Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Obama may have to wait for health care passage
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Obama may have to wait for health care passage
By RICARDO ALONSOZALDIVAR,Associated Press Writer AP - Thursday, July 23
WASHINGTON - After more than a week of tirelessly pressuring Congress to move his top domestic priority, President Barack Obama may have to settle for a fallback strategy on health care overhaul.
ADVERTISEMENT
Instead of votes in the House and Senate by August, the best Democrats may be able to hope for this summer is action by the full House by the end of the month and some sort of agreement on a bipartisan plan in the Senate before lawmakers head home for vacation.
Not only are Republicans honing their opposition, but some Democrats in both chambers are voicing doubts about moving such complex and costly legislation too quickly.
"No one wants to tell the speaker (Nancy Pelosi) that she's moving too fast and they damn sure don't want to tell the president," Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., a key committee chairman, told a fellow lawmaker as the two walked into a closed-door meeting Tuesday. The remark was overheard by reporters.
Obama has scheduled a prime-time news conference Wednesday, expected to focus on health care. It's turning into a major test of his leadership. One Republican senator says if the party can stop Obama on health care, it will break him.
In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, the president insisted on action by lawmakers, even as he conceded some of the criticism was valid. Referring to objections from a group of conservative Democrats in the House, Obama said, "I think, rightly, a number of these so called Blue Dog Democrats _ more conservative Democrats _ were concerned that not enough had been done on reducing costs."
Obama said those issues can be addressed as the legislation keeps moving forward. Congress has already spent years studying and debating the problems in the health care system, he said.
Meanwhile, a conservative South Carolina Republican, Sen. Jim DeMint, refused Wednesday to back away from his earlier assertion that the health care overhaul will prove to be Obama's "Waterloo."
Interviewed on NBC's "Today" show, DeMint said the statement was "not personal." But he also said someone must "put the brakes on" Obama, accusing the president of engaging in "a spending spree."
DeMint said he agrees that health care changes are needed but that it would be a mistake to push through such complex legislation before the August congressional recess, as Obama has demanded.
House Democrats put their divisions on display over the details and timing of health care legislation Tuesday. The Democratic leadership juggled complaints from conservatives demanding additional cost savings, first-term lawmakers upset with proposed tax increases and objections from members of the rank-and-file opposed to allowing the government to sell insurance in competition with private industry.
Pelosi, D-Calif., vowed weeks ago that the House would vote by the end of July on legislation to meet two goals established by Obama. The president wants to extend health coverage to the tens of millions who now lack it, and at the same time restrain the growth in health care costs far into the future. The upfront costs, however, could reach $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion over 10 years.
The president also has vowed that the legislation will not swell the deficit, although a senior administration official told reporters Tuesday that the pledge does not apply to an estimated $245 billion to increase fees for doctors serving Medicare patients over the next decade.
Peter Orszag, the White House budget director, said that was because the administration always assumed the money would be spent to avert a scheduled cut of 21 percent in doctor's fees.
At the White House, Obama and moderate and conservative Democrats verbally agreed on a council of experts to find savings in Medicare, coupled with a mechanism to force Congress to act on the recommendations. The cost curbs may help woo some of the conservatives.
In the Senate, a small, bipartisan group of lawmakers on the Senate Finance Committee met behind closed doors, pursuing an elusive agreement. The negotiations, led by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., have taken on new urgency. But it's unclear whether they will produce a breakthrough _ or peter out in frustration.
Obama has spoken in public nearly every day for more than a week on health care, some times more than once. At the same time Republicans have upped the political stakes.
On Monday, Michael Steele, the Republican Party chairman, likened Obama's proposals on health care to socialism, and said the chief executive wanted to conduct a "risky experiment" that will damage the nation's economy and force millions to lose the coverage they now have.
Last week, DeMint was quoted as telling fellow conservatives: "If we're able to stop Obama on this, it will be his Waterloo. It will break him."
Given the struggle, the polls show slippage for Obama, although he remains popular. The president is battling the impression if not the reality that his proposal is stalled. In the CBS interview, Obama recognized that perception.
"There have been so many times, during my political career ... where people have said, 'Boy, this is make or break for Obama,'" he said. "When the stock market went down everybody was saying, 'This is a disaster.' And what I found is that as long as we are making good decisions, thinking always what's ... best for the American people, that, eventually, as long as we're persistent and we're listening to the American people, that things get done."
___
Associated Press writers David Espo, Erica Werner, Charles Babington and Ben Feller contributed to this report.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
US envoy hears Pakistan concerns on Afghan warAFP - Wednesday, July 22
Pakistan jets kill Mehsud associates: officialAFP - Wednesday, July 22
Asia darkens under long solar eclipseReuters - Thursday, July 23
UK-World SummaryReuters - Thursday, July 23
Maliki to meet Obama, seek support for investmentReuters - Wednesday, July 22
Most Popular – World
Viewed
Lost love letter reunites couple after 16 years
Call girl scandal deepens for Italy's Berlusconi
Shark attack victims fight for their attackers
Man who went to the moon and came back an artist
Massive quake moves NZealand closer to Australia
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Thursday, 23 July 2009 Five Iranian pilgrims killed in Iraq ambush
profits rise on cost-cutting as revenues slide
Police search offices of Michael Jackson's doctor
Goldman Sachs pays $1.1 bln for warrants
404 Not Found
Afghanistan rounds up would-be bombers: officials
Germany says Magna still leading race to clinch Opel
APEC, WTO warn against protectionism during crisis
Afghanistan moves troops to south, clashes in north
| International
|
Gunmen kill five Iranian pilgrims in Iraq
Pakistan court orders Musharraf to explain emergency rule
| International
|
Turkey ready to resume Israel-Syria mediator role
| International
|
Bingo mogul key figure in latest US-Israel spat
Honduras crisis talks to resume, no deal on Zelaya
| International
|
Body of missing Russian rights activist found
| International
|
Japan PM calls election as LDP battles to hold on
| International
|
Hague border ruling raises peace hopes in Sudan
| International
|
Hundreds evacuated in southern French fire
| International
|
Chinese firm begins swine flu vaccine trial: state media
Clinton signs landmark US-ASEAN friendship pact
Pakistan raises concern over US Afghan offensive
Biden in Georgia to reaffirm US support
Indonesia police release images of suspected bombers
Barneys NY removes killer window display
Mobile gadgets threaten in-flight entertainment
| Technology
|
'Apprentice' winner: Would consider lt. gov. gig
China vows clean online games within five years
| Technology
|
Japan ruling party warns voters against change
Hacking Oracle's database will soon get easier
| Technology
|
Clinton urges Myanmar to free Suu Kyi
The Nation's weather
Intel appeals to EU court over antitrust fine
| Technology
|
Clinton demands denuclearisation of N.Korea
Solar eclipse shrouds Asia in cloak of darkness
Pakistani court summons Musharraf over 2007 chaos
Obama may have to wait for health care passage
Plastic Logic to use AT&T network for new e-reader
| Technology
|
Chinese worker commits suicide over missing iPhone
NJ woman's bake sale helps make mortgage payment
People the weak link in cybersecurity: report
| Technology
|
LG Electronics says Q2 profit soars to record
China suicide puts spotlight on secretive Apple culture
| Technology
|
HK unveils $800M plan to pay back Lehman investors
Pakistan utility faces action on breakdowns-official
APEC extends pledge to raise no new trade barriers
Taiwan's jobless rate hits record high
Chinese worker commits suicide over missing iPhone
China says 'ample evidence' against Rio employees
Microsoft shutting down Soapbox video service
Austrian president opens Bregenz Festival
Guinea-Bissau native runs for office in Russia
Australia's Uluru, Barrier Reef in running for seven wonders
U.S. drug agents raid Jackson doctor's office
| Entertainment
|
The art of faking it: gallery puts forgeries on show
New ambush near world's largest gold mine; 2 dead
Freeport buses ambushed near Papua mine, 2 dead
Rock legends to perform Hall of Fame concerts
| Entertainment
|
Daughtry claims second No. 1 on U.S. album chart
| Entertainment
|
Depp's next role unclear as green lights delayed
| Entertainment
|
Fujifilm unveils 3D digital camera
German election campaign gets sexy
Harrison Ford to star at Deauville American film fest
British women 'want to be curvy not thin'
Stephen Baldwin files for bankruptcy in NY
| Entertainment
|
Recession spells last orders for many British pubs
Wipeout on course for third season
| Entertainment
|
Prisa to put El Pais reports on Amazon's Kindle
Obama calls for broader U.S. ties with Iraq
Porsche management given go-ahead for Qatar deal
EBay reports profit plunges 29 percent
Clinton keeps up pressure on North Korea at Asia meeting
| International
|
Israel circulates Hitler photo to battle critics
South Africa tests first African-made AIDS vaccine
Israel: Brazil can help halt Iran's nuke program
Honduran talks restart, Zelaya vows return
| International
|
Schwarzenegger defends knife-wielding Twitter video
Suspicious motorbike destroyed at Thai security meet
| International
|
Iran's Ahmadinejad defiantly sticks by VP choice
Suspect in Ukraine journalist's murder confesses: officials
Amazon buying hot online shoe shop Zappos.com
Police raid Jackson doctor for manslaughter link
Israel cuts 1948 'catastrophe' from Arabic texts
U.S. urges Myanmar to act on North Korea, Suu Kyi
| International
|
Five Iranian pilgrims killed in Iraq bus attack
US-TECH Summary
China suicide puts spotlight on secretive Apple culture
Netanyahu says West Bank barrier to stay for now
People the weak link in cybersecurity
Kyrgyzstan votes in election as Russia, U.S. watch
| International
|
404 Not Found
Hundreds evacuated in southern French fire
| International
|
Italy blocks sale of luxury yachts to NKorea: report
Obama mounts defense of embattled health care
US strike may have killed bin Laden's son: report
2 US troops, 1 Briton killed in Afghanistan
Microsoft releases Windows 7 code to PC makers
| Technology
|
Multiplying like bunnies? Not this jackrabbit
Amazon.com buying shoe seller Zappos for $928 million
| Technology
|
America's south Afghan offensive worries Pakistan
Verizon Wireless proposes roaming rule change
| Technology
|
Bill to decide Puerto Rico's status moves forward
Freeport's workers again under attack in Indonesia
Astronauts cut spacewalk short due to suit issue
Yahoo buys photo organization tech company Xoopit
| Technology
|
Homeland Security revamps Web site
Pakistan raises concern over US Afghan offensive
Clinton pushes for NKorea denuclearization
U.S. back-to-school; Wal-Mart woos laptop shoppers
| Technology
|
Iraqi PM, Obama hail strategic cooperation in talks
Police: Fowl snatched from home in Climax, Mich.
Pakistan court orders Musharraf to explain emergency rule
NZ dollar needs to fall, recession to linger-FinMin
Drug agents raid Jackson doctor's office
| Entertainment
|
IMF welcomes China's progress on currency
John Oates's J-Stache cartoon debuts online
| Entertainment
|
Korea Hot Stocks-Hite, SK Sec, Samsung Techwin, media firms
S.Korean bonds fall on global index, U.S. lead
Haunting debuts atop DVD sales chart
| Entertainment
|
Seoul shares rangebound; media issues rally
Churches to combine marriage and baptism in UK
Couch-potato lifestyle affects children's sleep: study
Daughtry claims second No. 1 on U.S. album chart
Evil children subgenre can chill moviegoers
More shooting on road to Freeport's Papua mine
Law Enforcement Agents Raid Jackson Doctor's Office
Obama, Maliki Confident Of Iraq Progress Toward Stability
Some IMF members say China's currency undervalued
Sam Raimi to direct 'Warcraft' film
Indonesian TV: Wife of fugitive militant detained
Ohio grand jury to consider stars' surrogate case
Senate Narrowly Defeats Bill To Widen Scope of Gun Permits
List of top 15 cable programs for July 13-19
Minister pledges to 'transform' ailing Air India
World's Biggest Telescope To Rise From Hawaii Volcano
Indonesian police release sketches of bomb suspects
Specter Virtually Tied With Conservative Rival In Latest Poll
From beaches to malls, Indonesia tightens security
Republicans Hold Own Press Conference Ahead Of President's Primetime Presser
Court Blocks NY Gov. Paterson's Appointment For Lt. Governor
'Dumpster diving': New York's coming wave
Boeing, Lockheed hail US-India defence deal
Discovery Channel to re-air 'Cronkite Remembers'
Jackson movie could be a Halloween thriller
Senate Votes Against Buying More F-22 Fighter Jets
US wins trade dispute with China over CDs, DVDs
FDA Approves 2009-2010 Flu Vaccines, But None Prevent Swine Flu
Obama Marks Sixth Month With Primetime Press Conference Wednesday
French army shooting exercise sparks wildfire
China news blackout on graft case linked to Hu's son
Australian police Twitter to target drink drivers
Biden: U.S. backs Georgia, urges Russia pullback
| International
|
Judge accepts Mumbai accused plea, trial to go on
| International
|
US lacks tech talent for cyber defense: study
U.S. sees Pakistan securing Swat before attacking Mehsud
| International
|
Afghan leader says open to poll debates but not yet
| International
|
Plastic Logic to use AT&T network for new e-reader
Intel appeals to EU court over antitrust fine
Indonesian unaware husband was Noordin Top: lawyer
| International
|
S.Africa threatens clampdown on violent protests
| International
|
Landslides, floods plague quake-hit southwest China
| International
|
U.S. urges Myanmar to act on North Korea, Suu Kyi
Death toll rises to 12 from Japan landslides, floods
Indonesia arrests suspected suicide bomb recruit
Japanese man admits killing two Filipinas
Clinton trades jibes with 'no friends' North Korea
Actor's sister slain, previews in Seattle canceled
SKorean ex-president in intensive care: hospital
Obama: Health care is key to rebuilding economy
Administration unveils financial overhaul bill
India plans to welcome foreign universities: report
China news blackout linked to president's son
NTSB: Human error eyed as cause of SF train crash
Japan opposition surges in poll ahead of election
Obama presses Iraqi leader on reconciliation
US presses Myanmar on NKorea, Suu Kyi at rare talks
South Korea fines Qualcomm $208 million in anti-trust case
| Technology
|
Indonesia president under fire for bomb 'rant'
Asia economies could rebound in 2010: ADB
China blackout on case linked to premier's son
Taiwan's AU Optronics reports 206 mln dlr loss
Japan's Kirin aims to lead Asia with Suntory deal
Hyundai Motor posts record quarterly net profit
Pakistani c.bank sells 25.5 bln rupees of T-bills
RPT-Pakistan's SECP approves futures trading in 18 stocks
S.Korea aims for $70 bln plant exports by 2012
Lebanese turn to travel to tie a civil knot
The struggle to get into Bayreuth Festival
Frau Power: the animated 'Angie' Merkel phenomenon
Cast and dates set for B'way's 'Finian's Rainbow'
LA coroner seeks records from Jackson nutritionist
Actor's sister slain, previews in Seattle canceled
Winehouse denies assault, says scared
| Entertainment
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights