Senate committee rejects public option for healthcare reform
The outcome, though expected, is a defeat for liberals who view government-sponsored insurance as a key component of the overhaul.
Associated Press
12:11 PM PDT, September 29, 2009
Washington
The Senate Finance Committee has voted against creating a new government health insurance plan to compete with the private market.
The 15-8 vote could forecast the fate of the public option in the Senate as a whole. The outcome was expected but still a defeat for liberals who view government-sponsored insurance for the middle class as a key component of President Obama's healthcare overhaul.
Five committee Democrats, including Chairman Max Baucus of Montana, joined with all 10 committee Republicans to defeat the measure by Democratic Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV of West Virginia.
Opponents said a public option would drive private insurers out of business and amount to a government takeover. Proponents said it would give consumers choice and competition.