White House vows veto of Medicare bill

The White House has renewed a vow to veto legislation that would avert imminent fee cuts to doctors who treat Medicare patients. The threat came even as Democratic leaders confidently predicted that enough Republicans would side with them to ensure that the bill will become law. If President Bush does not reconsider a veto, "rest assured that we will make very sure that this bill becomes law through a veto override," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act would cover the fee cut by taking money from private healthcare insurers.