Schumer and Hutchison argue over health care bill

posted: 78 DAYS 20 HOURS AGO

Text SizeAAA

WASHINGTON -Sen. Charles Schumer says majority Democrats will push through a bill overhauling the health care system with or without Republican support.

The New York Democrat accused GOP lawmakers of seeking to kill it and said "they haven't put any alternative on the floor." Schumer fenced with Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas on NBC's "Today" show in the wake of a key Senate vote Saturday night that paved the way for debate on a 10-year, $959 billion measure.

The House passed its version weeks earlier on a near party-line vote. Hutchison accused Democrats of pushing a measure that would impose heavy spending mandates on business at a time when the economy is still struggling to recover from a deep recession.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Charles Schumer says majority Democrats will push through a bill overhauling the health care system with or without Republican support.

The New York Democrat accused GOP lawmakers of seeking to kill it and said "they haven't put any alternative on the floor." Schumer fenced with Republican Sen. Kay Baily Hutchison of Texas on NBC's "Today" show in the wake of a key Senate vote Saturday night that paved the way for debate on a 10-year, $959 billion measure.

The House passed its version weeks earlier on a near party-line vote. Hutcheson accused Democrats of pushing a measure that would impose heavy spending mandates on business at a time when the economy is still struggling to recover from a deep recession.

(This version CORRECTS Corrects spelling 2nd graf. APNewsNow. Moving on general news and financial services.)

2009-11-23 07:42:21