Obama Implores Congress to Pass Health Bill ; Stops Short of Mandating the Divisive Public Option
The Washington Times › September 10, 2009
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Summary
Seizing control of the rowdy health care debate, President Obama implored feuding lawmakers Wednesday night to pass a plan that would require all Americans to buy insurance and all companies to help cover the costs, but he stopped short of mandating a government-run option that befuddled Congress and angered many Americans during a summer of political tumult.
Using the rare and grand forum of a prime-time address to a joint session of Congress, Mr. Obama said he personally supports creating a pool of affordable insurance plans in the marketplace that included a narrow public option for the uninsured. But he said he considered the public option "a means" to achieving the goal of universal health care and that he was open to other solutions.See the full content of this document
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Obama Implores Congress to Pass Health Bill ; Stops Short of Mandating the Divisive Public Option
He warned liberal Democrats not to be obstinate on the public option and extended his hand to Republicans. He praised Sen. John McCain, Arizona Republican, for contributing an idea to the debate - while insisting he won't let Republicans spread false political attacks to stop the plan.
"The time for bickering is over. The time for games has passed," Mr. Obama said. "Now is the season for action. Now is when we must ...See the full content of this document
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