Obama gives healthcare 'pep talk' to senators as they leave for break

(Reuters) UPDATED 2009-08-06

President Obama delivered a "pep talk" to a bipartisan group of senators, offering encouragement about plans to pass healthcare reform legislation supported by both political parties after the recess. The meeting came a day after Obama said he would be willing to push ahead with reform efforts without Republican support if necessary. The White House considers healthcare reform to be vital to a U.S. economic recovery and wants the legislation approved by the end of the year. The proposed changes would rein in healthcare costs, regulate insurance companies and their practices, and expand coverage to most of the 46 million uninsured Americans. At the same time, Congressional leaders are being coached on how to handle increasingly hostile opponents at "Town Hall" meetings to debate the healthcare reform bill. Read full story >

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