Health Care Reform Legislation Will Make Coverage More Expensive, Warns Insurance Industry Head

America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) CEO Karen Ignagni said Wednesday that the organization is concerned that the current round of health care reform legislation will make health care more expensive. (0:27)
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Sen. McCain Says A Military Commission Needs To Try 9/11 Conspirators

Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) said in the press conference that the trial of the 9/11 conspirators by military commission is the only viable option for the U.S. (0:20)
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Ralph Nader interview on the need for election reform

By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico – Talk Radio News Service

Former presidential candidate and long time consumer rights advocate Ralph Nader talked with Michael Ruhl to discuss the status of his lawsuit against the Democratic National Committee (DNC). This was immediately following the circuit court argument for Nader vs. DNC. Nader claims that he was harassed and burdened in 2004 presidential election by the DNC, in what he calls "an abuse of the legal process" and malicious prosecution. In this interview, Nader explained background of the case, and the case's current status. He said, "there is no other western democracy that comes close to obstructing voters and obstructing candidates as is the case in our country."

Nader also spoke about the two-party system, and the effect that his case has on future third party candidates in the presidential process. He said that his case is designed to draw boundaries, to make sure that third party candidates can exercise their First Amendment rights. Nader also referred to the issue as one of democracy, because he said in limiting ballot access, one is truly limiting the right of the people to decide who they want to represent them. Nader called for national ballot standards, instead of ballot standards which vary state by state. He also advocated instant runoff voting and public funding of public campaigns.

Nader said that the two-party system is not allowing third parties access to the higher tiers of federal government, and this two-party system is moving gradually to a one-party system, where gerrymandered districts make reelection almost certain for many members of Congress. He called this a system that can be rented by the rich. In spite of the stronghold that the two parties have on the system, Nader said that he has talked with several members of Congress who may be interested in helping to move legislation on election reform. He mentioned by name: John Conyers (D-Mich.), Ron Paul (R-Texas), Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), and Jessie Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.). He anticipates this reform effort to be difficult, because as he said, "the foxes are guarding the chicken coop." Nader seems ready for a fight.

(08:50)
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Boehner calls Obama's budget "irresponsible"

At a news conference today, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) says that the Republican alternative to President Obama's budget will "create jobs by allowing American families and small businesses to keep more of what they earn." He says that the President's budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much from our kids and grandkids. "I just think that this may be the most irresponsible piece of legislation I've ever seen in my legislative career," says Boehner. (2:32)
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Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) speaks about global warming legislation

Senate Environment and Public Works Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) speaks at a News conference to release principles for global warming legislation. She says that this moment marks the start of legislative efforts to become energy efficient and create millions of green jobs which will make America a leader. (1:05)

by Suzia van Swol, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service
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U.S. Attorney Gretchen Shappert on Crack's Effect on the Community

US Attorney Gretchen Shappert discusses the effect crack has on the community at the Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs' "Federal Cocaine Sentencing Laws: Reforming the 100-1 Crack/Powder Disparity" discussion this afternoon.  (0:41)
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