Lawmakers Say Chances of Meeting August Deadline for Healthcare Bill Slim

The AP (7/13, Elliott) reports, "Legislation to overhaul the nation's health systems is unlikely to make it through the House and Senate before the August target set by President Barack Obama and other Democratic leaders, lawmakers said Sunday." Members of both parties said "the Administration's sweeping healthcare proposals are moving forward on Capitol Hill but cautioned against rushing into a spending plan that could costs trillions of dollars over the next decade."

Meantime, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius "said she remains optimistic Congress would send the White House legislation before the year ends." Congressional Democrats "hinted they would not deliver legislation before leaving town for an August recess." The delay "would be a blow to the White House and to Democrats' electoral prospects."

Republicans, meanwhile, "seizing on an issue that affects all Americans and has shown a glimmer for hope for an out-of-power political party, have lambasted the proposals as rash and irresponsible. They also see the issue as a way to win House and Senate seats in the 2010 midterm elections."