Health Care Overhaul

WASHINGTON (AP) - Democrats are expressing optimism when it comes to the outcome of tomorrow’s crucial health care overhaul vote in the House. The 10-year, $1.2 trillion legislation embraces President Barack Obama’s goals of extending health coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and putting tough new restrictions on insurance companies. Obama is scheduled to make a personal appeal to wary rank-and-file Democrats on Capitol Hill tomorrow.
While Democrats scramble to soothe last-minute concerns, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appears confident the bill will win the majority needed to prevail. The House effort picked up two major endorsements yesterday, from the AARP and the American Medical Association. The bill would provide government subsidies to extend coverage to millions who now lack it and employers would be required to insure their employees.