"There's not an issue more important than finishing this legislation," Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat, told his colleagues in putting them on notice for Saturday and Sunday sessions in December. Reid said exorbitant health care costs have forced thousands of Americans into bankruptcy, creating an economic crisis that Congress must address. However, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said the $979 billion, 10-year Senate bill is too expensive for a nation struggling financially. "The notion that we would even consider spending trillions of dollars we don't have in a way that the majority of Americans don't even want is proof that this health care bill is out of touch," McConnell said. But Reid is determined to avoid being remembered as another Democrat who tried and failed to make health care access for the middle class a part of America's social safety net. FAX Congress NOW! STOP ObamaCare SELECT HERE!
https://secure.conservativedonations.com/ameripac_onoobamacare/?a=1721 "Generation after generation has called on us to fix this broken system," he said at a recent Washington rally. "We're now closer than ever to getting it done."
Tens of millions of Americans lack health insurance or are underinsured, either because their employers do not provide it or they are out of work. The United States is the only developed nation that does not have a comprehensive national health care plan. The bill barely made it to the floor for debate, just squeaking by about a week ago with the 60 votes required to advance it in the 100-member Senate. That included the 58 Democrats and two independents. The Senate debate should start off modestly, with each side offering one amendment. No votes were scheduled Monday. Coinciding with the start of debate, congressional budget experts said the bill would lower the average price of insurance premiums if it passes, although millions would face higher costs. Democrats face near unanimous Republican opposition to the health care measure -- and deep divisions within their own ranks. While majority Democrats will need 60 votes to pass a bill, some in the party say they will jump ship from the bill without tighter restrictions on abortion coverage. Others say they will go unless a government plan to compete with private insurance companies gets tossed out. Such concessions would enrage liberals, the party's heart and soul. There is no clear course for Reid to steer legislation through Congress to the president's desk. |
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