Democrats, Uninvited, March Into Medicare Talks to Make Their Point

[Judi Lynn]

Democrats, Uninvited, March Into Medicare Talks to Make Their Point
By David Espo The Associated Press
Published: Oct 30, 2003




WASHINGTON (AP) - A delegation of House Democrats marched unbidden Thursday into closed-door talks over a Medicare prescription drug bill, an act of political theater scripted to dramatize opposition to legislation taking shape in negotiations dominated by Republicans.
Despite the well-mannered intrusion, a core group of negotiators reported progress toward agreement on a bill that would remake the government's 38-year-old program of health care for 40 million Americans age 65 and older and the disabled. "I think we're very close" to a compromise, said Speaker Dennis Hastert.

"There are a couple of things that we haven't put to bed yet," the Illinois Republican said, although he added, "I don't know how long its going to take."

Chief among the unresolved issues is a Republican demand for traditional Medicare to compete directly with private plans that would be set up under the legislation. (snip/...)

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAENVRNFMD.html

[burrowowl]

1. Well

Good on them!

[tom_paine]

2. Nice fighting, Democrats! We need to see more of that!

:toast:

[Voltaire99]

3. Hear, hear! (n/t)