Cheers & jeers greet health reform

By DAVID SKOLNICK

skolnick@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan said there’s no question about it: His vote on the landmark health-care bill was the most important one he’s cast.

“This is the biggest by far,” said Ryan of Niles, D-17th, who’s served in the U.S. House since January 2003. “It’s the most significant vote I’ve taken.”

Ryan said Monday, a day after the House approved the bill 219-212, that “regardless of how long I serve in Congress,” there won’t be a vote that will have more impact.

The bill would extend health-care coverage to 32 million Americans who are currently uninsured; prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage for those with pre-existing medical conditions or drop coverage when a person becomes ill; and allow people up to the age of 26 to remain on their parents’ health-care plans.

“I can’t help think how much suffering could have been alleviated over the past 40 years if we had this system in place,” Ryan said.

The bill was controversial with opponents pointing to its cost of $940 billion over 10 years as well as concerns about government getting too involved in health care that could adversely impact those who are satisfied with their current coverage.

Another hot-button issue is the use of federal money for abortions. President Barack Obama issued an executive order Sunday affirming existing federal law on prohibitions to pay for abortions.

Some believe that is good enough to maintain the status quo on abortion funding, while others disagree.

“It is particularly infuriating that some of the Ohio representatives who voted for this bill purport to be pro-life,” said Mike Gonidakis, executive director of Ohio Right to Life. “Whether they were duped by the executive order or merely trying to give themselves ‘political cover,’ all of these Ohio members of Congress are responsible for the largest expansion of federal support for abortion since Roe v. Wade.”

U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson of St. Clairsville, D-6th, who is anti-abortion, said Monday that a number of “pro-life religious leaders” support the bill.

“I felt comfortable voting for it because of the backing of these groups,” he said Monday. “It’s truly pro-life [legislation]. I’m extremely proud of this vote.”

U.S. Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper of Erie, Pa., D-3rd, also anti-abortion, agreed to vote for the bill early Sunday only after Obama vowed to issue the order.

Dahlkemper said the president spoke to her three times about the bill, with her telling him that she needed guarantees federal funding wouldn’t go to pay for abortions.

As for her vote, Dahlkemper said, “It is a night I’ll always remember.”

When asked if the vote puts her re-election bid in jeopardy, Dahlkemper said, “As a freshman Democrat in a district held for 32 years by Republicans, I’m going to be targeted.”

U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette of Bainbridge, R-14th, voted against the bill saying it will raise taxes, harm Medicare, raise premiums and impact every man, woman, child and business in America.

“The promises that seniors will have better Medicare coverage are laughable,” he said. “The vow that if you like your insurance you can keep it is fantasy. And, Americans better hold onto their wallets because the tax man is lurking.”

Chiropractors and orthopedic surgeons will probably be the first to benefit from the new health care law, suggesting there will be a surge in new patients, mostly from Capitol Hill, LaTourette said.

“All that arm twisting probably caused a slew of injuries,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Jason Altmire of McCandless, Pa., D-4th, one of 34 Democrats to vote against the bill, declined Monday to comment.

Several local labor leaders praised those who voted for bill.

“It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” said David Green, president of the United Auto Workers Local 1714 at the Lordstown General Motors complex.

The health-care bill will provide medical benefits to millions who don’t have it, leading to a healthier nation, said Bill Padisak, president of the Mahoning/Trumbull AFL-CIO Labor Council.