WASHINGTON (AP) – House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi is bruising some key liberal allies by helping craft a rare bipartisan accord on Medicare.
Lawmakers say it will enhance her deal-making status. And it might help her party avoid being sidelined by majority Republicans on future issues.
Pelosi and other Democrats disappointed friends in the abortion-rights lobby by backing a bill to avoid future cuts in Medicare physician payments. The House overwhelmingly approved the bill Thursday.
Democrats noted that the bill will renew the Children’s Health Insurance Program. But it also would reinforce abortion restrictions at community health centers.
That’s a GOP priority that abortion-rights groups oppose.