Republicans push Webb to oppose health bill

Virginia Republicans are pressing Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., to vote against the proposed federal health-care bill.

In a letter to Webb and Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., Speaker of the House William J. Howell, R-Stafford, and the House of Delegates’ chief budget-writer, Del. Lacey E. Putney, I-Bedford, said the bill would greatly expand Medicaid eligibility and greatly push up Virginia’s Medicaid bills.

Separately, the Republican Party of Virginia began delivering petitions to Webb at his offices in the state urging him to vote against the bill.

Webb is said to be one of the swing votes. While allowing the bill to get to the Senate floor, he has said he is uncommitted on its final passage and has voted for several Republican-sponsored amendments.

The Republican National Committee released an online video encouraging Webb to deny the Democratic majority the 60 votes the bill needs to move to a final vote.

Howell and Putney said “a conservative estimate” of the costs to expand Medicaid eligibility indicates that Virginia will need to provide $920 million more between 2017 and 2019, when the new people become eligible.

Medicaid is funded partly by the states and partly by the federal government.

Calling the measure an “unfunded mandate,“ Howell and Putney said the General Assembly could be faced with the choice of raising taxes, cutting services, or both.

Jessica Smith, a spokeswoman for Webb, noted that a conservative group, 60 Plus Association, is running an ad praising Webb for voting against proposed reductions in Medicaid funding.

“Our office has received more than 200,000 letters, e-mails and phone calls from Virginians on health-care reform,“ she noted.

“This is one of the greatest undertakings of Congress in decades, and Senator Webb appreciates and encourages input from all Virginians.“

Smith added that it is not surprising that he is being lobbied by interests from both parties.

“Senator Webb has a reputation for being very deliberative and independent-minded,“ she added. “He has broken with the [Democratic] party six times, including four times to prevent cuts in Medicare.“

Kevin Hall, a spokesman for Warner, said “Senator Warner will only support a bill that he believes will reduce the federal deficit and drive down health-care costs. That’s why he led 11 other senators last week in proposing amendments that improve the legislation by reducing costs and increasing transparency and innovation.“

Unlike Webb, Warner voted for the Medicare reductions. Hall noted that Medicare is not being cut; rather, projected increases are being reduced.

Tyler Whitley is a staff writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch.