Democrats say they want Republicans to get on board with health reform. The GOP says the Obama plan is hardly different than the Senate bill approved in December. So is there any hope for common ground? No, according to Lousiana Rep. Bill Cassidy. Also a practicing physician, Cassidy says there is a fundamental divide between the parties as to whether the government or patients will control their health care. He also discusses health care deals for labor unions and what to expect at this week’s health care summit.
Wrong on Jobs, Wrong on Obamacare
Nebraska Sen. Mike Johanns explains why he believes Democrats could throw $15 billion off the top of the U.S. Capitol and have the same chance at sparking job creation. He also offers his approach to stimulating new hires. Sen. Johanns says President Obama could show he is genuine in reaching real bipartisan health reform by taking two key steps. Johanns says the Obama is just the Senate plan with a higher price tag. He also discusses the reaction in Nebraska to the “Cornhusker Kickback”.
Obama Plan Triggers Rationing
In addition to the higher taxes and the government mandating the type of insurance you have, President Obama’s health plan would make health care rationing necessary for patients of all ages. Burke Balch of the National Right to Life Committee says Obama’s call for the government to impose price controls on insurance premiums means providers will have to deny treatment and the president’s plan would not allow people to buy enhanced coverage to give them a better shot at getting the care they need.
The News
President Obama unveils his health reform plan, GOP explains why its a nonstarter, Zazi pleads guilty to terrorism, McChrystal apologizes for airstrike killing Afghan civilians, Dole hospitalized, 30 years since the ‘Miracle on Ice’.
Obamacare=Huge Tax Hikes for You
President Obama says his health plan will cost a trillion dollars over the next ten years – but remain deficit neutral. But Ryan Ellis, director of tax policy at Americans for Tax Reform, says that still breeds bigger government because of all the new taxes and spending. He also explains why this bill could have more new taxes than either the House or Senate versions. Ellis explains how you could get saddled with a Cadillac plan and the huge taxes that go along with it – and how this plan is very harmful to those with Health Savings Accounts.
Obama ‘Devoid of Ideas’
As President Obama unveils his health reform plan, Galen Institute President Grace-Marie Turner is considerably underwhelmed. She wants to know how an even more expensive and more egregious government power grab is supposed to be a call to bipartisanship. She explains why government controls on the cost of premiums would mean lower quality care and why the Democrats are missing the the most basic components of effective reform.
Obamacare Satisfies Nobody in GOP
On Monday, the Obama administration released its long-awaited health care plan. The proposal would impose new taxes but delay their implementation, forces everyone to purchase coverage and gives the government power to keep health premiums artificially low. We get reaction from Colorado Rep. Doug Lamborn, who says this is nothing more than the same liberal plans pushed by Congressional Democrats for months. He does not expect any Republicans to be swayed by this plan.
Radical Rulers
President Obama’s ties with radicals like Bill Ayers and Jeremiah Wright have been known for some time, and several of his key advisers have also become very controversial. But in his new book, “Radical Rulers”, Robert Knight shows how powerful, unconfirmed Obama advisers are pushing for radical change across the board – from encouraging pedophilia to giving animals the right to sue humans. And he explains how Christianity, traditional institutions like marriage and the voice of the people are the major obstacles for this radical agenda.
The News
President Obama pushed his health care and economic agendas in Nevada while trying to boost the electoral hopes of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Sen. Lautenberg diagnosed with stomach cancer, Gen. Alexander Haig hospitalized, Tiger Woods apologizes.
Strangers on My Flight
With each attempted terrorist attack, the government has changed the rules for airline passengers – from taking off our shoes to limiting liquids. Now in the wake of the Christmas Day underwear bomber, The Capitol Steps take a comedic look at what new restrictions are coming soon.