The Senate Finance Committee wrapped up work at about 2 a.m. yesterday on the latest version of the sweeping overhaul. Obama hailed the development as a milestone, declaring, “We are now closer than ever before to finally passing reform that will offer security to those who have coverage and affordable insurance to those who don’t.’’
But Republicans are nearly unified in opposition. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell warned that the bill the Finance Committee plans to give final approval next week would have “a dampening effect on what is already clearly a very, very difficult economic situation.’’
He told reporters that Republicans have not offered their own bill because “we’re not in the majority. The majority has the responsibility to go forward.’’ Republicans will offer numerous amendments, including efforts to limit medical malpractice suits, when a health care bill reaches the Senate floor this month, he said.
Reid wants Obama’s view on ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
WASHINGTON - Senate majority leader Harry Reid wants to hear from the Obama administration on how to overturn the “don’t ask, don’t tell’’ ban on gays serving openly in the military.
The Democratic-led Congress is considering repealing the 1993 law but isn’t expected to act on the issue until early next year. In the meantime, the Nevada Democrat is asking President Obama and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to share their views and recommendations on the controversial policy.
In identical Sept. 24 letters to Obama and Gates, Reid also asked for a review of the cases of two US officers who were discharged from the military because of their sexuality. “At a time when we are fighting two wars, I do not believe we can afford to discharge any qualified individual who is willing to serve our country,’’ Reid wrote.
New questions about Nev. lawmaker’s future
