Rep. Anh "Joseph" Cao acknowledged Wednesday that becoming the lone House Republican to vote in favor of health-care reform was a rookie move that could end his upstart political career.

"I am a novice," said Mr. Cao, Louisiana Republican, who was elected in December 2008. "But I have to do what my conscience tells me to do."

Mr. Cao repeatedly has said since last weekend that he supported the legislation only after he received the blessing of Catholic bishops and assurance from the White House that the bill limited federal funding for abortions, and because residents across his state -- particularly those in Orleans and Jefferson parishes -- either have no access to health care or cannot afford the cost...