GOP Rep. Cao 'Leaning' Toward House Reform Bill, Rules Out Coverage For Abortion Services

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 18 Aug 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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During a town-hall meeting in New Orleans on Thursday, Rep. Anh "Joseph" Cao (R-La.) said that he is "leaning" toward supporting House Democrats' health care reform plan, so long as it does not include federal funding for abortion services, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. Cao said that any reform bill must include language that preserves the Hyde Amendment, which prevents the use of federal Medicaid funds for abortion services except in limited circumstances. The House Energy and Commerce Committee's bill (HR 3200) does not explicitly change the Hyde Amendment, the Times-Picayune reports.

Several audience members advocated for a public plan option to be included in reform legislation and criticized Cao's statements opposing abortion. Cao, a Roman Catholic, has publicly stated his "absolute opposition to abortion," the Times-Picayune reports. During the meeting, he said that his view on abortion is a "moral position" and not a "religious position," adding that he "cannot compromise that particular stance."

Cao also said that he has concerns about the effect of a major policy change on the federal budget, future deficit projections, the broader economy and Medicare recipients. Cao said that he might change his final vote, adding, "I don't believe in too much federal intervention. I don't believe in inadequate federal action. The question is to find the right balance" (Barrow, New Orleans Times-Picayune, 8/14). Cao also said that there are several provisions in reform legislation that make the issue "very complex," adding, "I'm not taking it lightly, the president is not taking it lightly and no member of Congress is taking it lightly" (McGill, AP/KATC.com, 8/14).

The appearance before about 150 people at an Irish Channel Neighborhood Association meeting was the first of four planned forums for the representative. According to the Times-Picayune, the Obama administration considers Cao to be "a potential Republican defector" on health care reform, noting that "his willingness to discuss a 'yea' vote is significant in an increasingly partisan debate" (New Orleans Times-Picayune, 8/14).

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