Friday, February 26, 2010
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic congressional leaders vowed today to resurrect their long-stalled health-care legislation, with or without Republican suggestions or even their votes.
One day after an unprecedented health-care summit that brought together President Barack Obama and lawmakers of both parties, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the nationally televised event showed GOP lawmakers are "accepting of the status quo" in which insurance companies mistreat consumers.
She told reporters at a news conference there are "good prospects for passing" health-care legislation along the lines the president has outlined, even if Republicans refuse their support.
The Senate's second-ranking Democrat, Richard Durbin of Illinois, seconded the determination to move ahead. "We are not going to wait," he said.
Both Pelosi, D-Calif., and Durbin said Democrats would consider Republican suggestions for changes.
The House and Senate both passed sweeping bills late last year, and had appeared on the cusp of reaching agreement on a final compromise that could remake the nation's health-care system early last month.
In general, the bills would have expanded coverage to tens of millions who lack it, while curbing insurance industry abuses such as banning the denial of coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions.