WASHINGTON - Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska, one of three wavering Democrats, said Friday that he would vote today to start debate on a giant health care bill as Democrats and Republicans squared off over the legislation in advance of its first big test in the Senate.
Nelson's announcement had the effect of increasing pressure on the two other uncommitted Democrats, Sens. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, who faces a difficult race for re-election next year.
In agreeing to proceed to the bill, Nelson emphasized that his vote should not be construed as support for the legislation in its current form.
"Throughout my Senate career," Nelson said, "I have consistently rejected efforts to obstruct. That's what the vote on the motion to proceed is all about. It is not for or against the Senate health care bill released Wednesday. It is only to begin debate and an opportunity to make improvements.
"If you don't like a bill," Nelson asked, "why block your own opportunity to amend it?"
The Senate plans to vote today on whether to take up the legislation, which would remake the nation's health care system and provide insurance to more than 30 million people, at a cost of $848 billion over 10 years. The House passed a different version of the legislation two weeks ago.
With no immediate prospect of support from Republicans, the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., needs backing from all 60 members of his caucus to clear the first hurdle to action on the bill.
Democratic leaders expressed confidence they could muster the 60 votes, even as Republicans stepped up the pressure on centrist Democrats.
