On Monday, President Obama swung into action again with a public pep talk for reform in Strongsville, OH. He continued his strong criticism of health insurance industry practices, reiterated the need for affordable coverage, and explained the highlights of his reform proposal. "We have incorporated most of the serious ideas from across the political spectrum about how to contain the rising costs of health care. We go after waste and abuse in the system, especially in Medicare. Our cost-cutting measures would reduce most people's premiums and bring down our deficit by up to a trillion dollars over the next two decades...And I believe Congress owes the American people a final up or down vote. We need an up or down vote. It's time to vote."

On Tuesday, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs responded to repeated questions about the possible House procedures to pass the legislation, explaining that the choice would be from House leaders, not the President. Gibbs said that opponents would construe the situation to be about the legislative process rather than about people's need for health care, but the White House expects a vote this week. Gibbs added that the President is continuing to meet with undecided or oppositional House Democrats to encourage a favorable vote.


Read more details:

Speaker Pelosi's remarks: http://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/pressreleases?id=1587
http://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/pressreleases?id=1590

The President's speech: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-health-care-reform-strongsville-ohio

Secretary Gibbs' remarks: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/briefing-white-house-press-secretary-robert-gibbs-31610

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