Reid says support for health care bill to swell, defends deal

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Harry Reid defended the health care agreement that Democrats reached over the weekend, saying Monday that support for the bill will grow once it gets passed and Americans see its benefits.

The Nevada Democrat said some polling has shown support for health care overhaul "is up about 10 percent overnight" as prospects for passage have improved.

"The American people, once they have the information, they will be totally supportive of the bill," said Reid, the Senate's majority leader.

Democrats contend the changes will remove insurance barriers that make it difficult for people to get needed treatment. Critics argue the changes will be costly and will lead to the government further intruding into health care.

The road ahead became clearer after Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., finally signed on late Friday and agreed to provide the decisive 60th vote for the bill that would transform health insurance.

With Nelson on board, Reid had enough votes to roll through Republican filibusters. He began the process that is expected to result in a final vote on Christmas Eve. Early Monday, senators voted 60-40 to move the bill over a procedural hurdle.

Reid gave his assessment at a news conference in which the president-elect of the American Medical Association, Dr. Cecil Wilson of Winter Park, Fla., announced the group's support for the latest bill.

In referring to polls, Reid was referring to one released Monday by CNN, aides said. It showed support for the health care reform has risen from 36 percent in early December to 42 percent in calls conducted Wednesday through Sunday. A majority, 56 percent, still oppose the bill.

Support grew by 10 percent among Democrats and younger people, the poll said.

Reid also defended the deal that won over Nelson. In exchange for his support, the conservative from Nebraska won tougher restrictions on insurance coverage for abortions. He also got a promise that the government will fully fund an expansion of Medicaid in his state while other states get Medicaid aid for only three years.

Reid said the negotiations over health care were no different than agreements that senators reach to pass bills big and small.

He said that for a $600 billion defense spending bill to pass on Saturday, money was added for food stamps and other safety net programs.

"That is what legislation is all about," Reid said. "It is the art of compromise."

"There are a hundred senators here, and I don't know if there is a senator who doesn't have something in this bill that is important to them, and if they don't have something in it important to them, then that doesn't speak well of them," Reid said.

Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760.