Pelosi: Democrats are 'very close' to health care deal after Obama meeting

[jefferson_dem]

Pelosi: Democrats are 'very close' to health care deal after Obama meeting

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said today that congressional Democrats are "very close" to agreement on their divergent health care bills, though no floor votes are currently scheduled.

"We will bring the bill to the floor when we are ready," Pelosi said at the White House after she and other House Democratic chairman met with President Obama.

House and Senate members are trying to merge the different health care bills they passed last year, with Obama assisting the negotiations. "We've had a very intense couple of days," Pelosi said. "I think we are very close to reconciliation."

Pelosi declined to comment on the fate of one difference: A publicly funded health insurance option. The House bill has one. The Senate does not, as some Democrats argued that the public option would lead to a government-run health care system.

Final legislation must be judged in terms of "affordability" and "accountability,' Pelosi said; making sure people can afford health insurance, and that insurance companies are held accountable if they refuse those who are ill or have pre-existing conditions.

Some liberal House Democrats have insisted on the public option, putting more pressure on Pelosi and other House leaders as they try to negotiate a final deal with the Senate.

"We have to be able to sell it not just to our Democratic caucus, but to the American people," said Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/01/pelosi-democrats-are-very-close-to-health-care-deal-after-obama-meeting/1?csp=34

[Cha]

1. Thanks Jefferson.

[mike_c]

2. let the turd polishing begin....

:puke:

[ShortnFiery]

3. That's a shame and will be a large part of the reason that incumbant democrats who

vote for this monstrosity will be "in danger" in future election cycles. I know that, in my state, I will NOT vote again for Warner nor Webb if they vote for this Bill. I hope they get PRIMARIED albeit I'll write-in or vote for an Independent before a republican.

[GeorgeGist]

4. Screw the public is not an option ...

it's mandatory. :phucktard:

[Undercurrent]

5. Thanks,

jeff_dem!

[jenmito]

6. K&R. She's a GREAT Speaker. She knows how to get things done.

[Hekate]

7. KnR. I look forward to seeing the final bill; all mysteries as to its content will be solved then.nt