Democrats place new roadblock to health care bill
source: http://enews.earthlink.net/article/top?guid=20100126/9d8803a4-451f-49e9-9a59-053f519eb880
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Two centrist senators Tuesday threw up a roadblock to salvaging President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, as Democrats agonized over whether to push forward or shift to idle until political resistance subsides.
Sens. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., and Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark. — both face re-election this year in Republican-leaning states — said they would oppose the strategy Democratic leaders are considering to reconcile the House and Senate bills and put comprehensive legislation on Obama's desk.
That approach involves using a special budget-related procedure to go around Republican opponents in the Senate, a calculated risk sure to inflame critics on the political right.
"There are no easy choices," acknowledged House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md, insisting that the goal remains the same: to pass far-reaching legislation that would expand coverage, reduce costs and improve quality.
Even as Bayh and Lincoln made their concerns known, House Democratic leaders reported progress in trying to get their rank and file to accept a modified version of the Senate bill.
Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, the No. 3 Democrat, told reporters he believes the House could pass the Senate bill if lawmakers get rid of special Medicaid deals for Louisiana and Nebraska and dial back a tax on high-cost insurance plans opposed by labor unions.
A week after the loss of a Massachusetts Senate seat — their 60th vote — cost Democrats undisputed control of the congressional agenda, leaders have yet to find their way on health care.
"There is no rush," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said after a luncheon meeting of Democrats that focused on jobs and the economy, not health care. Reid said he'll keep talking with House Democrats and White House officials.
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Sens. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., and Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark. — both face re-election this year in Republican-leaning states — said they would oppose the strategy Democratic leaders are considering to reconcile the House and Senate bills and put comprehensive legislation on Obama's desk.
That approach involves using a special budget-related procedure to go around Republican opponents in the Senate, a calculated risk sure to inflame critics on the political right.
"There are no easy choices," acknowledged House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md, insisting that the goal remains the same: to pass far-reaching legislation that would expand coverage, reduce costs and improve quality.
Even as Bayh and Lincoln made their concerns known, House Democratic leaders reported progress in trying to get their rank and file to accept a modified version of the Senate bill.
Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, the No. 3 Democrat, told reporters he believes the House could pass the Senate bill if lawmakers get rid of special Medicaid deals for Louisiana and Nebraska and dial back a tax on high-cost insurance plans opposed by labor unions.
A week after the loss of a Massachusetts Senate seat — their 60th vote — cost Democrats undisputed control of the congressional agenda, leaders have yet to find their way on health care.
"There is no rush," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said after a luncheon meeting of Democrats that focused on jobs and the economy, not health care. Reid said he'll keep talking with House Democrats and White House officials.
More @ link
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