WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats have delayed the planned release of final health care legislation at least until tomorrow as they seek to make sure it would reduce federal deficits annually over the next decade.
The measure is actually the second of two bills Democratic leaders hope to pass in the coming days. The first is the Senate version, and the second is revisions that House members want.
Meanwhile, the bill has been picking up some precious support.
Among those now backing it is Congressman Dennis Kucinich (koo-SIN'-ich). The Ohio Democrat had voted against an earlier version, saying he wanted the government to play a larger role.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Kucinich's decision important not only for itself, "but also on the outside," with liberal groups still unhappy about the lack of a public option. Obama calls Kucinich's support "a good sign."
Also today, Catholic nuns representing dozens of religious orders, released a letter endorsing the bill and saying it "will not provide taxpayer funding for elective abortions."
%@AP Links
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Mark Smith, AP White House correspondent
As he drives for final approval of his health care bill, President Barack Obama is shrugging off GOP anger about how House Democrats plan to pass it. AP White House Correspondent Mark Smith reports.
<<CUT …284 (03/17/10)>> 00:11 "health care reform (second reference)"
President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama says the parliamentary maneuver Democrats have in mind won't prevent them from being "on the record." COURTESY: Fox News ((mandatory on-air credit)) ((Longer version of cut in wrap))
<<CUT …285 (03/17/10)>> 00:10 "Democrats in charge"
President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama says he doesn't think the controversy carries much weight beyond the Beltway. COURTESY: Fox News ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …286 (03/17/10)>> 00:06 "thing to do"
President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama says he's got a positive feeling about the health care vote. COURTESY: Fox News ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …287 (03/17/10)>> 00:11 "fix health care"
President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama says he's not worried about his legacy with the health care vote. COURTESY: Fox News ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …288 (03/17/10)>> 00:12 "reform the system"
President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama says the American people deserve an up or down vote on health care reform. COURTESY: Fox News ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …289 (03/17/10)>> 00:08 "vote against it"
President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama says members of Congress will ultimately be held accountable for the outcome of the health care vote. COURTESY: Fox News ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …290 (03/17/10)>> 00:17 "just not working"
President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama says health care reform is needed for so many Americans. COURTESY: Fox News ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …269 (03/17/10)>> 00:10 "funding of abortion"
Sister Simone Campbell
Sister Simone Campbell says she and other nuns who signed the letter support the health care legislation.
<<CUT …270 (03/17/10)>> 00:08 "else has said"
Sister Simone Campbell
Sister Simone Campbell says nuns who signed the letter believe the legislation will help Americans who don't have health care.
<<CUT …273 (03/17/10)>> 00:11 "used for abortion"
Sister Mary Ann Walsh
Sister Mary Ann Walsh says America's Catholic bishops continue to oppose the Senate health care bill.
