SD Senators Weigh in on Healthcare
Local News
by
Mark Walter
last edited on
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
President Barack Obama is trying to keep the pressure on wavering Democrats in congress today, as he makes another push for his health care reform plan.
A new poll suggests that Americans want changes in health care, but also want bi-partisanship.
Some people surveyed said democrats should keep trying to cut a deal with the GOP.
South Dakota's Senators have differing opinions on the health care bill.
Tim Johnson says, "This represents a significant step in the right direction. If the Senate bill can be improved with changes made through a small fixer reconciliation package we should do so. Those who argue against its use in this context seek only to protect the status quo in healthcare. I don't want to be on the wrong side of history and those who oppose it are on the wrong side of history as far as I'm concerned."
John Thune says, "I think what the American people have concluded is it does raise taxes, it does cut Medicare and it does raise premiums and increase the overall cost of healthcare and that's not what healthcare reform ought to be about. But they seem bent on passing this version of healthcare reform not withstanding the views of the American people. If it does pass I think there will be an effort probably pushed at the grassroots level to repeal the bill."
Supporters and opponents of the healthcare bill are turning up the heat.
The US Chamber of Commerce is starting an ad campaign against the legislation while president Obama's top health official is telling insurance companies to get on board with health reform or face the consequences.