Senior Democrat opposes health bill

Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) on Wednesday expressed his opposition to the House healthcare reform bill.

Skelton is not the only panel chairman who is planning to vote no. Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) has been highly critical of the legislation that could be voted on later this week.

In a statement to The Hill, Skelton said, “While the bill unveiled last week is an improvement over the bills considered by House committees during the summer months, it does not represent the right balance for the people I represent and I do not intend to support it.

“I oppose the creation of a new government-run public option and continue to have serious concerns about its unintended consequences for Missourians who have private insurance plans they like. I remain concerned about the bill’s impact on rural hospitals and doctors. The proposed reductions to Medicare reimbursement could further pinch the budgets of rural healthcare providers.

“And I worry that the House bill does not clearly prevent federal funds from being used for abortion services. As a pro-life member of Congress, I cannot support a reform bill that would allow taxpayers to fund abortions."

He added, “At the end of the day, the American people should be able to look at this bill and say that Congress has done a good job. This legislation does not accomplish that goal."

Republicans are targeting Skelton this election cycle.

Earlier this year, Skelton expressed concerns about the House climate change legislation, but subsequently voted for it.

For a breakdown of likely Democratic supporters and opponents of the bill, check The Hill's constantly updated whip list.