Obama to push Senate Democrats on healthcare compromise

US President Barack Obama will push fellow Democrats on Sunday to reach a compromise enabling the passage of healthcare reform legislation. Obama needs the votes of all 58 Senate Democrats and two independents for his reform bill to pass.

AFP - President Barack Obama heads to Congress Sunday to encourage his fellow Democrats to overcome their divisions and pass sweeping health care reform legislation.
   
Senators remained holed up in the US Congress over the weekend to debate the health care overhaul, Obama's top domestic priority, which aims to provide coverage to the estimated 36 million Americans without insurance.
   
After months of fractious debate in committee and behind closed doors and a key procedural vote two weeks ago, the Senate finally began its formal consideration of the bill on Monday and then cast votes on a series of amendments.
   
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hopes to pass the bill before the end of the year.
   
In a bid to prod hesitant lawmakers in his own party, Obama will attend a Senate Democratic caucus meeting at 2:00 pm (1900 GMT) on Sunday behind closed doors, the White House said.
   
But many votes, and likely Republican delaying tactics, stand in Reid's way.
   
He needs to muster all 60 votes -- all 58 Democrats and two independents -- who form the majority. But some conservative Democrats have opposed including a government-backed insurance "public option" to compete with private insurers, a key component of the plan.
   
The measure also includes a tough new restrictions on dropping care for pre-existing ailments and an end on lifetime caps for coverage.
   
Obama will seek to help the majority strike a compromise to secure the backing of senators still on the fence: Democrats Mary Landrieu, Blanche Lincoln and Ben Nelson, as well as Joe Lieberman, an independent who usually votes with the Democrats.
   
In addition to his opposition to a public option, Nelson is also seeking provisions banning the use of public funds for abortions.
   
The House of Representatives already passed its version of the bill on November 7.
   
Senate approval of the measure would force both chambers to reconcile their rival versions of the bill and vote again on whether to send it to Obama.
   
The White House-backed bill aims to extend coverage to some 31 million Americans, while curbing soaring costs and improving the quality of care.
   
It is estimated to cost 848 billion dollars through 2019 but cut the sky-high US budget deficit by 130 billion dollars over the same period, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office.

 

Date created : 2009-12-06