Tuesday
Jul142009
Health Care Is In The House
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 5:32PM
By Courtney Ann Jackson-Talk Radio News Service
Democratic Representatives say there is a rapidly closing window for passing health care. A health care bill, known as the Dingell bill, will come out Tuesday. Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) mentioned that the bill is not exactly what he would have put together, but that he believes if the U.S. is going to do something about the problem, it must be better addressed.
“This is a great opportunity. If we waste it, I can’t tell you when it will return,” said Dingell.
Dingell was joined by Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) for a health care discussion Tuesday. The Representatives agreed that health care brings a “unique American challenge” that requires an “American solution.”
Kind used a different analogy than that of Dingell and said they were trying to get healthcare “across the finish line.” No matter what the analogy, the point was clear that Democrats want to get the debate going, now.
Altmire said Republicans and Democrats are not that far apart in their ideas but a systematic reform is necessary. He said it would be nice to have Republican support and it would be a chance for them to be part of an important piece of legislation.
“It will not be a perfect bill but we hope it’s one that advances in the right direction which will lead to increased quality [health care] at a lower cost for all Americans,” said Altmire.
The Representatives highlighted aspects of the debate that bring about concerns such as: the costs, a level playing field for insurance companies, and a public option.
At this time, the New Democratic Coalition has not put out a position on a public option, according to Kind. He said it would be a tough sell for some members but that failure is not an option.
Democratic Representatives say there is a rapidly closing window for passing health care. A health care bill, known as the Dingell bill, will come out Tuesday. Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) mentioned that the bill is not exactly what he would have put together, but that he believes if the U.S. is going to do something about the problem, it must be better addressed.
“This is a great opportunity. If we waste it, I can’t tell you when it will return,” said Dingell.
Dingell was joined by Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) for a health care discussion Tuesday. The Representatives agreed that health care brings a “unique American challenge” that requires an “American solution.”
Kind used a different analogy than that of Dingell and said they were trying to get healthcare “across the finish line.” No matter what the analogy, the point was clear that Democrats want to get the debate going, now.
Altmire said Republicans and Democrats are not that far apart in their ideas but a systematic reform is necessary. He said it would be nice to have Republican support and it would be a chance for them to be part of an important piece of legislation.
“It will not be a perfect bill but we hope it’s one that advances in the right direction which will lead to increased quality [health care] at a lower cost for all Americans,” said Altmire.
The Representatives highlighted aspects of the debate that bring about concerns such as: the costs, a level playing field for insurance companies, and a public option.
At this time, the New Democratic Coalition has not put out a position on a public option, according to Kind. He said it would be a tough sell for some members but that failure is not an option.
Reader Comments (1)
Thanks to Congressman Altmire and the Democrats. I hope that the Republicans get on board with this game-changing legislation. Obviously, this healthcare will be crucial for the backbone of America - the blue collar working class, especially those with families who can't afford over $1000 a month for healthcare. But equally importantly, this will help, despite some initial costs, small businesses. For those small businesses who already have healthcare, costs will decrease. For those who don't already provide healthcare, that option will become much more affordable and will allow them to compete with big corporations for talented personnel. And everyone will benefit because we will be more competitive internationally as overall healthcare costs are brought under control. Finally, I say all this as a public school teacher who already has healthcare. If it means I need to pay a bit more in the short term, I am willing to do my part. I thank the Democrats, Jason Altmire, and President Obama, for having the courage to take a stand and put forth a plan. I only hope the Republicans can put their philosophical bankruptcy and cowardice behind them and at least suggest an alternative method of covering all working Americans, instead of continuing their reign as the do-nothing party.