Published: July 30, 2009 01:30 pm      

Indiana Rep. Baron Hill part of coalition slowing health care vote

There will not be a House vote on health care reform until at least September — due in part to negotiations by Indiana Rep. Baron Hill.

Hill and three other Democratic members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce joined with fellow representatives from the Blue Dog Coalition to announce Wednesday a floor vote won’t happen during this session.

They were able to strike an agreement with House leadership to delay action. Hill stated in a news release that protection of small businesses, fair reimbursement for rural hospitals and shaving President Barack Obama’s plan to less than $1 trillion in costs are the policy modifications he seeks with the legislation.

“These are significant changes that will dramatically alter the current bill for the better,” he said.

Hill plans to travel through Southern Indiana to hear feedback on the legislation.

“I am fully committed to health care reform, but when dealing with an issue of such widespread impact and importance, we must take our time,” he said.