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Democratic senator: Public health insurance option dead |
2009-08-18 |
(CNN) -- A key Senate negotiator said Sunday that President Barack Obama should drop his push for a government-funded public health insurance option because the Senate will never pass it. Democratic Sen. Kent Conrad of North Dakota said it was futile to continue to "chase that rabbit" due to the lack of 60 Senate votes needed to overcome a filibuster. "The fact of the matter is there are not the votes in the United States Senate for a public option. There never have been," Conrad said on "FOX News Sunday." Conrad is one of six Senate Finance Committee members -- three Democrats and three Republicans -- who are negotiating a compromise health-care bill that would be the only bipartisan proposal so far. Three House bills and another Senate version have all been proposed by Democrats, and all contain provisions for a public health insurance option intended to compete against private insurers. Republican opponents argue the public option is a step toward the government taking over the health care industry. Many Democrats argue that it would not have that effect. Conrad has proposed creating non-profit health insurance cooperatives that could negotiate coverage as a collective for their members. |
Posted by:Fred |
#3 Prediction: Barry and Bill Clinton soon to go on a national |
Posted by: Besoeker 2009-08-18 17:14 |
#2 Yeah, and "Congress pledges to read bills before voting", "Courts agree not to legislate", and "Obama to take oath of office seriously". Don't hold your breath. |
Posted by: DMFD 2009-08-18 17:11 |
#1 I am hoping to soon read the headline "Health Insurance 'Reform' Dead for This Session: Congress Gives Full Attention to the National Financial Crisis" Once that occurs it will be fun to read the papers again. |
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418 2009-08-18 12:52 |