Obama order on abortion locks in health care votes
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama and House Democratic leaders struck a last-minute deal Sunday with abortion foes to secure the final few votes needed to remake America's health care system, writing a climactic chapter in a century-old quest for near universal coverage. The House argued its way through a thicket of Republican objections toward an evening vote on the bill to extend coverage to 32 million Americans who lack it, ban insurers from denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions and cut deficits by an estimated $138 billion over a decade.
Obama plans health care statement Sunday night
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sensing victory, President Barack Obama is planning to make a statement to the nation Sunday night after the House takes its final vote on health care legislation. The White House announced late Sunday afternoon that Obama would speak from the East Room in the evening, with the timing to be determined.
Leading abortion foe reaches pact on health care
WASHINGTON (AP) — A leading Democratic abortion foe in the House says he has reached agreement with the White House and party leaders to make sure health care legislation does not permit the use of federal funds for elective abortions. Rep. Bart Stupak of Michigan said Sunday the agreement means he can now support a health care bill headed for a vote on the House floor later Sunday.
White House announces executive order on abortion
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has announced plans to issue an executive order assuring that health care overhaul legislation would not change the restrictions on federal money for abortion. White House communications director Dan Pfeiffer said the order provides safeguards to ensure that the status quo is "upheld and enforced." Long-standing federal policy bars U.S. aid for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or when the mother's life is in danger.
Health care demonstrators gather outside Capitol
WASHINGTON (AP) — Hundreds of boisterous protesters gathered outside the Capitol on Sunday afternoon to voice their opposition to the health care legislation being debated inside. About 300 people carrying homemade signs, American flags and banners with the colonial-era slogan "Don't tread on me" fanned out across a grassy area near the House side of the Capitol. One sign read, "Disobedience to tyranny is obedience to God," while another stated, "Obamacare (equals) death warrant for grandma."
Insurers, doctor-owned hospitals get late help
WASHINGTON (AP) — Tucked into President Barack Obama's health care bill are several 11th-hour changes that help major insurance companies and doctor-owned hospitals. Among the beneficiaries, according to lobbyists and congressional aides, are Kaiser Permanente, the giant California-based insurance company; Geisinger Health Plan based in Pennsylvania; and doctor-owned health facilities in about a dozen states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
Obama vows commitment to immigration reform
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is reassuring immigration reform advocates that he is committed to working with Congress on a comprehensive bill to fix a "broken immigration system." In a videotaped message presented on giant screens to thousands marching on the National Mall, Obama warned of the cost of inaction. He said problems with today's immigration system include families being torn apart, employers gaming the system and police officers struggling to keep communities safe.
Pelosi heckled while leading Dems to Capitol
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says Democrats are voting on the historic health care overhaul as a gesture for the American people. But as Pelosi emerged from the final caucus meeting before the historic vote, protesters chanted her name and shouted to "kill the bill."
Key anti-abortion Dem says he's hopeful on talks
WASHINGTON (AP) — The leader of a key bloc of anti-abortion House Democrats says he's hopeful of an agreement that would allow him to vote for the health care bill. Congressman Bart Stupak of Michigan says he and a half-dozen other abortion opponents worked Saturday night with House leaders to craft a presidential executive order affirming current law barring federal funding for abortions.
Ohio Democrat says she will vote for health bill
WASHINGTON (AP) — One of the House Democrats who had been undecided over the health care bill because of concerns it would put public money toward abortion says she is voting for the measure. Ohio Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur said Sunday she will support the bill when it comes to a vote later in the day.
