LBN: Reid indicates timetable for health care may slip

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4131151

Source: AP

By DAVID ESPO, AP Special Correspondent

WASHINGTON – In a blow to the White House, the Senate's top Democrat signaled Tuesday that Congress may fail to meet a year-end deadline for passing health care legislation, leaving the measure's fate to the uncertainties of the 2010 election season.

Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., spoke as Democratic officials said it could be December before Senate debate begins in earnest on the legislation atop President Barack Obama's domestic agenda, months after senior lawmakers and the White House had hoped.

House leaders, on a somewhat faster track, pointed toward a vote this weekend on a bill to extend coverage to tens of millions who lack it, ban insurance industry practices such as denying coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions and generally slow the rate of growth of medical spending nationwide. The 10-year, $1.2 trillion legislation is estimated to expand coverage to about 96 percent of eligible Americans.

A few hours later, Reid's office revised his remarks. "Our goals remain unchanged. We want to get health insurance reform done this year, and we have unprecedented momentum to achieve that. There is no reason why we can't have a transparent and thorough debate in the Senate and still send a bill to the president by Christmas," said spokesman Jim Manley.

submit some half-assed proposal that will eat up more time in committees and debates? :grr:

They (Dems) could have gained so much by handling this issue competently and quickly, but it's really come apart at the seams. :(

A few hours later, Reid's office revised his remarks. "Our goals remain unchanged. We want to get health insurance reform done this year, and we have unprecedented momentum to achieve that. There is no reason why we can't have a transparent and thorough debate in the Senate and still send a bill to the president by Christmas," said spokesman Jim Manley.

by the August recess. Remember that?

on the table doesn't look all that good anyway! Back to the drawing board, but if Repukes keep up with Teabagging, Birthers, Deathers, etc., someone's GOOSE IS GETTING COOKED!

And I think it's OURS! I can only WISH it won't be!!!

They could move faster on this, can't they? How long did it take the PATRIOT ACT to pass? The IWR? Bank bailouts? People are dying NOW and need help!!!!! THIS is what "dithering" REALLY looks like!
:argh:!!!!!!!

and they rubber stamped IWR.

:-( And what a depressing time THAT was! And my RW mother somehow thinks that Congress needs to "go slower" on HCR. Geez!!!! :eyes:

The Senate is a disgrace. More last minute maneuvering no doubt to cover some butts.

Release your bill and let us look at it.

How about just telegraphing to the Repugs, Harry, that you are willing to get rolled again. What a pathetic ass. NV- if the Dems don't have the guts to strip him of his post as Majority Leader then you all must defeat him next year.