Two Democrats may miss House vote on GOP health care bill
Rep. Louise Slaughter of New York has been out sick and it’s unclear whether she’ll be back Thursday to vote against a Republican proposal to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, according to her office.
Slaughter, the top-ranking Democrat on the House Rules Committee, was absent Wednesday as the committee took up the bill and has been out since late last week. The attendance of another Democrat, Rep. Bobby Rush of Illinois, is also in question following the death of his wife, Carolyn.
Democrats are all expected to oppose the bill. With every one of their absences, Republicans can afford to lose another vote from their party and still pass the bill. But conservative Republicans say they likely have enough votes to kill it, regardless.
On Monday, Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said during a committee meeting that Slaughter, 87, was treated over the weekend with antibiotics for an infection.
“Getting sick is the price many of us pay for flying twice a week, but I’m happy to report that Louise is now feeling much better," McGovern said. "I spoke with her this afternoon and in her words she’s 'ready to fight a tiger,' so as soon as her doctor gives her the green light she’ll be back in action.”
McGovern reported Wednesday that he had spoken with her again that morning. “I can assure you she’s watching all of us today and taking notes,” he said.
A spokeswoman for Rush, Stephanie Gadlin, said she wasn't able to say what Rush would do. His wife died on March 13 at age 67 of congestive heart failure. Funeral services are on Friday, she said. He tweeted that a celebration of her life would be held on Saturday in Chicago.
“Of course he wants to be there to vote, but he’s literally dealing with the death of his wife,” she said.
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