WAKARUSA — President Barack Obama said Wednesday he’s determined to get an overhaul of the health care system before the end of the year and, if necessary, without bipartisan support.
His comments reflected a growing sense among Democrats that they may have to carry the legislation to expand coverage and try to control medical costs with votes from lawmakers of their own party — or at best a handful of Republicans.
Visiting economically stressed Indiana to announce $2.4 billion in taxpayer grants for electric cars and tens of thousands of jobs, Obama pledged successful conclusion of the health care overhaul that he argues would stabilize the nation’s fiscal health.
“I promise you, we will pass reform by the end of this year because the American people need it,” the president said.
That will take some doing, since action on legislation in the House and Senate has been slowed by divisive policy arguments. Republican leaders oppose the Democrats’ approach, and they’re saying Congress should start over. But in an interview after his speech, Obama said he is not wedded to a bill with Republican as well as Democratic support.
He said he is encouraged that a small group of three Democratic and three Republican senators on the Finance Committee continue to negotiate, but signaled impatience with protracted talks that haven’t yet produced legislation.
“Sometime in September we’re going to have to make an assessment” about whether to keep trying to negotiate with Republicans, he told MSNBC.
Obama said he “would prefer Republicans working with us” but that getting his main priorities for a health care overhaul are more important. It represents a marked change from the emphasis Obama placed on bipartisanship when he launched his campaign for a health care overhaul at a White House summit in March.
The president’s shift is being echoed by Democratic senators.
“The time is closing in,” said Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va. “We cannot finish this year without passing major health care reform. It’s our sacred duty to the American people.”
Rockefeller said negotiations with Republicans have only resulted in a bill that “gets weaker, and weaker, and weaker.”
“Everything is being focused on will three Republicans cooperate, or will they not?” Rockefeller said.
With the Senate expected to begin a monthlong vacation at the end of the week, Obama invited the six bipartisan negotiators to a White House meeting on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Republican and Democratic leaders traded accusations about the sometimes aggressive protests that have occurred over health care in a number of states. On several occasions in recent days Democratic lawmakers have been mobbed or shouted down by sign-waving activists who Democratic leaders claim are being organized by outside groups and lobbyists.
Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele defended the activism, even as he denied the party was organizing it.
“We are not inciting anyone to go out and destruct anything. We’re encouraging people to go and visit their congressman or their senator,” Steele told reporters on a conference call. “We’re not organizing the town halls, the congressmen and the senators are. And as citizens they have a right to go and express their points of view.”
Obama referenced the opposition in a fundraising e-mail sent by his political group, Organizing for America, and asked his supporters to attend events to show their support for his health care plans.
Health & Fitness
President Barack Obama promises health overhaul with or without GOP
- Health & Fitness
-
-
Student sues to wear breast cancer bracelet
An Indiana eighth-grader sued his school district in federal court Monday for the right to wear a bracelet promoting breast cancer awareness with the message “I (heart) Boobies.”
-
Greater Clark begins Fitness Calendar Challenge
Teresa Stengel, health services coordinator, said if other family members get involved with students, children might be more likely to continue with exercise routines and watching their diets.
-
A unique kind of journey: Couple hiking across the country to bring awareness to issues facing millions
-
Closure of Clark Memorial Bridge approved for walk
The closure was approved contingent on the re-opening of the Sherman Minton Bridge in New Albany, expected by March 2.
-
House approves limited statewide smoking ban
Rep. David Niezgodski, D-South Bend, said the carve-out for casinos is “not fair” and made him unable to vote for the bill.
-
Jeffersonville fitness council to promote healthy choices
The Moores began training last week for the upcoming spring mini-marathons with the Jeffersonville Parks running club. Excitement about the club has spread through City Hall where the mayor has recruited several other employees to participate, as well.
-
Jury awards $1.5 million in medical malpractice suit
Just hours after her surgery, Dustin Fischer proposed to her from the side of her bed as she lay in the Intensive Care Unit.
-
Coughing? Sneezing? How to know if you're too sick to work
You know this feeling -- you're getting sick. Do you tough it out and head to work? Or stay home and spare your co-workers from your germs?
-
Clinician to be honored with service award
She goes well beyond the call of duty when dealing with the Bliss House women, according to a press release from Bliss House. She places herself on call whenever needed and goes the extra mile to ensure the women have the greatest opportunities to be successful.
-
Medical center turns to Clarksville for backing
Clarksville’s vote was only a preliminary one. However, it allows town attorneys, financial advisers and the individual investors to come together to discuss the process.
- More Health & Fitness Headlines
-
Student sues to wear breast cancer bracelet
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
