Hoyer ‘Reasonably Confident’ of Abortion Deal in Health Bill

The threat from moderate House Democrats to derail health reform legislation over abortion funding concerns is a problem that can be worked out this week, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told reporters Tuesday.

“We are still working on that,” Hoyer said, “but I am reasonably confident. I have talked to people who have varying views on that. I am pretty confident that we can get there, essentially making very clear that any money spent on the issue of termination of pregnancy will be spent, not by the government, but by the individuals.”

Moderate Democrats, behind Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), have voiced concerns that the House bill doesn’t go far enough to eliminate the possibility that federal funds could subsidize abortions, particularly for patients enrolled in plans on the exchange.

Hoyer said he hopes to bring the Democrats’ $894 billion proposal to the floor either Friday or Saturday of this week. “I am confident of prevailing before Veterans Day,” he added.