Paul Kanjorski (Pa.) * (Y) GOP target. Also voted against education reform bill that will move with healthcare reform in reconciliation

Marcy Kaptur (Ohio) * (Y) Voted with leadership first time around, but doesn't toe the party line. Wants Stupak language but that's not a deal breaker. Voted yes during Budget Committee markup. Likely to move to lean "Yes" category soon

Ron Kind (Wis.) (Y) Represents competitive district. Voted against bill in committee

Ron Klein (Fla.) (Y) GOP target

Alan Mollohan (W.Va.) * (Y) In November, seat was considered safe. Now, he's in a tight race

Solomon Ortiz (Texas) * (Y) Was a late yes last time around. Rejected climate change last June

Earl Pomeroy (N.D.) * (Y) Voted against bill in committee, and for it on the House floor. Rejected climate change bill last year

Mike Quigley (Ill.) (Y) Late addition to this list. The Chicago Sun Times reported March 20 that Quigley said he will not vote for bill if a deal is make with Rep.
Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) on Abortion. Quigley, who replaced Rahm Emanuel in the House, said he talked to White House political adviser David Axelrod on March 19

Bobby Rush (Ill.) (Y) Surprise addition to this list. Said he was undecided on March 18. The Hill reported that Rush engaged in several discussions with leadership lawmakers after announcing his position. Concerned about bill's impact on hospitals in poor areas. Still, liberal congressman is a likely yes. Rush defeated Barack Obama in 2000 House primary

Loretta Sanchez (Calif.) (Y) Was a late yes in November

Kurt Schrader (Ore.) (Y) Budget Committee member didn't vote during March 15 markup. In competitive re-election race.

John Tanner (Tenn.) * (N) Tanner as of March 20 still undecided. House deputy whip is not running for re-election, but he still will need to be convinced to get to yes. Voted no in committee and on floor last year.


Sources: The Hill, MSNBC, Politico, TPM