Nov 2, 2009 5:30 pm US/Central
Burris Affirms Support For Public Option
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
As Democratic leaders in Washington try to round up votes to pass health care reform legislation, U.S. Sen. Roland Burris on Monday stuck by his demand for a public option, calling any provision that would let states opt out not as strong.
"My position is that I will only vote for a final bill that has the strong public option," said Sen. Roland Burris.
Sen. Roland Burris spoke out on health care reform Monday. It's just about the only big issue where he's a big player on Capitol Hill. CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports that's because President Obama needs every Democratic vote in the Senate.
Shunned in the Senate after being appointed by disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the Illinois Democrat has a new relevancy in Washington.
Burris insists reform must include a "strong public option," a government-run health insurance program that would compete with private insurers and -- he says -- drive down costs for Americans who desperately need health coverage.
"I will not vote for any reform legislation that fails to include a strong public option," Burris said during a visit to Chicago's Stroger Hospital, a public hospital that cares for the poor.
"We've got to deal with these insurance companies because the cost of health insurance is going out of sight, all these pre-existing conditions," Burris said. "And insurance companies have nobody regulating them. And we need some competition."
Burris said he is following the will of his constituents, including small business owner David Kogan of Chicago, who runs a DVD and media production company.
"This is your opportunity and our opportunity, and we really need that strong public option to end this madness," said Kogan, who is part of an alliance of businesses pushing for reform.
A government-run health plan is among the most contentious issues in the health care debate, with critics complaining about the cost. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has unveiled a bill with a government-run option. Democratic Senate leader Harry Reid of Nevada is backing a compromise plan that would have a government-run insurance option but states could opt out of it.
Burris isn't keen on an opt-out provision because he said it would carry with it "all types of nuances that would create a situation where I don't think you can get a strong public option."
For example, he said one concern was insurance company lobbyists' influence on state lawmakers, who would determine if their states opt out.
Burris said he isn't feeling pressure from other Democrats because he has made his position clear to them. He also downplayed the suggestion that he has new stature in the Senate because Democrats need his vote.
Burris said he has not had any conversations with President Barack Obama about health care but he has met with Obama's health czar Nancy-Ann DeParle.
"She knows where I stand, and she said she's going to take that back to the president," he said.
Burris said lawmakers need to pass health care reform this fall.
"People need the health insurance changed now," he said.
Indeed, Burris seems to be enjoying a new power relationship with the White House. Burris bowed grudgingly to the president's wish that he not run for a full term in the Senate seat Barack Obama himself once held.
Burris told CBS 2 being the lamest of lame ducks doesn't bother him.
"Not at all. I'm enjoying it. It's terrific. I'm having a good time. I'm enjoying myself," Burris said.
In addition to enjoying himself, Burris can claim to have been among the Senate liberals who pushed Majority Leader Harry Reid to include a government option in the health care bill Reid plans to call to the floor soon.
CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Jewish Celebrities
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
