Obama: "This Is Our Moment to Deliver"

Urges House to "Answer the Call of History" and Pass Health Care Bill; Floor Debate Opens Following Deal on Abortion

(AP)  Updated at 2:01 p.m. Eastern time

President Obama's landmark health care overhaul moved toward a vote in the House Saturday after anti-abortion lawmakers won a chance to knock out language that would have let federally subsidized health care plans cover abortions.

The president spent the morning on Capitol Hill, making a last-minute personal appeal to Democrats to pass landmark health care legislation, and later spoke from the White House Rose Garden about the importance of the bill.

Mr. Obama said members of the House and Senate have worked diligently and constructively for months to craft legislation. "They brought us closer than we have ever been to passing health insurance reform on behalf of the American people," he said. "Now's the time to finish the job.

"This is our moment to deliver," he said. "I urge members of Congress to rise to this moment. Answer the call of history and vote yes for health insurance reform for America."

Democratic leaders were hopeful they could pass the bill, giving Mr. Obama his biggest victory since last November's historic election, no matter how the abortion issue is decided.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., told CBS' "Saturday Early Show" anchor Erica Hill that the bill would receive the 218 votes necessary for approval.

"I'm confident that we'll have the 218," Hoyer said. "We hope it will be more than that, and if it is, that will be a bonus."

"Is there any concern among you and your colleagues that perhaps you are pushing this a little too quickly for the American people?" Hill asked Hoyer.

"In the 29 years that I've been here, I have not seen a piece of legislation subjected to so much scrutiny, oversight, discussion, debate and consideration," Hoyer said. "The Senate needs to pass a bill, and then it will be literally I think another month or two of discussions about exactly how this bill ought to be put together."

Hill pressed Hoyer if the bill would arrive on Mr. Obama's desk for his signature before the Christmas holiday. The Democratic leader didn't make a commitment for when the conference committee that will settle the differences between the House and Senate bills would complete its work.

"It will be a difficult conference, an important conference, because there are differences between the Senate and the House," Hoyer said. "But everybody shares the objective of assuring health care security for all America."

CBSNews.com Special Report: Health Care Reform

Mr. Obama arrived on Capitol Hill late Saturday morning as he tried to round up Democratic votes in an effort to cement a majority to pass legislation that is certain to be seen as a test of his presidency.

The president was accompanied by top political adviser David Axelrod as he walked into the Cannon House Office Building around 11:30 a.m. for meetings with Democratic lawmakers. He spent about an hour with Democrats before returning to the White House.

After Mr. Obama met with legislators, House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., told reporters about the importance of the expected vote.

"We feel that we are about to do today something that has been attempted now for almost 100 years," Clyburn said. "For 61 years ago, President Truman introduced his concept to the Congress. And we have seen presidents time and time again re-introduce the concept, and we have not gotten it done. We believe that today ... we are on the cusp of making a historical decision on behalf of the American people."

The president is expected to make a statement in the White House Rose Garden around 2:30 p.m.

The bill would cost more than $1 trillion over the next decade. It would provide health coverage to tens of millions of Americans who don't have it now, require most employers to offer it to their workers and prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage based on a person's medical history.

"The status quo is unaffordable and unsustainable. Health care reform benefits all of us," said Rep. Allyson Schwartz, D-Pa., as debate opened on the House floor.

Republicans were united in their opposition to the bill.

"The American people need to understand this is about a government takeover of the whole health care system," said Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga.

(Left: House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va., refers to a large poster at a news conference denouncing pending health care legislation, in Washington, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009.)

The most contentious issue in the 10-year, $1.2 trillion House bill is a new government-run insurance plan that would be offered alongside private coverage within new purchasing marketplaces, or "exchanges," where individuals and small businesses could shop for and compare options.

The abortion agreement was reached at midnight Friday after hours of intense negotiations brokered by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Democratic Reps. Bart Stupak of Michigan, Brad Ellsworth of Indiana and other abortion opponents fought for and won an opportunity to insert tougher restrictions into the legislation during debate, despite fervent opposition from pro-choice liberals who are a driving force behind the overall bill.

"We wish to maintain current law, which says no public funding for abortion," Stupak said.

Federal law currently prohibits the use of federal funds to pay for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or situations in which the life of the mother is in danger. Left unresolved is whether individuals would be permitted to use their own funds to buy insurance coverage for the procedure in the federally backed insurance exchange envisioned under the legislation.

The Planned Parenthood Federation of America contended his amendment would actually go further and bar access for many women to a legal medical procedure.

"As a health care provider, Planned Parenthood would very much like to see health care reform passed," said Cecile Richards, the group's president. But the abortion language "would put women's health in jeopardy and undermine real health reform," she said.

The leadership's hope is that no matter how the vote on the abortion measure turns out, Democrats on both sides of the abortion divide will then unite to give the health care bill a majority over unanimous Republican opposition.

With Democrats' command of the necessary votes looking tenuous, Mr. Obama threw the weight of his administration behind the effort to round up support. He and top administration officials worked the phones to pressure wavering lawmakers.

Rep. Jason Altmire, D-Pa., said he heard from Mr. Obama, White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

Their message: "This is a historic moment. You don't want to end up with nothing," said Altmire, who remained undecided.

Democratic leaders hoped to hold the vote Saturday evening, but Hoyer said it could be delayed.

Democrats hold 258 seats in the House and can afford 40 defections and still wind up with 218, a majority if all lawmakers vote. But all 177 Republicans were expected to vote "no," and Democratic leaders faced a series of complications trying to win the needed votes for their complex and controversial legislation that would affect one-sixth of the economy and touch the lives of countless Americans.

In the GOP's weekly radio address, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour said Democrats should scrap their ambitious legislation and concentrate on modest health care changes that could find bipartisan support.

"The House Democrats' health care bill should be withdrawn and reworked," he said.

Last Tuesday's elections - in which Democrats lost two governors' races - sent a message that voters care about jobs, not growing the size of government, Barbour said.

[rafterman1]

If you are against this health care bill and are against the public option, then you are not for health care reform of any kind. Righties biyatch constantly about how they are "for" health care reform, but not *this* bill... its socialism I tells ya! Obama is a communist, whaaaaa! Give me a break.

But any bill without a public option is meaningless. No public option means its the same warmed over bullshyte health care "fixes" we've had for 50 years. In other words, nothing will change and the insurance providers keep getting richer.

So if you are against this health bill, then stop pretending that you are for fixing healthcare. Because you are not. If we want to fix - truly fix - health care, we are going to have to break some eggs. But none of you anti-health care bill whiners, who say you are for fixing health care, are willing to actually *do* anything to actually fix it.

[nottellin1]

by reveal4 November 7, 2009 11:35 PM EST
The House bill will increase taxes for single folks who make over 500,000 dollars a year...and couples who make over 1,000,000 dollars a year.

Are you math challenged? Cost is 1 trillion dollars over 10 years, probably more, that?s 100 billion plus a year!!! Do you really believe there are enough high earners to cover it???

[reveal4]

Take a pill.

[reveal4]

The CBO scored the bill.

[ctb4679]

Read the bill, nottellin1. They did have the CBO check out the numbers etc. Look at the entire bill, and see where the savings are. And you should get a bigger raise because it will bring down the costs of health care and of insurance premiums paid by your employer. You are currently paying for the health care of those who will be in the new government pool. Doctors and hospitals jack up their prices to cover those who can't pay. This raises insurance premiums too, so you don't get a raise. Dig a little deeper and you will be pleasantly surprised.

[reveal4]

It's back slappin' time for dems in the house.

[curiously1]

Deliver what? Pizza? Babies? Why do presidents become poets in time of a crisis?! Is it so that they can be acknowledged in history?

[reveal4]

Deliver....a House Healthcare Reform Bill, just as promised. The House delivered a healthcare reform bill today.

[searingtruth]

"I wonder why we speak of money when lives are at stake."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave

[nottellin1]

1 TRILLION DOLLARS OVER 10 YEARS. That's 100 billion a year, 100 billion!!!!!! Tell me again about how this bill is going to rein in the cost of healthcare!! Between this and the interest on debt, there won't be any money left for 'services'. Every time our taxes go up, I think it is really to pay interest and principal on this countries debt and then create more debt paying for the things that our taxes are supposed to pay for. All to feed Bam Bam's ego by 'getting it done'. We're doomed!

[reveal4]

The House bill will increase taxes for single folks who make over 500,000 dollars a year...and couples who make over 1,000,000 dollars a year.

[nottellin1]

It will cost 1 trillion dollars over 10 years, probably more, that's 100 billion a year. Do you honestly believe there are enough taxpayers earning that much? Or reporting that much?

[ctb4679]

Don't you realize you are already paying for the uninsured?? I mean really, where have you been--don't you know that hospitals, clinics, and doctors raise your prices for health care in order to cover others? Don't you know that 20% of your health care premiums currently go to for-profit insurance companies to pay for their pretty advertising, administrative costs, CEO salaries, and shareholder profits?? Don't you know how the current systems works so that YOU pay for it through the nose??? This health care bill is going to save taxpayers money.

[reveal4]

Looks like the House Healthcare Reform bill just passed the House of Representatives. On to the Senate.

[searingtruth]

"My infant son suffered unconscionable cruelty, my mother insufferable death, and my father simple murder by Kaiser, clean and simple in all cases by our Health Destruction Industry.

I would much rather that someone compassionate from the government be assigned to oversee health care than someone assigned to oversee the maximization of corporate profit."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave

[kenhamlett]

As I write this I am watching an attempt to stall the vote by desiring to add some sort of tort reform amendment to the bill. Not only is this silly, it is a slap in the face to everyone in the House who has not had time to even review the amendment. That is life in politics I guess.

[reveal4]

kenhamlett...nice try.

[payback108]

Millionairse telling me whats good for me? I think not

[spokeperson]

Obama THIS IS OUR TIME TO DELIVER!

On 60 minutes 09-13 Obama said: "Once the health care reform passes---I will own it!

On the same program--Obama said how he would cut medical costs--Obama said: "if someone has insurance and their care isn't making them healthier---we will take that money and apply it to someone it can help!

Obama doesn't have much compassion! Obama jumped on Air Force One==flew to New York and told the BLIND BLACK GOVERNNOR NOT TO RUN AGAIN! A man who worked harder than Obama--appreciates more than Obama did--and got to his position without an easy road--YET OBAMA HAD THE NERVE TO SAY--DON'T RUN AGAIN!

SINCE OBAMA SAID ON 60 MINUTES---THAT WHEN THE HEALTH CARE REFORM PASSES---I WILL OWN IT! 09-13 Obama revealed more in a Live interview than he did during his campaign!

We need health care reform, but not this one!

Everyone should contact every Representative and Senator in every State. Go to web list of the United States Senator and Representatives and let them know==OBAMA ISN'T GOIN TO OWN YOUR HEALTH CARE--OR HAVE THE LAST WORD ON YOUR CARE!

[FamilyInCT]

Obamacare is simply wealth distribution. Those who work hard and save will be forced to support those on perpetually on welfare. While they will PLAY.... you will PAY.

[reveal4]

Those who make over 500,000 dollars a year, and are single will pay more tax if reform passes. Couples earning over 1,000,000 dollars every year will pay more in taxes if reform passes. The 5% super rich own about 95 of every 100 dollars in America. The other 95% of us are fighting over the remaining 5 dollars.

[spaceatoms]

and they will play!

[shurch4truth]

there are good people not welfare inclined who lost their jobs due to the 8 years of republican rule....14 a day loose their health insurance for the same reason.

You need to get it in your head that not all people who need help are welfare inclined. you listen to too much far right talk radio and it is having a bad effect on your perception of reality. It's ironic....those guys you listen to, they make millions off from you because you listen them and end up buying the products they advertise. They make millions and millons of people have no health insurance.

[Void_Master]

by searingtruth November 7, 2009 10:00 PM EST

Fellow citizens, we are being misled.

The Health Destruction Industry couldn't have written better legislation.

It delivers them 40 million new victims, bound hand and foot and gagged, while the people continue to be forced to pay whatever outrageous premiums they demand.

The fact is that the American people do not need the Health Destruction Industry, for it is antithetical to reality.

Corporations are not here to be nice, or compassionate, or to do the 'right' thing. They are here to make a profit.

And that is their just and rightful place.

Which is why we should never allow them to participate in our police, fire, or military institutions.

Which the government runs quite well.

We need only add health care to our public mandate of responsibility.

Because these are institutions that ensure our basic human infrastructure, supporting our basic human rights, and should not be reliant upon profitability.

And this is the basic precept of justice that Obama has failed to defend, that Republicans never embraced, and that Democrats abandoned without notice sometime within the last three decades.

And why after 25 years I recently re-registered from a non-partisan voter to a full fledged contributing member of The Green Party of The United States.
ST


"We let them suffer and die because they didn't have money."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave

***

Greetings again, ST.

But that I could completely agree. You are wholly correct in your perception of Corporate America's place in all of this. I just cannot trust a government.

Government does not exist to help you. Government does not exist to provide for you. Government does not exist to protect you. Government exists to control you. And the more that you imagine otherwise, the more you are controlled.

[searingtruth]

Good government exists to protect the rights of all fellow citizen.

Corrupt government serves only those who benefit it most.

To maintain good government is the task assigned us by our founding fathers, and the millions who fought and died to win and preserve it.
ST


"We often speak of the famous but it is the anonymous who have created and safeguarded this great nation. We do not owe our freedom and liberty to a handful of well dressed men with great ideals, we owe our freedom and liberty to the millions of people like you and I who fought and died to win and preserve it."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave

[brian1920]

Obama is trying to buy another 25M votes with another entitlement. This has nothing to do with anything but power and wealth redistribution. This entire bill is disgusting and has to be stopped.

[dolansprings]

In my opinion, the republican party doesn't care whether you have health insurance or not. They said it early on, 'if we can stop this health bill, we will FINISH him'. It's all political for the republican party and I think that's true about those tea party folks also. Their mantra is "If you hate Obama, get out an yell about it".

[donbl1]

The House bill is such a waste of time and ink. It is all political playing.

It will never pass the senate and I suspect the Democrats do not even really want it to pass the Senate because at 11.5% unemployment in November 2010 the voters are going to want to know what they have been doing the past two years.

[gboyd41]

donbl1-that is the kicker-unemployment rate over 10% will be the downfall of the Dems in 2010. Wait and see, it will be a bloodbath at the polls.

[Void_Master]

by reveal4 November 7, 2009 9:43 PM EST

May the winds of fate steer you into a pristine wilderness, Mountain Man. You are, indeed,a master of the void.

***

Thank you, sir. Have a good weekend.

[searingtruth]

Fellow citizens, we are being misled.

The Health Destruction Industry couldn't have written better legislation.

It delivers them 40 million new victims, bound hand and foot and gagged, while the people continue to be forced to pay whatever outrageous premiums they demand.

The fact is that the American people do not need the Health Destruction Industry, for it is antithetical to reality.

Corporations are not here to be nice, or compassionate, or to do the 'right' thing. They are here to make a profit.

And that is their just and rightful place.

Which is why we should never allow them to participate in our police, fire, or military institutions.

Which the government runs quite well.

We need only add health care to our public mandate of responsibility.

Because these are institutions that ensure our basic human infrastructure, supporting our basic human rights, and should not be reliant upon profitability.

And this is the basic precept of justice that Obama has failed to defend, that Republicans never embraced, and that Democrats abandoned without notice sometime within the last three decades.

And why after 25 years I recently re-registered from a non-partisan voter to a full fledged contributing member of The Green Party of The United States.
ST


"We let them suffer and die because they didn't have money."
SearingTruth

A Future of the Brave

[Void_Master]

by dumpDCToday November 7, 2009 9:47 PM EST

***???

Headlines from Drudge:
PELOSI: Buy a $15,000 Policy or Go to Jail;
Failure to Comply, 5 Years in Prison...

***

As I said at the beginning of this debate, that is exactly what the Second Amendment was designed to address.

Obama is delivering what? If the House passes this Socialist piece of legislation, the Democrats will be voted out office in 2010! Of course Obama and Pelosi don't care, Obama will be around until 2012 if he doesn't get impeached before then, Pelosi has San Francisco liberals backing her. But there are a lot of Democrats that will going back to civilian jobs, that is a guarantee! If Reid gets this through the Senate(I seriously doubt it) or not, his butt is gone in 2010 and so is the rest of the Democrats that go along with him.

[reveal4]

The 15%ers are gonna vote everybody out of office.

[dumpDCToday]

***???

Headlines from Drudge:
PELOSI: Buy a $15,000 Policy or Go to Jail;
Failure to Comply, 5 Years in Prison...

[reveal4]

dumpDCToday...If you fail to report income to the Irs in order to receive government subidization for healthcare costs...you will be fined. Tax cheats are fined and sometimes even imprisoned.///////////////// This is the new ploy of the right wing. It's bunk, just like all the rest.