White House officials tell TPMDC tonight that President Obama and Congressional leaders worked through “all aspects” of the health care bill after more than eight hours of meetings. But they aren’t over, and officials say White House staffers will keep meeting with members of Congress in the coming days.
Officials said the members attending were Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Rep. Jim Clyburn, Rep. George Miller, Rep. Charlie Rangel, Rep. Henry Waxman, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Sen. Dick Durbin, Sen. Max Baucus, Sen. Chris Dodd, and Sen. Tom Harkin, all Democrats with key roles in the health care negotiations that started this summer and are nearing a conclusion.
Also attending the meeting, which ran from 10:30 a.m. to 6:40 p.m. and included lunch in the Cabinet Room, were White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, Legislative Affairs Liaison Phil Schiliro, and health care czar Nancy-Ann DeParle.
The White House said Obama came in and out of the room while monitoring the situation in Haiti, and Vice President Joe Biden and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius attended portions of the meeting.
Like most statements that come from the White House, this one cites “progress” being made toward a final deal.
Obama, Pelosi and Reid put out a brief joint statement:
“Today we made significant progress in bridging the remaining gaps between the two health insurance reform bills. We’re encouraged and energized, and we’re resolved to deliver reform legislation that provides more stability and security for those with insurance, extends coverage to those who don’t have coverage, and lowers costs for families, businesses, and governments.”
