GOP Unlikely to Back Health Reform

President Obama's dreams of a bipartisan health bill are becoming increasingly unlikely, as GOP lawmakers say that few, if any Republicans, are likely to vote for the final legislation. While on the surface, the headline "Republicans likely to vote against Obama plan" is hardly a shocker, Democratic lawmakers had hoped that a consensus bill could be agreed upon through negotiation. At issue is the Democrats' demand for a public health insurance plan to compete with private coverage, which Republicans warn will push out current insurance companies. House Minority Leader John Boehner told the New York Times that he did not know any Republicans in the House who would vote for the Democrats' plan. As for the Senate, when asked by The New York Times how many GOP Senators would vote for the legislation if it were put forth today, Sen. Richard Burr said "I think right now, none. Zero.”