July 24th, 2009

Reports Reuters:

Shrugging off delays in a divided Congress, President Barack Obama’s administration on Friday said a sweeping healthcare overhaul would still be approved by year end to control costs and expand coverage.

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said the Senate’s failure to hold to an August deadline to pass an initial version of healthcare legislation would not derail Obama’s central domestic policy objective.

“I think we will have a bill by the end of the year for the president to sign on healthcare reform that controls costs, expands coverage and provides choice,” Emanuel told National Public Radio.

The reform package under construction in both chambers of the Democratic-controlled Congress has been hit by criticism of its more than $1 trillion price tag and its scope, with debates over how to pay for the program and rein in costs.

Obama has described healthcare reform as essential to longterm U.S. economic viability and had asked the Senate and House of Representatives to pass first versions before leaving for the summer recess to help keep opposition from building.

But Senate Majority leader Harry Reid said on Thursday the Senate was only likely to be debate its version of the legislation in September — throwing open the question of when and what kind of final legislation may emerge.

Obama has staked significant political capital on the passage of a healthcare bill this year before lawmakers turn their focus to next year’s midterm elections.

Read more at Reuters.