As President Obama stumps for his health plan in Pennsylvania, we get point-by-point reaction from Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Pitts on the GOP agenda, the true cost of the Democratic plan, the abortion language and President Obama’s claim that the free market has already been tried with respect to reforming health care. We’ll also bring you the latest on the sordid story of resigning New York Rep. Eric Massa, who is now saying Democratic leaders are running him out of town over his opposition to the health plan.
Archives for March 8, 2010
Dems vs. Facts on Abortion
The biggest hurdle for Congressional Democrats on the health care front is convincing 12 pro-life Democrats to get on board. The lawmakers are demanding that no taxpayer dollars be used to fund abortions, either directly or indirectly. So what does the bill specifically say? Why are some pro-life Democrats OK with the current language? How could HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius expand the federal role in abortion even more? And will pro-life Dems stand strong or cave to immense pressure from Obama and Pelosi? We ask Susan Muskett, senior legislative counsel for the National Right to Life Committee.
Pitts Rebuts Obama Rally
On Monday, President Obama went to Pennsylvania to campaign for a final vote on his version of health care reform. As Obama claims the GOP position is to loosen the rules on insurance companies, we talk with Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Pitts about what the real Republican plan involves, how Obama really pays for his massive government plan, why House Democrats don’t trust Senate Democrats and what the facts really are in the abortion component of this debate. Pitts co-sponsored the strong pro-life language offered by Michigan Democrat Bart Stupak.
Virginia Rejects Obamacare Mandate
One of the most controversial components of the president’s health care agenda is the individual mandate, which requires all adults to purchase health coverage or face a $750. Not paying the fine would result in huge additional fines or a year in prison. Virginia Del. Bob Marshall is leading the effort in his state to protect residents who decide not to purchase coverage. So how did Marshall take the lead on this issue? How would his plan work? And why is he confident his plan would survive a court challenge from the federal government?