Obama makes surprise appearance to back House healthcare bill
As conservatives rallied to urge that the House healthcare overhaul bill be killed, President Obama made a surprise visit to White House reporters to push the measure heading for a vote Saturday.
“I am extraordinarily pleased and grateful to learn that the AARP and the American Medical Assn. are both supporting the health insurance bill that will come up to a vote in House,” Obama said before the usual White House briefing.
Obama especially lauded AARP, saying the organization’s nonpartisan support was important to reassure seniors worried about losing Medicare benefits if the health plan is signed. Critics contend that as part of the healthcare overhaul package, Medicare would be cut, but proponents say the decrease is just a cost savings and would not affect benefits.
“We are closer to passing this reform than ever before,” Obama said before leaving the lectern without taking questions. Obama has not formally endorsed the House plan, though he is scheduled to meet with lawmakers Friday to urge passage.
-- Michael Muskal
twitter.com/LATimesmuskal
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