"I never had sex with that woman" Clinton Tries to Rally Democrats on Health Bill
Kenyan Obama
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WASHINGTON -- Former President Bill Clinton came to Capitol Hill Tuesday
to underline for Democrats the political consequences of failing to pass a
health overhaul, saying doing nothing was the worst outcome.
Mr. Clinton spoke as both sides in the Senate braced for a battle on the
floor. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) said Tuesday that
once Senate debate begins, Republicans would offer "a lot of amendments"
on subjects from abortion to immigration to the government-run insurance
plan.
"This is a big bill," Mr. McConnell told reporters. "The majority seeks to
take over one-sixth of our economy."
The appearance by Mr. Clinton, whose own attempt at a health bill failed
15 years ago, reflected the urgency Democrats feel to keep the momentum
going on the health bill following narrow House passage on Saturday and
signs of a tempestuous debate in the Senate.
Some Democrats remain skeptical about the legislation. "Failure could be
passing a bad bill," said Sen. Ben Nelson (D., Neb.).
Mr. Clinton spoke to a closed-door meeting of Senate Democrats as party
leaders were struggling to contain a growing number of conflicting demands
and ultimatums from senators.
"It's not important to be perfect here. It's important to pass, to move,
to start the ball rolling," Mr. Clinton said afterward. "And whatever they
can get the votes for, I'm going to support."
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D., Nev.) has submitted a Senate
version to the Congressional Budget Office for a cost estimate. Once the
CBO issues its report, probably by week's end, the bill would be cleared
to come to the Senate floor.
But Democrats need 60 votes�every Democrat and the Senate's two
independents�simply to begin debate. And it's not clear they have those
votes yet.
Mr. Nelson says he will not support starting debate on a bill that does
not contain strong language restricting federal funding of abortion. Sen.
Joseph Lieberman, a Connecticut independent who caucuses with the
Democrats, says he will not support a package that includes a government-
administered health plan to compete with private insurers.
Democratic leaders want their members to refrain from making nonnegotiable
demands, fearing that will undercut the bill before it even comes to the
floor. If the Senate begins considering the bill, Democratic leaders hope
the ensuing amendments and horse-trading will produce legislation that
eases many senators' concerns.
"It's critically important that individual senators refrain from laying
down markers, because you could then get to a point where it becomes very
difficult to see this bill moving forward," said Sen. Ben Cardin (D., Md.)
"All of us are going to have to give a little bit if we believe that this
is an important issue that needs to be dealt with."
Republicans say the Democratic proposals fail to address the problem of
rising medical costs. Sen. John Thune (R., S.D.) said the Democrats'
legislation will cripple the economy by increasing taxes. "It's going to
fall on a lot of average middle-class Americans," Mr. Thune said.
Senators who attended Mr. Clinton's half-hour lunchtime talk said the
former president emphasized that a bill must pass this year so President
Barack Obama can focus on reversing the spiking unemployment rate.
"Getting this done this year will in effect clear the table and allow the
focus to be on jobs," said Sen. Ron Wyden (D., Ore.).