I think this is a good thing for the USA. It makes the country more social. The problem is how they are going to pay the bill of the bill...
And another more "Belgian" problem: ten states are going to question the law in court. They say it's unconstitutional. How can a federal nation still decide something important ? Stupid federalism !
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the US president.CNN
Obama to sign health care reform into law, then promote it on the road
March 23, 2010 9:09 a.m. EDT
* Obama to travel to Iowa to continue sales pitch to still-skeptical public
* President to sign bill on Tuesday; House Dems, reform advocates plan celebration
* Package of changes to bill still needs Senate approval; GOP could delay it there
Washington (CNN) -- President Obama will sign sweeping health care reform legislation into law at the White House on Tuesday, according to two Democratic officials familiar with the planning.
Obama also will hit the road to sell the measure to a still-skeptical public, giving a speech Thursday in Iowa City, Iowa, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said. Obama launched his grass-roots drive for health care reform in Iowa City in May 2007, according to Gibbs.
The bill, which constitutes the biggest expansion of federal health care guarantees in more than four decades, passed the House of Representatives late Sunday night with no Republican support. It was approved by the Senate in December.
A separate compromise package of changes also passed the House on Sunday and still needs to be approved by the Senate. The officials noted that the Senate cannot begin debate on the package before Obama signs the underlying bill into law.
Passage of the bill was a huge boost for Obama, who made health care reform a domestic priority. Aides said Monday that Obama exchanged handshakes, hugs and "high-fives" with staffers when the outcome of the House vote became apparent.
"I haven't seen the president so happy about anything other than his family since I've known him," said senior adviser David Axelrod, adding that Obama's jubilation Sunday night exceeded his election victory in November 2004. "He was excited that night, but not like last night."
Video: Obama: This is change
Video: Health care reform and you
Video: Happy with health reform?
Video: Can states buck health reform?
RELATED TOPICS
* Health Care Reform
* Health Care Policy
* U.S. House of Representatives
* Barack Obama
Republicans promised to continue fighting the reforms, with 11 state attorneys general -- all Republican -- planning lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the bill's mandate for people to buy health insurance and requirements for states to comply with its provisions.
Senior Republicans in Congress warned that voters will judge Democrats harshly in November's midterm elections, with Sen. John McCain of Arizona saying the Democratic-passed bill killed any chance of bipartisan support on legislation for the rest of the year.
"There will be no cooperation for the rest of this year," McCain said in an interview with KFYI radio in Arizona. "They have poisoned the well in what they have done and how they have done it."
Highlights of what's in the bill
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, however, said the administration expects to win any lawsuits filed against the bill, and he challenged McCain and other Republicans to campaign for the November election against benefits of the health care bill such as tax credits for small businesses and an end to insurance company practices such as denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.
The overall $940 billion plan is projected to extend insurance coverage to roughly 32 million additional Americans.
Most Americans will now be required to have health insurance or pay a fine. Larger employers will be required to provide coverage or risk financial penalties. Lifetime coverage limits will be banned, and insurers will be barred from denying coverage based on gender or pre-existing conditions.
The compromise package would add to the bill's total cost partly by expanding insurance subsidies for middle- and lower-income families. The measure would scale back the bill's taxes on expensive insurance plans.
House Democrats are expected to celebrate passage of the bill at a news conference with reform advocates Tuesday afternoon. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who spearheaded her husband's failed health reform effort in the 1990s, said earlier in the day that Obama's success was an example of the president's tenacity.
"If you ever doubt the resolve of President Obama to stay with a job, look at what we got done for the United States last night when it came to passing quality affordable health care for everyone," Clinton said during a speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Was it all worth it for Obama?
Observers warn, however, that the road ahead for health care reform in the Senate may be rocky. Democratic leaders are using a legislative maneuver called reconciliation, which will allow the compromise plan to clear the Senate with a simple majority of 51 votes. But according to Senate rules, members are still allowed to offer unlimited amendments and challenges.
In one of the first of many attempts Republicans say they will make to try to amend or kill the package, GOP aides went to Senate Parliamentarian Alan Frumin on Monday to argue that the compromise bill violates rules of the reconciliation process because of the way it affects Social Security. For that reason, GOP aides said they argued, the bill should not even be allowed to be debated.
However, Frumin, according to a senior Republican and a Democratic aide, informed both parties he disagreed with the GOP assessment, and would not block the bill from reaching the Senate floor.
"There's hope that [the vote] would be done within a short period of time, like a week or so," said Tim McBride, a health economist and associate dean of public health at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
"But the Senate is complicated and doesn't have the discipline that the House does."
Once the package hits the Senate floor, the chamber's rules stipulate that there must be 20 hours of debate. But that 20 hours may prove to be more of a suggestion than an indicator of what will happen, according to Cheryl Block, a law professor at Washington University's School of Law.
"It could get all messy and could go on forever if [Republicans] threw up amendment after amendment," Block said.
"Theoretically, it should only take 20 hours, but it will likely take longer because Republicans have things up their sleeve."
If any provision in the package of changes is rejected or changed, the entire package would then have to go back to the House for another vote.
iReport: Share your views on health care reform
House Democrats unhappy with the Senate bill have been continually reassured that the compromise package will be approved by the more conservative Senate.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, presented a letter to House Democrats on Saturday stating that their Senate counterparts "believe that health insurance reform cannot wait and must not be obstructed."
So far, two of the 59 senators in the Democratic caucus, Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, have said they will oppose the compromise package.
CNN's Ed Henry, Ed Hornick, Josh Levs, Alan Silverleib and Tom Cohen contributed to this report.soundoff (1073 Comments)
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IcutU
IcutU
Shadow your own Bushie Boy Jr. was the president....if you don't recall....that tried to put social security on the stock market... Pay attention or don't speak to the class!
0 minutes ago | Like | Report abuse
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IndpndntVtr
IndpndntVtr
You libs have and are continuing to severely underestimate what the average American thinks about our corrupt and thieving politicians. This great country was founded on right leaning principles and a directional turn back to the right will occur starting with the November elections. We don't want ...more
You libs have and are continuing to severely underestimate what the average American thinks about our corrupt and thieving politicians. This great country was founded on right leaning principles and a directional turn back to the right will occur starting with the November elections. We don't want your whining progressive nanny state! less
1 minute ago | Like (1) | Report abuse
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IcutU
IcutU
Republicans =Patriot Act......Kill you with your own gun!
Democrats= Health Care Reform.......Try to help you! Nuf said.
2 minutes ago | Like (3) | Report abuse
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obamabinlyn
obamabinlyn
One was voted in by both parties, the other had bilateral support against it - nuff said
0 minutes ago | Like | Report abuse
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spattersongt
spattersongt
Health Care Reform = Buy votes.
Both parties are corrupt
1 minute ago | Like | Report abuse
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RacistObama
RacistObama
Do you realize because of this heath care joke of a bill, Obama hasn't been out of US to bash american in over a month ? Rev the engine up !!
2 minutes ago | Like (1) | Report abuse
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ShameOnYouUS
ShameOnYouUS
Obama is not a racist. He is just a misguided liberal.
0 minutes ago | Like | Report abuse
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whynot365
whynot365
This bill isn't making us do anything we don't already do!! Who chooses not to have healthcare? Only the people who can't afford it! This bill makes sure that all stakeholders in healthcare responsible. You try having a child born with cancer and try getting insurance for them before this bill.
2 minutes ago | Like (2) | Report abuse
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Brad151
Brad151
At this moment people may CHOOSE not to have healthcare. Now, thanks to this violation of the Constitution, we have no choice. Thanks nanny state!
0 minutes ago | Like | Report abuse
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JohnT47
JohnT47
Interestingly enough the latest CNN poll here, very unscientific, has more votes for than against the recently passed health bill. Go figure.
2 minutes ago | Like (1) | Report abuse
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Rwlangbe
Rwlangbe
Long live Health Care Reform! Now you have to fight to keep it! Tell your friends and neighbors. Wear T-shirts, coffe mugs, whatever you can do to spread the word. Support Democrats, or they will take away Health Care.
2 minutes ago | Like (2) | Report abuse
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Rwlangbe
Rwlangbe
Of course, I mean They = Republicans, will take away your Health Care.
1 minute ago | Like | Report abuse
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obamabinlyn
obamabinlyn
What part of this don't you like? Any of it? See my comments below?
1 minute ago | Like | Report abuse
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obamabinlyn
obamabinlyn
Given this, is it ok to force people to purchase STD, LTD and Life Insurance because it can stop them from going broke or losing their home? We are on a very slippery slope now.
3 minutes ago | Like (1) | Report abuse
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ANutterfield
Well I, Aaron Nutterfield of De Soto Kansas, believe that the health care reform is a whole bunch of garbage. The more policies that obama passes the more we are becoming a socialist country. This reform will RUIN and if you don't believe i'd love to talk about it. Send me a text at 9135486414. bRING IT-+ less
3 minutes ago | Like (2) | Report abuse
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AdnanFaridi
AdnanFaridi
I support this bill. I support health care reform. It's the right thing. Tons of people go thru losing everything they have because of in illness. Many are job locked. This is not freedom.
3 minutes ago | Like (2) | Report abuse
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Delphi27
Delphi27
Really you support the Student Loan Program forcing money to go the Historically Black Colleges?
1 minute ago | Like | Report abuse
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randian
randian
Neither is this bill.
2 minutes ago | Like | Report abuse
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spattersongt
spattersongt
Hmm how many small business that are 50-60 people are going to lay off those 10 people so they aren't forced to supply healthcare?
4 minutes ago | Like (1) | Report abuse
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citizenlame
citizenlame
Okay...You are basically "FORCED" to buy health insurance now. If you can afford it now, and you CHOOSE not to buy it, you are literally living on the hope that you (or anyone in your family) does not get sick or gets in a serious accident. Because IT WILL bankrupt you, unless you have the money t ...more
Okay...
You are basically "FORCED" to buy health insurance now. If you can afford it now, and you CHOOSE not to buy it, you are literally living on the hope that you (or anyone in your family) does not get sick or gets in a serious accident. Because IT WILL bankrupt you, unless you have the money to pay.
I went to the doctor last month. One visit, one blood test: $650. The only reason I couldn't use my insurance was because I just got a new job and it was still about a week away from becoming active. Imagine how much a serious illness or accident costs.
So don't give me this BS that the government is FORCING people to buy health insurance, because you're basically forced already. And if you can afford it and you are still refusing, then you are gambling with your own livlihood which would be fine with me if it only affected you. But it doesn't. When you go to the ER with no insurance and no money, the hospital has to raise costs to adjust for the loss, which falls on people WITH insurance.
And let me just say, no matter WHAT this administration wrote, you will never see repub support, EVER. This bill, this whole idea is aimed mostly at the poor. Most republicans think that ALL poor people are lazy baby machines on welfare. They're not. Some people are poor because they're sick.
If instead the bill said that all states needed to come up with their own plan to provide health care, you'd get this same constitutional argument. Plus, the cost that Texas would have to put forth versus Kansas in providing health care is substantial. Support for health care has to come from the fed, there is no other way to pay for it.
Amid all of this protest and waving of the flag and constitution, I have still NEVER seen a single, workable solution from the right. They had ten years to make one. Where is it? less
4 minutes ago | Like (2) | Report abuse
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simplefact
simplefact
You are right on - talk is cheap!Thugs like the 3 Somali pirates didn't know what hit them! 'til 2016, the GOP don't know what hit them! The 'entire' GOP can't beat Obama. Though, they can certainly beat themselves! :)Yeah, who'd want to be forced into buying health insurance (btw, this is the pr ...more
You are right on - talk is cheap!
Thugs like the 3 Somali pirates didn't know what hit them! 'til 2016, the GOP don't know what hit them! The 'entire' GOP can't beat Obama. Though, they can certainly beat themselves!
Yeah, who'd want to be forced into buying health insurance (btw, this is the problem with current health care). Not even millionaires like, Lance Armstrong, (cut/paste as URL) bit.ly/3gor0p
This is kinda like requiring people to wear seat belts, isn't it? There are just too many dumb people & there is too little time to explain! less
1 minute ago | Like | Report abuse
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ShameOnYouUS
ShameOnYouUS
No you are wrong. This bill allows me to buy coverage even with a preexisting condition. So if I have an accident, and need care, I can buy the coverage, get my care, then drop the coverage again.
2 minutes ago | Like | Report abuse
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kimbrelee
kimbrelee
just so i understand the Democratic party mentality.... UNConstitutional bills are ok as lon as you can shout WINNER!! ?????? I am at a loss...
4 minutes ago | Like (2) | Report abuse
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chrissl
I don't view the bill as unconstitutional. If it is unconstitutional, I am sure it will be struck down. That is the mentality. And it is not about shouting "winner", it is about passing laws that we believe will benefit the country in the long run. You may disagree, but please don't question our good motives. less
2 minutes ago | Like (2) | Report abuse
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Squatchito
Squatchito
I am immensely enjoying everyone encouraging people to get out and vote, cause once the Democrats are out of power everything will be peachy keen. My apologies, but that is ludicrous. We've be circling the drain politically for the last 50 years, and in the last 15 it has really come to a head. I ...more
I am immensely enjoying everyone encouraging people to get out and vote, cause once the Democrats are out of power everything will be peachy keen. My apologies, but that is ludicrous. We've be circling the drain politically for the last 50 years, and in the last 15 it has really come to a head. It makes no difference who is in power. There is NO one, not one person up on Capitol Hill that is focused on the wants of the constituency.
The mantra for some time has been divide and conquer. So long as we all remain divided on party lines, on of the major parties will continue to hold power, and the money will keep coming in. We will all continue to sit here and bicker back and forth about this and that and they will just keep laughing. They put in just one year of service, one, and they don't even have to actually show up for work, and they can retire with a full pension and lifetime healthcare. It is nauseating.
The American people want change? You don't like this bill(and is sounds as if most Americans do not)? How about actually doing something than. Fun as this is, it does nothing but generate more ad revenue for CNN. I am certainly not preaching I am holier than thou art either, I am just as guilty of complacency as anyone.
That said, you really want to send a message? How about every middle class citizen opposed to this bill refuses to work until it is repealed? I guarantee it would be off the books in under a week.
But, they know if won't happen and never will. Nothing so large could ever be organized, and everyone in the middle class is petrified of losing their job or just needs every penny. That however, is how to get the power back in the hands of the people. less
4 minutes ago | Like (1) | Report abuse
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