By Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service

House Minority Lead John Boehner (R-Ohio) promised late Saturday morning that Congressional Republicans are preparing a strong stand against the Affordable Health Care for All Americans Act, stating that they will attempt to convince Democrats to vote against the legislation.

“Members are having conversations with colleagues on the other side of the aisle… we’re going to do everything we can to make sure this bill does not happen,” he said.

The House is expected to vote on the bill Saturday evening.

Boehner and the rest of the House Republican leadership stood at a podium flanked by two flow charts showing what Boehner described as the ‘Super Bureaucracy’ that will be implemented if the bill passes.

House Minority Whip Erica Cantor (R-VA) commented that the only bipartisan votes on this bill will be from Democratic members who have decided to side with Republicans in opposition.

Cantor touted the Republican’s alternative bill.

“One version … will be a massive overhaul and remake the health care system that we know to a system we don’t, and another version … takes a reasoned and smart approach,” Cantor said.

Female GOP members of the House explain a few of the provisions within the Republicans’ healthcare plan, and argue that the Democrats’ plan is bad for Americans.

Joint Economic Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) says during a hearing that 4 million Americans do not have insurance because they have lost their job. (0:10)

 

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By Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) accused the Obama administration and Congressional Democrats Friday of mishandling the U.S. economy following the Labor Department’s announcement that unemployment has hit 10.2%,

“Today’s report is yet another reminder that American families and small businesses are still struggling, and the White House response is falling short,” said Boehner.

Boehner pointed to failed promises and exorbitant spending, citing the Democrats’ health care reform bill and stimulus plan as steps that will plunge the U.S. further into debt.

“Since the stimulus plan was signed into law, more than three million private sector jobs have been lost,” said Boehner “Now, Speaker Pelosi is pressing ahead with a $1.3 trillion government takeover of health care, endorsed by President Obama, that will destroy 5.5 million jobs according to methodology developed by his own senior economist.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) says she understands the need for pro-life Democrats to demand clarification on abortion funding in the House health care bill during a press conference Thursday. (0:32)

 

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) says that the Republican alternative to the House health care bill does not prevent discrimination based on pre-existing conditions, a situation the Speaker refers to as “scandalous.” (0:20)

 

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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.

By Leah Valencia, University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News Service

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Thursday that the decision has not been made over whether lawmakers will be allowed to offer amendments to the Affordable Health Care for All Americans Act once it reaches chamber floor, including any amendment pertaining to abortion.

“We may not have any amendments,” Pelosi said during her weekly press conference.

Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.) and Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) along with many other pro-life democrats have threatened to oppose the bill until language barring federal funding for abortions is introduced.

Current versions of the House health care legislation do not directly address the issue of abortion, however House leaders have maintained throughout the health care debate that the bill would not allow abortions to be federally funded.

The Speaker needs 218 votes to pass the bill, including as many pro-life Democrats as possible. Pelosi said that although she knows some Democrats have strong convictions regarding abortion, she still believes in their support for health care reform.

“Congressman Ellsworth’s record in Congress and his statements outside of Congress have been strongly pro-life,” Pelosi said. “He and others who have strong pro-life convictions want very much to see a health care bill passed.”

The House Rules Committee Friday will finalize all the rules for this weekend’s House health care debate.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announces Thursday during a press conference many organizations that have endorsed the House health care bill. (0:25)

 

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AARP CEO A. Barry Rand endorses the Affordable Health Care for America Act.