Civil Rights Challenges Have Always Failed, Says Lawyer

Walter Dellinger, Chair of the Appellate Practice at O’Melveny & Meyers, says challenges to legislation like the one filed by Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli have “always failed,” citing challenges to social security, Medicare and the civil rights act. (0:27)

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Virginia Lawsuit Expands Judicial Powers, Says Lawyer

Walter Dellinger, Chair of the Appellate Practice at O’Melveny & Meyers, says the lawsuit filed by Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli that challenges the constituionality of the healthcare reform bill is a “significant expansion of judicial authority.” (0:21)

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Key Health Reforms Will Happen This Year, Says Democrat Stabenow

During a press conference Thursday, Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) says the health care reform bill signed into law earlier this week by President Barack Obama will immediately begin spurring investments in community health care centers, and will allow young adults to be remain on their parents' insurance until age 26. (0:28)
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Oregon Democrat Shares Latest On Senate Health Reform Bill

TRNS Bureau Chief Ellen Ratner speaks with Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) about the status of healthcare reform legislation in the Senate. Merkley tells Ratner that he expects Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to release a merged bill later today, but adds that Republicans will attempt to block a vote on the bill, which he hopes will take place by this weekend at the latest. The Democrat from Oregon says he doesn't think the bill will come out of conference until January. Merkley describes the whole process as being "painfully slow." Click the audio icon below to listen to the full interview. (7:44)
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Pass Preliminary Healthcare Bills By August Recess Says Clyburn

“Whatever we pass in the House, whatever they pass in the Senate, will not be the final product,” Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) says to his fellow Congressmen about pending healthcare reform bills. He urges the House and Senate to pass a bill before the Congressional recess in August, use August and September for the two Congressional bodies to establish a final healthcare reform package, and have “something for the President to sign before the end of this calendar year.” (0:36)
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"This Is The Least Bipartisan Administration In Modern Times," Says Gingrich

"This is the least bipartisan administration in modern times," and "it's bad for the country," says former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. "They are unwilling to have a conversation, they are unwilling to openly look at amending their [health care] bill," he adds. (0:46)
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