Health care reform effort picking up steam

Health care reform effort picking up steam (Added: March 17, 2010)

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The Democrats' effort to pass health care reform this week -- is picking up steam. That's led Republican leaders to step up their efforts - to block it. As some lawmakers are still making up their minds -- activists from both sides are pushing their message hard on capitol hill. Joel Brown reports from Washington.

By: CBS Newspath | WNCT
Published: March 17, 2010

Republican lawmakers stepped up their fight -- to stop the health care reform bill in its tracks.

Their battle got a little tougher Wednesday – as more lawmakers made up their minds. Democrat Dale Kildee decided to support the bill -- even though he had concerns about the funding of abortions. Congressman Dennis Kucinich is on board, too.

That's welcome news for President Obama - and his top priority.

Democrats still don't have all the votes they need to guarantee a win. But -- party leaders are confident the bill will pass when they put it up for a final vote -- late this week.

The president has been working the phones - and inviting lawmakers to one-on-one meetings at the White House. His top aides are promising Democrats still on the fence -- if they vote yes on health care reform, they'll have the administration's support if they face a tough fight for re-election.

But Republicans insist - voters won't be happy with what's in the bill or with the way Democrats are thinking about pushing the measure through without a formal vote. And they promise, they'll bring both issues up in November.