Cochran wants more healthcare reform debate

by Wally Northway

Published: December 22,2009

Tags: federal government, health benefits, health insurance, healthcare, healthcare reform

WASHINGTON — Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) voted yesterday against limiting debate on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (HR.3590) and moving the healthcare reform plan crafted by Majority Leader Harry Reid toward Senate approval.

Cochran voted against the cloture petition and advocated for additional consideration of the legislation. The Democratic majority reached the 60-vote threshold needed to move the bill forward. A final Senate vote could occur Christmas eve.

“I believe the Senate’s legislation, like that which passed the House of Representatives, is flawed and overreaches in the scope of the reforms it is trying to force on the American people and our healthcare system,” Cochran said.

Following the likely Senate passage of HR.3590 this week, the measure will be referred to a conference committee to reconcile differences with the healthcare reform measure passed by the House of Representatives.

“This measure is being pushed forward despite the opposition of a majority of Americans, most governors and other state officials, consumer groups, business leaders and healthcare professionals,” Cochran said. “It is my hope that in the New Year the Senate and House negotiators will step back from these two flawed bills to fashion a more measured reform plan that can improve our healthcare system, without all the negative ramifications we now face in the Senate and House bills.”

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