OF2-11/06/09 7:25 AM
NEXT HURDLE IN THE HEALTH CARE DEBATE.
The Osgood File. I'm Charles Osgood.
We're close now to a major legislative test on health care reform.
CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Chip Reid.
SOT - Chip Reid, CBS News Chief White House Correspondent
"The big vote in the House on its bill is on Saturday, and opponents of health care reform believe this may be their best chance yet to kill it."
( NAT of protesters chanting "Kill the bill!" - fades...)
There were protesters outside --- and in some cases, inside --- House Office Buildings yesterday.
SOT - Susie Kimsey, a protester
"The care is gonna be rationed --- 'death panels' for the old people like me..."
SOT - Chip Reid
"Inside a House office building, anti-abortion protesters destroyed copies of the bill --- which they say would allow for taxpayer-funded abortions --- a contention Democratic leaders deny. Police arrested a dozen protesters."
But the battle line is forming for the bill, too.
SOT - President Barack Obama
"We are closer to passing this reform than ever before..."
Proponents of the House health care bill showed up on Capitol Hill yesterday, including Barry Rand.
SOT - Barry Rand, CEO of AARP
"We are here to in fact endorse the 'Affordable Health Care for America Act'..."
He's CEO of AARP.
SOT - Barry Rand
"It protects and strengthens Medicare. Two, it provides affordable coverage for people under 65. Three, it begins to improve long-term care services and support."
The American Medical Association is endorsing it, too --- and President Obama wanted to call Congress's attention to that.
SOT - President Barack Obama
"I urge Congress to listen to AARP, listen to the AMA --- and pass this reform for hundreds of millions of Americans who will benefit from it."
But right now --- after this week's election setbacks for Democrats in New Jersey and Virginia --- a "Yes" vote on this bill could be difficult for members like Gene Taylor of Mississippi.
SOT - Rep. Gene Taylor, Democrat of Mississippi
"I think it's very fair to say that Virginia is a bellwether state, and that the Democratic leadership ought to be paying attention to what happened in Virginia."
Either way, tomorrow's vote is critical.
The Osgood File. Charles Osgood on the CBS Radio Network.
The Osgood File. November 6th, 2009. |
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