Saying the Democratic plan would prevent the exact situation Ms. Burke’s family is now facing, Hoyer said; “I really think this plan would give you, your son and your daughter more confidence.”

“No, sir, it really doesn’t,” Burke replied. “We want the government out of our business right now.”

Burke’s response drew a boisterous standing ovation similar to scenes at town halls across the country that have been shown on cable news broadcasts.

“I know many of you are mad because you think Congress or the president or someone wants to take over your healthcare,” Hoyer said. “But the status quo won’t work for us.”

Audience members voicing support for Hoyer struggled to outshout those most viscerally opposed to seemingly anything with the stamp of the Democratic Party on it.