Health bill stuck, Pelosi says votes are not enough

SPEAKER NANCY Pelosi has said that the House may not be able to pass the much-coveted Health bill because it does not have "enough votes to support it."



Pelosi's statement that came Thursday, has left in hanging the fate of the 2,074-Page reform package which was expected to - expand health coverage for Americans, fine those without insurance, and ban insurer abuses.



The lack of votes has also come as a devastating blow to President Barack Obama's signature issue.



Now, it is expected that a separate step may be brought into effect by House members, which is easing the Senate's tax on higher-cost health plans. "Such an approach would be problematic," Pelosi was quoted on Thursday.



"In its present form without any changes I don't think it's possible to pass the Senate bill in the House," Pelosi added. "I don't see the votes for it at this time."



Pelosi's remarks prove that pushing the health-care bill through Congress is going to be a tough affair. The Democrats reportedly were banking on the bill as a key agenda for the elections since jobs and economy remain the burning poll issues for the public at present.



Clearly Democrats have been hit hard by the loss of a Senate seat in Massachusetts special elections. This loss could have major consequences on the party's ability to pass the health-care legislation. Democrats will hold a 59-41 majority in the Senate, which no longer allows them to bring the bill with votes only from their own ranks.



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