RNC Chairman: Something 'Desperately Wrong' With Senate Healthcare Bill

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele says there must be something wrong with the Senate healthcare bill because even with a 60/40 majority, Democrats are still asking for Republican votes. Steele says, "you have the votes, pass the bill." (0:43)
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Democrat Levin Talks Healthcare With TRNS

TRNS Bureau Chief Ellen Ratner speaks with Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) about where things stand with the senate healthcare bill. Levin says he is hopeful that a final bill in the Senate will come to the floor by the end of the week. Calling it a "long, complicated bill," Levin explains that folks have some time to read the full legislation online. Finally, Levin, one of the more liberal members of the Senate, says it is essential for the Senate's version to contain a public option plan. Click on the audio icon below to listen to the entire conversation. (5:02)
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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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