Rep. Lynch To Vote Against Health Care Bill

If congressional Democrats win passage of a national health care overhaul, they will do so without the vote of one Massachusetts Democrat — Rep. Stephen Lynch.

Lynch, of South Boston, said Thursday he will vote against the approximately $940 billion bill when it comes to the floor of the House of Representatives, which is expected to be Sunday.

The decision is a switch. Lynch voted for the House's health care bill in November. He says the Senate version does not put enough pressure on insurance companies to reduce costs.

"This is a very good bill for insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies," Lynch told the Boston Globe. "It might be good for Nebraska, I don’t know. Or Florida residents. But it’s not good for the average American, and it’s not good for my district. Or for Massachusetts."

Lynch is also critical of the "deem and pass" procedure House Democratic leaders are considering using to pass the legislation.

Despite his disapproval, the congressman predicts the overhaul will pass.