YOUR GUIDE TO THE TWIN CITIES
Contributors in Minnesota: Jennifer Brooks, Baird Helgeson, Mike Kaszuba, Patricia Lopez, Jim Ragsdale, Brad Schrade and Rachel E. Stassen-Berger. Contributor in D.C.: Kevin Diaz.
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Ellison will vote 'yes' on health care bill
Posted by: Eric Roper under Minnesota congressional Updated: November 7, 2009 - 4:08 PM
Rep. Keith Ellison announced this morning that he will vote yes on the Democrat health care bill likely to reach a vote this evening.
One of Minnesota's most liberal lawmakers, Ellison was uncommitted as of Friday night because he felt the public option included in the bill was not robust enough. Instead, he said would like to see an option that extends Medicare to people under 65 and boosts reimbursment rates by 5 percent.
By withholding his commitment he had hoped to sway congressional leaders.
"Hopefully it does put me in a position where I can try to pull them closer to a cheaper more low-cost, more competitive public option," Ellison said Thursday.
This morning he wrote on his Twitter page, "Ds are passing a HC bill today. Can't wait to vote YES!!!!!"
No word yet on Minnesota's only remaining uncommitted vote, Rep. Jim Oberstar, who has reservations about public funds being used to pay for abortions, a possibility under the current bill. An amendment to ensure that does not happen will be voted on in several hours.
Later this afternoon, Rep. John Kline is expected to lead the Republican portion of the debate on the floor.
See our story this morning for more details about how the Minnesota delegation plans to vote.
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