Community meetings try to get health care rolling
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama said in his weekly radio and Internet address that “it’s time to deliver” on his health care agenda.
His remarks airing Saturday were timed to gatherings across the country by tens of thousands of people to discuss health care. The events, organized by his campaign, were intended to build support for congressional action.
“Fixing what’s wrong with our health care system is no longer a luxury we hope to achieve — it’s a necessity we cannot postpone any longer,” Obama said.
The first bill containing language to put in place health care goals has begun circulating on Capitol Hill. Draft legislation from the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee would require employers to cover their employees and would guarantee coverage for all.
That parallels Obama’s goals of lowering costs, ensuring choice and providing coverage to about 50 million uninsured Americans. Obama articulated those goals again in his address and in a videotaped message prepared for the community meetings.
The Associated Press
