Via NPI, Maria Cantwell, Finance Committee member, won't support the Baucus bill without significant changes, including a public option.
The Washington Democrat, a member of the Finance Committee, said the measure from Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., did not include a government-run insurance option and failed to overhaul the Medicare reimbursement formula which is critical to Washington state.
"I wouldn't vote for a bill that doesn't have Medicare reform and the public option," Cantwell said in a telephone interview. "What would I tell the people in Washington state?"
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Cantwell has faced some criticism because she had not spoken out decisively in favor of the so-called public option.
But Wednesday she made clear it was critical if she was to support the bill. The senator said such an option would likely lower premiums by creating competition for private insurers and provide a much needed safety net for people living in poverty or near-poverty.
Imagine that. Caring about what the people of her state want.
This changes the calculus for Baucus in committee next week. As Brian Beutler notes at TPMDC, Enzi and Grassley are out, no matter what. Snowe is still shaky maybe.
If Snowe opposes the bill, Baucus can afford to lose no more than one Democrat. So consensus--or near consensus--within the party will be critical for him.
Two Democrats have now said "no public option, no vote." Where are the other Finance Dems? Schumer? Wyden? Kerry?