In a meeting that lasted slightly over an hour yesterday, President Obama upped the pressure on congressional leaders–but particularly on the Senate, and Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus (D-MT)–to move a health care bill forward so that both chambers can individually complete work on legislation before the August recess.
Obama met with Baucus and Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY)–chairman of the Ways and Means Committee–along with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer yesterday afternoon, two days after returning from a long trip abroad. Specific details are scarce, but this account, provided by a knowledgeable official, dovetails well with better known facts, including that the Senate–particularly the Finance Committee–is significantly behind schedule, and that the White House appears to be turning up the temperature on Congress more generally as August recess approaches.
Obama also met yesterday with Blue Dog Democrats, who have successfully delayed the introduction of House health care reform legislation. More details on that meeting if and when they become available.
