On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) bypassed the White House by introducing his own version of a health care bill that includes the public option for insurance coverage with a state “opt-out” clause.
Pressing to give millions of Americans the option of purchasing government-run insurance coverage, Reid’s move was considered ultra bold since most are skeptical that he has the votes to go up against an expected Republican filibuster. The White House wants the public option, but in recent weeks backed away from it believing maybe they could add it in later. And Republican’s say the approach toward a government takeover of the insurance industry, will soon become “Medicare for All!”
Reid’s announcement was cheered by liberals but greeted with less enthusiam by the White House and Democratic moderates whose votes will be critical. Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine, the only Republican to vote with Democrats on health care so far this year, issued a statement saying she was “deeply disappointed” in the approach the Democratic leader had chosen. This is merely Round 2 of what will likely be a very long and touch 12 Round fight.
