Obama backs Senate compromise on public option in healthcare overhaul
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President Obama today praised Senate efforts to find a compromise on the public-option portion of the healthcare overhaul bill, calling it a creative approach that he supported.
Obama announced more than $500 million in Recovery Act funds to go to 85 community health centers across the country. He closed the announcement with his remarks on the status of the healthcare reform bill, now in its 10th day of debate in the Senate.
On Tuesday night, 10 Democratic senators reached a compromise that replaced a government-run option with a nonprofit plan that used private insurers supervised through a government agency.
“I know it has been a long road,” Obama said. “I know it’s been a tough fight. But I also know the reason we have taken up this cause is the very same reason why so many members from both parties are here today. Because no matter what our politics are, we know that when it comes to healthcare, the people we serve deserve better.”
“The Senate made critical progress last night with a creative new framework that I believe will help pave the way for final passage and a historic achievement on behalf of the American people. I support this effort,” Obama said this morning.
--Michael Muskal
