Oberstar a 'likely' vote for Obama health bill

U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar says he is "likely" to vote for President Barack Obama's health-care overhaul as it heads into what may be the bill's make-or-break week.

The Democrat from northeastern Minnesota is among a group of anti-abortion Democrats who want assurances that federal money won't pay for the abortions. But he tells the Duluth News-Tribune Sunday that he doesn't believe in "absolutist" positions and that a single issue is not likely to make him vote against the bill.

While Oberstar says he's "prepared to vote for a health-care bill," he won't commit for certain until he sees the final compromise. He says he also wants to see a Congressional Budget Office analysis of the bill's impact on the federal budget.

U.S. House leaders are saying Sunday they still need to round up support as they plan for a vote within the week. White House advisers are expressing confidence in the bill's chances.

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Information from: Duluth News Tribune

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