On health bill, Peterson a ‘no,’ Oberstar undecided

Rep. Collin Peterson says he won’t vote for reconciliation when the Senate health care bill hits the House in the next week, but Rep. James Oberstar says he’s uncommitted, but will vote for health reform so long as abortion is banned from any public funding. The rest of Minnesota’s congressional delegation is expected to vote along party lines.

The Hill asked Peterson’s office where he stands on the reform bill and his office told them he was a firm “no.”

Oberstar is part of the “Stupak 12,” a group of Democrats who oppose the health care reform bill if it doesn’t ban funding of abortions.

Politico reports that Oberstar still maintains that position, quoting the Weekly Standard saying “I will not vote for a health care bill that doesn’t have the House abortion language in it.” (That quote is originally from Congressional Quarterly, a subscription-only publication quoted by the Weekly Standard.)

Despite his unwavering stance on abortion, Oberstar is for the bill and says he supports going even farther — advocating single-payer health care.

Democratic Reps. Keith Ellison and Bettu McCollum have said they will vote for reconciliation. Rep. Tim Walz says he likely will as well, but he has some conditions, according to Minnesota Public Radio.