One of Wisconsin’s own US Senators says the public should see the health care talks. In an effort to speed up passage, President Obama and Congressional leaders are proposing finalizing the health care bill behind closed doors. Senator Russ Feingold, a long time open government advocate, says a lack of public debate is “always a factor” in how he’ll act on the legislation.
The Wisconsin Senator takes issue with criticism that the entire process so far has been centered on secrecy. He adds many times lawmakers have delayed voting on the measure to allow time for people read it.
Although a public option is unlikely for the final draft, there are other elements Feingold hopes will remain, such as providing health care to 30 million Americans who lack it now, and a “donut hole provision” fills the gap seen when senior citizens must pay high prescription costs.
Meantime CSPAN and Republicans have pleaded with Democratic leadership to open up their health care talks on the airwaves. CSPN’s CEO claims Obama is going against his previous campaign pledges of government transparency.
Brian Moon reports (:71)