Health Reform Setback

A group of legislators who call themselves Blue Dog Democrats have put the brakes on a comprehensive health reform bill working its way through the House of Representatives. According to the Washington Post, this setback is especially troubling to President Obama, who has deemed health reform to be one of his top two priorities in 2009. However, the Blue Dog Democrats will not approve any legislation that fails to contain costs. They want to be sure that everything possible will be done to reduce costs within the system before resorting to taxation as a funding source. This faction is working on their own draft of legislation that will address their concerns. The President has asked Congress to present him with a reform bill by October, so time is running short - even if the House does reach an agreement, they must then reach an agreement with the Senate before delivering this key legislation.