Tulsa World: Senators near vote on health-care bill

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Senators near vote on health-care bill

By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau
Published: 11/21/2009 2:27 AM
Last Modified: 11/21/2009 3:51 AM

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Friday talked itself toward a crucial showdown vote over the weekend to begin formal consideration of a historic but highly controversial health-care reform bill.

Senators took turns throughout the day and into the night coming to the floor to express support or opposition to the $849 billion bill designed to expand coverage, end certain contentious insurance industry practices and address financial aspects of the current system.

Those speeches are to continue until a crucial vote scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday.

If the bill passes that procedural test, that victory for its backers is expected to be delivered by a party-line vote.

Oklahoma's two Republican senators — Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn — are expected to join the entire GOP caucus in opposing the bill.

Coburn, who had been threatening to force the 2,000-page bill to be read into the record, apparently has backed off — for now.

"I agreed to the wishes of my leadership," Coburn reportedly told CongressDaily.

In prepared remarks expressing his opposition to the bill, Inhofe described the Democrats' bill as an unprecedented expansion of government control over health care.

"Under this bill, the government will tell people what type of coverage they can and can't have, mandate that every American have health care or pay a tax, mandate that employers provide a certain level of benefits or pay a fine, introduce a government-run plan designed to destroy the private market and include new policies designed to control what drugs and procedures Americans can receive," he said.

Inhofe also warned the bill would make budget problems in Oklahoma worse.

Citing figures provided by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, he said the expansion of Medicaid could cost the state an additional $128 million a year.

Inhofe also criticized Democrats for not using the bill to address medical liability reform seriously.

Democrats defended the bill and questioned why Republicans were not even willing to allow floor consideration to begin on the measure.

"If we do not pass this bill, health insurance premiums will continue to skyrocket," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., a member of the Democratic leadership.

"If we fail to act, health insurance companies will continue to deny patients coverage simply because they are sick."

More families will lose coverage, and more small businesses will collapse under the growing burden of health insurance if lawmakers delay reform, Murray said.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., continued to work Friday for the 60 votes he needs to win the first test vote.

Reid and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced a deal to include provisions in the bill that Wyden said would guarantee choice for consumers and hold insurance companies more accountable.

Late Friday, the Obama administration issued an official statement expressing strong support of Reid's bill.

It said the bill meets the president's criteria for reform by providing stability to those who already have insurance; offering access to quality, affordable care for those who do not; cutting costs for families, small businesses and the government; and does all that without adding to the deficit.

"It covers virtually all Americans and ensures that all Americans with health insurance are protected against high, out-of-pocket spending," the statement read.

The statement also said the administration was pleased the bill includes a public health insurance option, which is one of its more controversial features.

Jim Myers (202) 484-1424
jim.myers@tulsaworld.com By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau

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	Report Comment Teddy Bear 1975, Eufaula (11/21/2009 6:30:44 AM) I am praying this will not pass. If this pass, this will be a disaster for this country. Only big businesses will remain.
	Report Comment Tony G, Tulsa (11/21/2009 7:55:42 AM) I want this to pass, am tired of insurance companies taking outrageous payments then denying coverage to people. I want the working poor to be able to see a doctor, instead of waiting and hoping that pain in the side will go away on its own. Remember the republican option--if your going to die, do it quickly!
	Report Comment dslat, Tulsa (11/21/2009 8:16:23 AM) This could only help small business seeing as how they won't have to worry about providing insurance to their employees. i know our senators here in ok love the money they get from the insurance co. and just want to see the gov fail, but this isn't about them it is about us! we need healthcare for all.
	Report Comment BillyHill, (11/21/2009 9:39:51 AM) This is a travesty. More government control means less private freedom. Solution? Use existing laws to prevent gouging citizens; don't muddle things by stealing from Medicare. Fix the existing instead of overwhelming our children and grandchildren with interminable and unpayable debt.
	Report Comment wisernow, spring (11/21/2009 10:22:41 AM) filbustering is going on right now with regard to the bill..why dont they just regulate the insurance comapnies ability to overcharge and deny health care to those who already have insurance..people say no to government regulation until it affects them..
	Report Comment Charley, (11/21/2009 12:08:38 PM) This is just another theft by Congress. Government cannot do any kind of job, well. There will be some, who will be grateful for receiving some kind of insurance coverage, but the ones who pay the debt, won't like their part in this. Your Congressmen have let you down again & again, yet they return to Office with your blessings. What is wrong with that picture???
	Report Comment DeeBee, (11/21/2009 1:06:10 PM) Obama-"I will deliver health care in my first year as President" The American People-"Yes We Can"
	Report Comment FUTURE WORLD, Tulsa (11/21/2009 6:42:49 PM) Just get this over with and done. Their are many other issues that need to be addressed.
	Report Comment Elusive, Owasso (11/22/2009 1:39:40 AM) Heaven help us.

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