Republicans Call For Alternative To Public Option

John DuBois, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service

A number of Republican Congressmen called upon President to support the a number of other plans as an alternative to a publicly funded health insurance option.

"Mr. President, there are alternatives to a government takeover of healthcare. The American people are rejecting the liberal, big government approach. They don't want an approach that put's the government first, they want an approach that put patients first," said Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.).

Among the plans put forward by Republicans are the Empowering Patients First Act, the Patients' Choice Act and the Improving Health Care For All Americans Act.

"No less than three dozen health bills have been introduced by Republicans this year," Rep. Tom Price, MD (R-Ga.) said.

"We hope the President will recognize that and work with us to find common ground," Price added.

Iran Presents An Immediate Danger, Warns Diplomat

John DuBois- New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

Dore Gold, a former Isreali Diplomat, joined with Republican House members Wednesday to discuss the threat posed by a nuclear armed Iran.

"We are in a dangerous position with Iran," said Gold. "The time is five minutes before midnight and we cannot drag this out," Gold added, a reference to the symbolic doomsday clock that tracks the possibility of nuclear weapons use.

House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) stated that he feels concerned and "fears a policy of engagement with Iran will lead down a dangerous path."

The speakers stated that the International Atomic Agency reports a steady growth in low enriched uraninium stocks linked with Iran and that the Islamic Republic is steadily working on the production of warheads.

"The time is now for Congress to in act the strongest sanctions against the regime in Iran," Rep Mike Pence (R-Ind.) said, referring to the proposed Iran Petroleum Sanctions Act. Pence called upon Democrats to support the legislation.

House Democrat Puts Forward Bill To Repeal Defense Of Marriage Act

John DuBois- New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) outlined the Respect for Marriage Act Tuesday, a bill to aimed at repealing the Defense Of Marriage Act and thus ensure that all married couples, including lawfully married same sex couples, have the same access to federal responsibilities and benefits.

"Today we celebrate the first step to overturning the defense of marriage act and sending that ugly law into the history books where it belongs," said Nadler.

Nadler stressed that both President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton are in support of the Respect for Marriage Act.

Jared Polis (D-Colo.), who co-chairs the LGBT Equality Caucus stated that DOMA was "a law that should of never been on our books" and "an embarrassment for our country."