KPTM - Local Politicians React To Nelson's Decision To Vote For Bill

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It now looks as if health care reform has passed a major hurdle.
Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson, the last democratic holdout, announced his support for the senate version of the bill.
His vote is critical because it puts the Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate at a filibuster-proof 60 votes.
"Change is never easy but it's needed in America today. That's why I intend to vote for healthcare reform," Nelson said at a Washington D.C. press conference.
The moderate Democrat had withheld support for days because of concerns surrounding federal funding for abortion. He reached a deal he says makes sure that won't happen.
But other Nebraska politicians, like Republican Rep. Lee Terry, say that isn't true.
Terry says although it looks like federal funds may not be used for abortion funding here in Nebraska, it still could happen in other states.
"This type of trigger may have satisfied Ben, but it doesn't satisfy me," says Terry.
Nelson was also apparently able to secure federal funding for expanded Medicaid coverage in Nebraska.
Some states have to pay for expanded coverage, but it appears Nebraska won't in exchange for Nelson's support on the bill.
Terry says the incentive may seem like a good thing now, but that it could become problematic if those federal dollars run out.
"But those will be limited, so when these run out the state will have to raise taxes, or severely cut," says Terry.
Terry expects a senate version of the bill to pass early this week, followed quickly by passage in the U.S. House of Representatives.
He says Republican hands appear tied in trying to slow the bill's progress.
"Since Ben has committed, it's done," he said.
*Former presidential candidate & Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Terry, and a number of other Republican officeholders will hold a healthcare rally at the Omaha Music Hall Sunday at 2 p.m.

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