September 10th, 2009

Reports the Patriot-News:

When President Barack Obama walked out of the House chamber Wednesday night after delivering his speech on health care reform, U.S. Rep. Todd Platts, R-York, expressed optimism that the president’s proposal might re-open dialogue for bipartisan support.

“What he presented were major differences than what’s in House Bill 3200. I was able to speak briefly with him. I said, ‘When you put this plan in print, make sure it goes through the regular process of hearings and dialogue, because that is not what Speaker [Nancy] Pelosi did with House Bill 3200,’” Platts said.

“The president responded to me by saying, ‘Regular order.’ That means the differences in what he proposes could get a thoughtful, open consideration,” Platts said.

If other Republicans in Congress seemed more skeptical Wednesday night, it’s because they are concerned that leadership, particularly in the House, will stack the process to prevent a true bipartisan effort, Platts said.

That would be a shame, he said.

“I think the challenge here is that there is skepticism on the part of House Republicans. But the president in good faith wants to address the needs of the American people like I do, and he’s sincere in that effort,” Platts said.

But some Republicans still seemed to be smarting over a lack of involvement in drafting bills out of the five involved committees in the House and Senate.

“I don’t really know whether this speech is going to change things for the president,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts, D-Kennett Square.

Read more at the Patriot.