WASHINGTON— A powerful House committee chairman is threatening to force a floor vote to break the impasse on health care overhaul.
Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman told The Associated Press negotiations with fiscally conservative Democrats on his panel cannot go on "interminably" because they would "empower" Republicans and allow the minority party to take control of the panel.
The California Democrat said Friday if he can't reach agreement with the conservatives, the health care bill would go straight to the floor and not through his committee.
Two House panels have already passed legislation. Waxman is stymied because seven conservatives — who call themselves Blue Dog Democrats — are sticking together. Negotiations continued.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman told The Associated Press negotiations with fiscally conservative Democrats on his panel cannot go on "interminably" because they would "empower" Republicans and allow the minority party to take control of the panel.
The California Democrat said Friday if he can't reach agreement with the conservatives, the health care bill would go straight to the floor and not through his committee.
Two House panels have already passed legislation. Waxman is stymied because seven conservatives — who call themselves Blue Dog Democrats — are sticking together. Negotiations continued.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
