Grassley: GOP, Dems on the Verge of Senate Healthcare Deal

http://www.newsmax.com ^ | July 29, 2009 | http://www.newsmax.com

[Maelstorm]

Republican and Democratic senators negotiating financial details of healthcare reform have made great progress and are on the verge of a deal, a key Republican senator said on Wednesday.

"We have made great progress. Every day we make some progress," Sen. Charles Grassley, one of the three Republicans from Senate Finance Committee involved in the talks to overhaul the healthcare system, told NPR radio.

"Will we get it done so we can get a bill to the other members by this weekend because there is a certain time you've got to give people to study it? We're on the edge, and almost there," the Iowa Republican said.

President Barack Obama has pinpointed healthcare as his top legislative priority and has pushed lawmakers to quickly reach a deal to rein in healthcare costs, improve care and cover most of the 46 million uninsured Americans.

Obama had asked the Senate and House to come up with initial draft bills before they leave for the August recess but this deadline looks increasingly unlikely to be met.

Lawmakers "wanted to do it right," said Grassley, noting that lawmakers are trying to revamp one-sixth of the economy.

[Impy]

Someone on the state forum, I forget who, thinks Wallace should run as an independent.

I’m flabbergasted by that position. Might as well fly the white flag.

[PhilCollins]

TheRightGuy said that Wallace should run as an independent, and I disagree with him. I think that all Illinois conservatives should help Wallace win the Republican primary.