Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Sofia Sanchez University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said Tuesday that requests from Republicans to restart efforts to reform the U.S. health care system are unrealistic.

“We have had very fullsome consideration of this bill and starting over does not seem a path that would be very efficient at all,” said Hoyer.

The Majority Leader also discussed the differences between the Republicans' and Democrats' legislative approach to health care, saying “the Republican bill will only cover three million Americans as opposed to the Democrats' bill which will cover 31-35 million Americans.”

Hoyer added that he hopes the Health Care Summit at the Blair House Thursday will bring about an open forum for both Republicans and Democrats to present their best ideas for health care reform.

Hoyer also commented on the small signs of bipartisanship surrounding the jobs bill, most notably the five Republican senators have helped bring it to a final vote.

“I think it’s a good sign,” said Hoyer.

The Senate is expected to pass the bill this week.