Dem Talking Points: We Won’t Kill Old People
The Hill reports that Senate Democrats have circulated a set of talking points, entitled “Responding to Opponents of Health Insurance Reform.” One criticism that Dems are to rebut is, “The government will kill old people because they’re too expensive to keep alive,” responding that this is “outrageous and absolutely false.”
Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama and the First Lady will host a reception in the East Room at 10:15 a.m. ET, honoring Justice Sonia Sotomayor. At 3:10 p.m. ET, the President and First Lady will host the Medal of Freedom ceremony.
Specter Had Capitol Police Present At Town Hall
Roll Call reports that Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) had several Capitol Police officers at his town hall in Pennsylvania yesterday. “It is unusual outside of leadership to have officers at these events,” said Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Terrance Gainer. “We did do a threat analysis and thought the threat was very low but out of caution sent a couple of officers.”
U.S. Ambassador Seeks More Money For Afghanistan
The Washington Post reports that U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl W. Eikenberry has requested additional money for country, telling Sec. of State Hillary Clinton that an additional $2.5 billion in non-military spending will be needed for 2010. This is 60% more than the amount that PResident Obama has requested from Congress.
Summers: Obama Will Reform/Strengthen Social Security
White House National Economic Council Director Larry Summers told a conference of economists in Washington that Social Security reform is on the agenda, and that President Obama will probably start addressing it by the end of his current term. Summers stressed that Obama’s reforms will consist of strengthening the program, rather than any attempts at privatization.
LAT: Seniors Aren’t Sure Health Care System Needs Repair
The Los Angeles Times reports that seniors have tended to be the most skeptical of health care reform, with a main concern that their own care could be impacted negatively by making so many changes at once. Rep. John Tanner (D-TN) said that many seniors don’t even realize that their own care is from a government-run program, Medicare.
Dodd Undergoes Successful Surgery
Sen. Chris Dodd has undergone surgery for his prostate cancer, for which he is expected to make a full recovery. “It is anticipated that he will be able to return to full activity within a few weeks,” said a statement from Dr. Peter Scardino, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
