Himes Insert for Wire Story on House Health Care Bill
BILL REACTION
Norwalk Hour
Katerina Voutsina
Boston University Washington News Service
10/29/2009
HIMES INSERT FOR WIRE STORY ON HOUSE HEALTH CARE BILL
Rep. Jim Himes, D-4, said the House bill significantly improves security and provides affordable health care choices to Americans. However, Himes said that the bill does not do enough to create incentives for Americans to become healthier.
“I support a public option that operates on a level playing field with insurance companies to increase competition and reduce costs in the health care system,” said Himes. “The public option in the new version of the health care bill meets those criteria.”
Himes said that the new bill is not going to add to the deficit but would reduce it. According to a Congressional Budget Office report the bill is estimated to reduce the deficit by $30 billion over first 10 years, Himes said.
He also said whether to include coverage for abortion is going to be debated. “Historically federal dollars have not been used to pay for abortion,” Himes said and he added that this principle probably won’t change.
Himes speculated that the bill could pass the House next week
LIEBERMAN INSERT FOR WIRE STORY ON HOUSE HEALTH CARE BILL
Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, I-Conn., could not be reached for comment. But Marshall Wittmann, the senator’s communications director, said Lieberman welcomes the debate and “hopes that Congress can adopt reform legislation that will lower costs, expand access and improve the economy.”
DODD
Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn., could not be reached for a statement.
