Latest News

From CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby

 WASHINGTON (CNN) – Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin, the Democrat who chairs one of the Senate committees tasked with developing health care legislation, promised Friday that a health care bill will be on President Obama’s desk before Christmas and will include a so-called “public option.”

“I believe we are in an irrevocable position,” Harkin said on a conference call organized by the health care reform group Families USA. “The momentum is there. We will not get stopped by the obstructionists. We will have the votes.”

Harkin became chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee after the former chairman, the late Ted Kennedy, passed away in September. His committee has already passed a more liberal version of the health care bill that includes a public option — legislation that will have to be merged with the bill that passed the Senate Finance Committee earlier this week before the Senate can vote on final legislation. Democrats need sixty votes to end debate before a vote can held.

Pointing to a Thursday meeting of Senate Democrats in which most members of the caucus expressed support for a government-run insurance plan, Harkin said only five members of his party are holding up progress toward a such a plan.

“Should the five come on board with the vast majority?” Harkin asked. “I think the answer is clear.”

But Harkin also said he was open to legislation that includes health care co-ops, as long as they are offered as a choice alongside a public option.

The Iowa Democrat estimated the final health care bill should cost $900 bill over 10 years and will mandate that all Americans purchase some kind of health insurance.

Options to include a government-run public health care amendment in the most recent health care reform bill were rejected by all 10 Republicans on the committee and a few democrats, including Max Baucus of Montana.

The White House responded to Tuesday’s actions with spokesman Reid Cherlin repeating both President Barack Obama’s support for a public option — and also his willingness to consider other proposals.

Obama “has said he is open to other constructive ideas of increasing choice and competition,” Cherlin said. “He will work with Congress to ensure that under health insurance reform, Americans who cannot find affordable coverage will always have a choice.”

Republicans unanimously oppose the government-run insurance option, saying it would drive private insurers from the market and eventually bring a government takeover of the health care system.

Democratic leaders reject that claim, saying the public option would provide needed competition for private insurers while making health coverage accessible to millions of people currently lacking health insurance.

Consumers are invited to speak their minds in virtual town hall meetings online at http://www.governmenthealthcarefacts.com/ .    The Pasch Consulting Group, creators of the highly popular www.cashforclunkersfacts.com site, created the non-government website was created so that consumers can have a voice to discuss national healthcare proposals and how they would affect their lives.  The website also helps clarify the plethora of information being broadcasted around the country on current and new healthcare initiatives. 

 Some of the current discussions going on now include:

•  What Are Your Biggest Fears About Healthcare Reform? 
• How To Pay For Obama’s Healthcare Plan?
• What  is on your healthcare reform short-list? 

 Consumers can join the discussion on the latest government proposals and voice their opinion.