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Saturday, March 20, 2010
Teague Says He'll Vote Against Health Care Bill
By Michael Coleman
Journal Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama won't get New Mexico Rep. Harry Teague's vote on health care legislation.
The Hobbs Democrat announced late Friday that he would oppose a sweeping Senate bill scheduled for a House vote on Sunday.
Teague, a freshman Democrat, voted against a House version of health care overhaul on Christmas Eve. Despite heavy pressure from Democratic leaders, Teague said he could not vote for the Senate version either.
"I had hoped to have a chance to vote on a bill that provided affordable health care options to all American families, but after reviewing the final health care reform proposal, I do not believe that the bill does enough to contain costs and it definitely does not do enough to rein in the out-of-control insurance companies that are driving up health care costs in this country," Teague said in a news release.
"In fact, I believe we are doing more for the insurance companies than we are for the people who need this coverage, and that is why, despite the positive steps it takes, I must vote against this bill," Teague said.
New Mexico Reps. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, as well as Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall, all Democrats, have said they support the Senate bill.
Teague, who represents the conservative-leaning 2nd Congressional District covering southern New Mexico, is widely viewed as one of the most vulnerable House members in this year's elections.
Former Rep. Steve Pearce, a Republican, is vying to reclaim the 2nd Congressional District seat this year. Pearce on Friday issued a news release urging Teague to oppose the health care legislation.
Teague said he did agree with some provisions contained in the bill.
"There are some pieces of the final health care reform proposal that I agree with, like ending the despicable practice of insurance companies canceling or denying coverage to people because of pre-existing conditions, and it closes the Medicare Part D doughnut hole, guaranteeing lower drug costs for seniors," Teague said.
"These are much needed changes that I support, but they aren't enough to rein in insurance companies and make health care truly affordable," Teague said.
Brian Sanderoff, a longtime New Mexico political analyst, said Teague's decision to vote against the health care legislation makes good political sense.
"Liberal Democrats will be disappointed with his decision," Sanderoff said. "It's the more moderate Democrats and independents who will decide his general election. It was probably a wise move politically for him."
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