Obama Calls for Senate Health Care Vote
In his weekly Saturday address posted on the White House Web site, Mr. Obama said there is a 'clear majority' who would vote in favor of health insurance reforms.
US President Barack Obama delivers the weekly address, 19 Dec 2009
Last updated on: December 19, 2009 11:09 AM
U.S. President Barack Obama is calling on senators, whatever their position on health care, to bring the debate to a vote.
In his weekly Saturday address posted on the White House Web site, Mr. Obama said there is a "clear majority" who would vote in favor of health insurance reforms.
He said the proposed reforms are the "toughest measures" ever taken to "hold the insurance industry accountable," and contain patient protections better than anything passed by Congress in at least the last 10 years.
He said a minority against the proposed bill are using "parliamentary maneuvers" to block a vote.
On Wednesday, a Republican senator stalled proceedings for about three hours when he had an aide start reading aloud the entire text of a 767-page amendment.
Republicans strongly oppose the proposed legislation and say it would expand government budget deficits.
The Senate is scheduled to continue the health care debate Saturday, although a massive snowstorm could interfere with proceedings.
Mr. Obama has been pushing Senate Democrats to approve a health care bill before the end of the year. The House of Representatives passed its version in November.