216 in reach: House Dems have the votes to pass healthcare reform bill

House Democratic leaders have the votes to overhaul the nation's healthcare system.

There are 35 Democrats who are planning to vote no and two undecided Democrats -- Reps. Bobby Rush (Ill.) and Loretta Sanchez (Calif.) -- according to The Hill's whip list. If every member votes, Democrats can have 37 defections and still clear the bill.

The abortion deal struck by the White House and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) with Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) put Democrats over the top. That compromise moved a handful of Democrats from the "no" column into the "yes" category.

At the time of the deal, The Hill's whip list had 39 Democrats planning to vote no, which would have defeated the measure.

Helping the White House's cause, Reps. Jim Cooper (Tenn.) and Paul Kanjorski (Pa.) announced on Sunday afternoon that they will support the healthcare reform package.

There had been concern that the deal with Stupak on an executive order on abortion would cost votes from Democrats who support abortion rights. But pro-abortion rights legislators have told The Hill they will vote yes.

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