Ryan: Dems not trying to get GOP votes on healthcare

Democrats aren’t really actively courting Republicans’ support for the healthcare reform plan making its way through Congress, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) complained Wednesday.

Ryan, the ranking member of the House Budget Committee, said Democrats have told Republicans that the bill will pass, regardless of objections.

“That is what Charlie Rangel and other Democrats are telling us is the way it’s going to go,” Ryan said on CNBC this morning, referencing the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

“We’re putting our proposals out there, but … they don’t need our votes, they’re not asking for our votes, they’re not trying to get our votes,” Ryan said. “They’re trying to get this thing through as fast as possible.”

Republicans have sought to slow progress of Democratic-led proposals to reform healthcare, which are backed by the Obama administration. A key issue in the Senate will be whether or not the legislation includes a “public” (conservatives say “government-run” option) option for consumers.

“You can have universal healthcare in America without the government taking it over, without brand new tax increases, and a slew of new spending,” Ryan said.