Axelrod touts momentum on health care reform bill
By: RANDALL CHASE
Associated Press
10/07/09 11:15 PM EDT
NEWARK, DEL. — The Obama administration's health care reform effort is gaining momentum that could result in passing a bill by the end of the year, senior presidential adviser David Axelrod said Wednesday.
During an appearance at the University of Delaware, Axelrod touted a report released by the Congressional Budget Office concluding that legislation drafted by a key Senate committee would expand coverage to 94 percent of all eligible Americans at a cost of $829 billion over 10 years, less than had been anticipated.
He also noted that some GOP leaders, including former Kansas senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole, are speaking out about the need for health care reform against the wishes of other Republicans.
"We are way down the road toward getting it done ... I think there's a real sense of purpose in the Congress," Axelrod said. "They know the system has some unsustainable flaws that need to be fixed."
Axelrod said Obama still would like to see a public option, which is not included in the bill that could be voted upon by the Senate Finance Committee as early as next week.
"The president believes that competition and choice is an important part of the process. ... He still believes that's a good idea," Axelrod said.
Asked how the administration could win Republican support for a reform measure, Axelrod said simply that he hoped lawmakers would base their votes on what they believe is best for the country, not their party.
"My plan is that the best possible alternative be presented to Congress, and reason prevail," he said.
