Posted by John Romano in News and Analysis, Politics on September 16, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. (YBH.ME) – Maine Senator Olympia Snowe has stated that she will not back Max Baucus’ $800 billion plus health care reform bill, leaving the President and the Democrats without any Republican support. Ms. Snowe was believed to be President Obama’s best chance of getting a Republican to publicly back the Democrats push for health care reform as envisioned by the party.
Republican Senator passes on Baucus' health care bill.
The Democrat caucus and President Obama can either pass the current health care package using their super majorities, without any Republican support, push the bills through using the controversial reconciliation process, or head back to the bargaining table with Republicans that seem unwilling to budge on many of Mr. Obama’s key points.
Senator Snowe is on record that the Baucus bill is against her state’s interests, and will impose escalating taxes on Americans who pay high health insurance premiums. Mainers’ premiums are already among the highest in the country.
The first term President has run into headwinds pushing his agenda this year with Republicans, and some Democrats, calling his health care reform ideas too costly. Many Republicans also criticize the bills as being overly intrusive into the lives of ordinary Americans.
The President will be on no less than four Sunday talk shows, as well as doing an unprecedented appearance on David Letterman’s nightly talk show next Monday to push his health care agenda.