Obama seeks to reassure seniors on health care
STRONGSVILLE, OH
"This proposal adds almost a decade of solvency to Medicare,"
Obama said in a visit to a senior center.
Obama's trip to Ohio marked his third out-of-town foray as he
tries to build support for long-stalled legislation to remake the
health care system. Administration officials have predicted the
legislation will clear the House by the end of the week, but
Democratic leaders had not yet released the measure as the
president's helicopter lifted off from the White House grounds.
Even so, the House Budget Committee arranged a mid-afternoon
meeting to begin a series of events expected to culminate in a
House vote within days.
Guests aboard Air Force One included Democratic Rep. Dennis
Kucinich, the local congressman, who voted against the
administration-backed health care bill that cleared the House late
last year.
There was no word on whether Obama lobbied for his vote en route
to Ohio. But shortly after the president began his public remarks,
someone in the crowd yelled, "Vote yes," to Kucinich.
"Did you hear that, Dennis?" the president said with a smile.
"Go ahead, say that again," he encouraged the voice in the
audience.
"Vote yes!" came back the reply.
Obama asked Congress more than a year ago to approve legislation
that extends health coverage to tens of millions who lack it, curb
industry practices such as denying coverage on the basis of
pre-existing medical conditions, and begin to slow the growth of
health care nationally.
Legislation seemed to be on the cusp of passage in January,
after both houses approved bills and lawmakers began working out a
final compromise. But those efforts were sidetracked when
Republicans won a special election in Massachusetts, and with it,
the ability to block a vote on a final bill in the Senate.
Now, nearly two months later, lawmakers have embarked on a
two-step approach that begins with the House approving the
Senate-passed measure, despite misgivings on key provisions. That
would be followed by both houses quickly passing a second bill that
makes numerous changes to the first.
The House Budget Committee took the first step Monday, voting
21-16 for fast-track rules. Two Democrats broke with the party on
the largely party-line vote -- Allen Boyd of Florida and Chet
Edwards of Texas. Both voted against the health care bill last
year.
In the Senate, that second bill would come to a vote under rules
that deny Republicans the ability to filibuster.
"We need courage," Obama said, adopting a line from an
audience member that was directed at skittish Democrats.
A close vote is expected in the House, where a senior lawmaker
said the leadership does not yet have enough support to pass the
measure. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., the party's whip, also said he
was confident the bill would ultimately pass, and later identified
four lawmakers who voted against the legislation once but could
switch sides in the coming days.
Republicans, determined to kill the bill, immediately
highlighted the four -- Reps. Jason Altmire of Pennsylvania, Brian
Baird of Washington state, John Boccieri of Ohio and Bart Gordon of
Tennessee, while also noting Obama's earlier statement that
elections will sort out political winners and losers. It was a
none-too-subtle warning that any supporters of the bill can expect
a tough challenge in the fall.
Baird and Gordon have announced plans to retire.
There was evidence the White House and Democratic leadership
were making headway in their lobbying. Rep. James Oberstar,
D-Minn., who supported strict abortion limits when the bill cleared
the first time, said he was prepared to vote for the revised
measure even though the same limitations will not be included.
And at least one Republican said it was unlikely the GOP could
stop the legislation.
"I'm less confident we can now that it's just down to flipping
a few Democrats. They'd have to be remarkable people not to fall
under the kind of pressure they'll be under," Sen. Jim DeMint told
reporters in South Carolina.
Obama traveled to the hometown of Natoma Canfield, a cancer
victim who wrote the president that she gave up her health
insurance after the cost rose to $8,500 a year. Obama repeatedly
has cited that letter from a self-employed cleaning worker who
lives in the Cleveland suburb to illustrate the urgency of the
massive overhaul.
Canfield's sister, Connie Anderson, introduced Obama at that
event. She received a hug from the president at the conclusion of
her remarks.
"I know we've got some seniors with us today," said the
president, his jacket off and shirt sleeves rolled up. "So let me
just tell you directly: this proposal adds almost a decade of
solvency to Medicare."
He said it also would close a gap in prescription drug coverage
know as a doughnut hole. "This proposal will over time help reduce
the costs of Medicare that you pay every month. And this proposal
would make preventive care free so you don't have to pay
out-of-pocket for tests that keep you healthy."
Obama did not discuss details, but officials have said the gap
in prescription drug coverage would close over a decade.
Protesters arrived hours early, lining several blocks leading to
the senior center. They stood in a light drizzle, waved to passing
vehicles and held signs including "Don't stick me with your
Obamacare," "Start over," and one decorated with 12 skull and
crossbones and the message, "Obama care, it's to die for."