Updated November 04, 2009
Joe Wilson Proposes Forcing Congress Onto Government Health Insurance Plan
FOXNews.com
Though Republicans oppose the so-called "public option," Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., is proposing the requirement to draw attention to the plan's alleged flaws.
Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., center, speaks about health care reform Nov. 4 in Washington, by Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., right, and Rep. Dean Heller, R-Nev. (AP Photo)
Republican Rep. Joe Wilson proposed an amendment Wednesday that would force all members of Congress to receive health insurance coverage through the government-run plan proposed in the House's reform bill.
Though Republicans oppose the so-called "public option," the South Carolina gadfly -- who gained notoriety for shouting "you lie" at President Obama during his address to Congress two months ago -- is proposing the requirement to draw attention to what he sees as the plan's flaws.
"They know the government-run option will not be in the interest of the American people, either individually or for the American citizens at large," Wilson said Wednesday, arguing that's the reason Congress does not require its members to sign up.
The current House health care legislation states that members of Congress "may enroll" in the public plan. Wilson wants that changed to "must enroll."
"If the public option is good enough for the American people, then it's certainly good enough for Congress," Wilson said. "If this government-run plan is so good, why don't members of Congress take the plan?"
House Democrats have published their final adjustments to the 1,900-page health care bill, starting a 72-hour clock before the bill comes to the floor.
No Republicans have come forward in support of the bill, but Democrats have a strong enough majority to pass the bill as long as they can resolve intra-party disputes.
Fox News' Megan Whittemore contributed to this report.
Latest Politics Videos
-
-
Eventful Trip?
-
Nov 21, 2009
Did Obama make any news in Asia?
-
-
-
Bogus Numbers
-
Nov 21, 2009
Media cracks down on 'saved jobs' numbers
-
-
-
Behind the Breaks # 1
-
Nov 21, 2009
Fair and balanced fact checking?
-
-
-
Behind the Breaks # 2
-
Nov 21, 2009
Obama's bow: Much ado about nothing?
-
-
-
The Journal Editorial Report: 11/21
-
Nov 21, 2009
What role will Palin play in 2010?
-
-
-
Behind the Breaks # 3
-
Nov 21, 2009
What will make news in coming weeks?
-
Real Clear Politics Poll
| Job Approval | Approve | Disapprove | Spread |
| Obama | 50.6% | 43.4% | +7.2% |
| Congress | 27.0% | 64.3% | -37.3% |
| Direction of Country | Right Direction | Wrong Track | Spread |
| RCP Average | 38.0% | 57.2% | -19.2% |
Most Active In Politics
Most Read
Most Commented
-
House Passes Health Care Bill
November 08, 2009 1,132 comments
-
AP Turns Heads for Devoting 11 Reporters to Palin Book 'Fact Check'
November 18, 2009 855 comments
-
Obama: 'Dont' Jump to Conclusions' on Fort Hood Shooting
November 06, 2009 615 comments
-
U.S. Likely to Seek Death Penalty for Sept. 11 Terror Suspects
November 13, 2009 728 comments
-
Republicans Rally Resistance to Health Care Bill, as House Vote Nears
November 05, 2009 657 comments
-
Strains in Party Threatens Democrats
November 20, 2009
-
U.S. Enlists Allies in New Surge
November 21, 2009
-
Obama Seeks to Boost U.S. Exports
November 21, 2009
-
California's Newsom Faces Headwinds
November 20, 2009
-
White House Seeks Broad Climate Plan
November 20, 2009
-
Peter Mandelson bets on two sure-fire losers
November 21, 2009
-
Sadly, most people with a learning disability should not have children
November 21, 2009
-
Wind of deceit drives Labour’s green energy plan
November 21, 2009
-
A game of two halves: cheating and whining
November 21, 2009
-
Belle lays bare the myth that every hooker is a victim
November 21, 2009



recommend

Subscribe to Comments






