Rockefeller on Baucus' bill: "There is no way in its present form that I will vote for it."

[ProSense]

Rockefeller says can't back Senate panel bill yet

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senator John Rockefeller, a Finance Committee member and a strong backer of a government-run insurance option, said on Tuesday he will not support the panel's healthcare bill in its present form.

Rockefeller told reporters he was unhappy with the lack of a government-run "public" insurance option in the bill, which is scheduled to be made public on Wednesday, and had problems with some of its changes in children's health insurance and Medicaid, or healthcare for the poor.

"There is no way in its present form that I will vote for it," he told reporters. The Senate Finance bill, under negotiations for months, could be the focus of an ultimate congressional compromise on President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.

[gateley]

1. Good for you, Jay! You're doing what's right. nt

[Hepburn]

2. Bravo! n/t

[ProSense]

3. Audio:

here

[indimuse]

4. knr! n/t