GOP Moderate Slams Baucus Bill but Won't Rule Out Vote

A Republican senator known for her independent streak slammed a health care bill passed by a key committee Tuesday but left open the possibility of voting for a sweeping overhaul this year.

Maine Sen. Susan Collins, who broke ranks with her party this year to support President Obama's $787 billion stimulus package, said Wednesday the status quo is unacceptable and she shares the goal of passing responsible health care legislation to expand coverage and curb costs.

But Collins also said she has serious concerns about the version that cleared the Finance Committee Tuesday with the support of her Maine colleague, Olympia Snowe. Collins said she worries the coverage won't be affordable for many families and small businesses, and said proposed Medicare cuts are too deep.

So far, Snowe is the only Republican in Congress to vote for a bill that would deliver on President  Obama's top domestic priority.