US Health Care Reform: Obama’s Latest Attempts to Force His Plan Into National Law

March 5, 2010, Washington, D.C. – United States President Barrack Obama met with over one dozen House democrats yesterday and basically begged them to unite and pass his proposed health care reform plan. He asked that they all put aside their thoughts concerning what they find negative about the bill, and rather, focus on the elements they find positive and beneficial. He gave them every assurance that he would work with them closely in the future to rectify all of the provisions that they find distasteful.

Obama stated, “It’s the opportunity of a generation and a chance to revive the party’s agenda. His first year in office has been a tough one for anyone to endure, and he is determined to regain the massive popularity that won him the election. Rep. Raul Grijalva stated, “The president very pointedly talked about how important this is historically, how he needs our help.” Leaders in Congress are hopeful that the legislation will be voted on within the next 2 weeks or so.

Roberts Gibbs, a spokesman for the White House informed the press that all systems are go for a March 18 vote and approval. Obama will be leaving on a trip to Asia around that time, but will be able to sign the legislation into law soon afterward. Of course, republicans are happy to point out that the democrats are notorious for missing their deadlines set for the progress of this particular legislation.

Republicans on the other hand, wish to scrap the entire proposed plan and begin all over. The president realizes that there is very little to no hope to win a single vote from the conservatives. For now, his hope lies in winning over the moderate Dems. Further, reports from the White House state that there are hopes that the inclusion of selected elements of the Republican plan will bring support from conservative Democrats whom are soon to be up for reelection.

Facts about the health care system in the United States:

• Roughly 50 million Americans have no health care insurance of any kind. Another 25 million are extremely under-insured;
• The US is the only industrialized nation on the planet that lacks a comprehensive plan for public health care provision;
• The costs associated with preventative medicine, surgeries, hospital supplies, pharmaceuticals and more continue to skyrocket;
• Between 2001 and 2005, the amounts individuals paid for health care increased by more than 30%. Comparatively, their income rates rose only about 3%;
• Health care expenditures costs in the US amount to more than $2 trillion annually;

Just today, Obama summoned 18 Dems from the House (11 liberals and 7 moderates) for back-to-back meetings. Joe Crowley, New York Congressman, stated earlier, “The president impressed upon us the need to pass comprehensive health care reform and do it soon. And he called upon the New Democratic Coalition to do what we can within our caucus to make that happen. I think when all is said and done, we will have the votes to pass health care reform.” A more direct opinion comes from Robert Gibbs: “The president will have the votes. No ifs, ands or buts.”