Health Expert Trudy Lieberman says the Affordable Health Care for America Act that passed the House Saturday night will not include any policy that allows federal subsidies to be used for abortion services. (0:19)
President Barack Obama praised the House of Representatives Sunday for passing the Affordable Health Care for America Act the previous night.
The president added that he was “absolutely confident” the Senate will pass similar legislation.
Obama also discussed a new election law recently passed by the Iraqi parliament that establishes national elections next year, a step that the president says will pave the way for the eventual withdrawal of U.S. forces. (4:55)
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) says House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) may be against the Democrats’ health care reform legislation irrespective of the economics of it. (0:09)
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told reporters during a teleconference Friday, that he expects the House Democrat’s Affordable Health Care for America Act to go to vote at the latest, in the next few days. He said he was hopeful that the House would vote by 8 PM Saturday night. (0:06)
By Julianne LaJeunesse, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) spoke with reporters Friday about the newest Democrat health care plan, saying the “Affordable Health Care for America Act” should go to vote by 7 or 8 PM Saturday night.
The bill, which spans nearly 2,000 pages, has garnered the support of the AARP, the American Medical Association, and now, Families USA, a group who joined Hoyer in a teleconference with the press.
Hoyer said the bill is economically sound, despite some Republicans’ impression of the legislation. He said Rep. John Boehner (R- Ohio), who’s been a leader against the costs of the Democrat plan, “would not be for this bill.”
“We have a disagreement, but I think that his proposition is simply that he’s not for the program, irrespective of the economics.”
Hoyer went further on the topic of economics, and said that in light of today’s U.S. Department of Labor announcement of a 10.2 percent unemployment rate, “we’re all disappointed with the job numbers that were released today.” Hoyer added that financial progress has been made in the past few quarters, but said “very frankly, we need to focus on jobs, jobs creation, and jobs sustainment.”
Soon after Hoyer’s remarks, and just after signing a $24 billion bill that will extend unemployment benefits among other measures, President Obama addressed the country, saying, “I’m confident that our economy will recover,” he said. “I’m confident that we’re moving in the right direction. And I promise that I won’t rest until America prospers once again.”
By Meagan Wiseley – University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service
AARP CEO A. Barry Rand announced Thursday that the lobbying organization for seniors’ interests is endorsing the House health care bill.
“On behalf of our nearly 40 million members, AARP is pleased to endorse the Affordable Health Care for America Act,” Rand said during a press conference.
Rand said the House bill improves and strengthens Medicare benefits and protects the program for future generations. He also said the bill restricts insurance companies from discriminating against older Americans.
“The Affordable Health Care for America Act…meets those goals with improved benefits for people in Medicare and needed health insurance market reforms to help ensure every American can purchase affordable health coverage,” said Rand.
The House is preparing to vote on this bill as soon as Saturday.
Rand added, “As members of the House gear up for this historic vote, they will hear from older Americans.”
AARP is the largest membership organization for people over 50.
AARP CEO A. Barry Rand endorses the Affordable Health Care for America Act.
