Press Stakeout with Senate Leaders on Health-Care Reform

A press stakeout was held by Senate leaders on the progress of health-insurance legislation, with a focus on the public option and state opt-out provision. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) expressed optimism about the caucus's discussion, citing the White House's support and the president's commitment to the effort. The Senate leaders emphasized the historic nature of the legislation, highlighting the progress made since the 1948 journey began, which has been "really outstanding and stupendous" over the past year.

Key Takeaways:

• The Senate caucus has made significant progress on health-care reform, with a focus on the public option and state opt-out provision.
• Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) expressed optimism about the caucus discussion, citing the White House's support and the president's commitment to the effort.
• The public option with a state opt-out provision is a key component of the legislation, according to Senator Reid.
• The Senate leaders view the legislation as historic, noting its roots in the 1948 journey to guarantee access to quality, affordable care.
• The White House consultation has been "extremely helpful" in the legislative process.
• Senators Baucus, Dodd, Rockefeller, and Bingaman participated in the stakeout, reinforcing the bipartisan nature of the effort.

Statistics:

• 1948: The year the journey to guarantee access to quality, affordable care began.
• 1 year: The past year has seen "really outstanding and stupendous" progress on health-care reform.
• The White House consultation has been helpful in the legislative process.

Sources:

• Federal News Service, Inc. [www.fednews.com]
• Carina Nyberg, FNS Internet Service at cnyberg@fednews.com or 1-800-211-4020
• Copyright 2009 by Federal News Service, Inc., copyright not claimed as to original work prepared by a US government officer or employee as part of official duties.