Psycho Talk: Fox’s Napolitano incorrect about Beck rally numbers
Judge Andrew Napolitano was quickly corrected by Fox News' Steve Doocy after falsely claiming that Glenn Beck assembled the "largest political gathering in the past 40 years."
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calls a Florida church's plan to burn copies of the Muslim holy book to mark the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks a "disrespectful, disgraceful act." We'll talk about it.
Senate group omits employer mandate Posted on 7/28/2009
A bipartisan group in the Senate has edged closer to a health care compromise.
The plan omits two key Democratic priorities but incorporates provisions to slow the explosive rise in medical costs.
The six Senators were on track to exclude a requirement many congressional Democrats seek for businesses to offer coverage to their workers.
No Public Option There would be no provision for a government insurance option, despite President Barack Obama's support for such a plan.
35% Tax on Some Policies The three Democrats and three Republicans from the Senate Finance Committee were considering a tax of as much as 35 percent on very high-cost insurance policies.
The tax is part of an attempt to rein in rapid escalation of costs.
Creation of Commission Also likely to be included in any deal was creation of a commission charged with slowing the growth of Medicare through recommendations that would take effect automatically unless overturned by Congress.
Sen. Baucus Comments Sen. Max Baucus, D-MT, said, "We're going to get agreement here."
He said, "The group of six really wants to get to 'yes.'"
Sen. Conrad Comments Sen. Kent Conrad, D-ND, said, "I think there's a heavy sense of responsibility among this group."
Conrad said, "Our country needs us to get this right."
Obama's Broad Goals Obama has outlined two broad goals for legislation: expansion of health insurance coverage to millions who lack it, and reining in increases in costs.
No Denial of Coverage The proposal under discussion by the six Finance Committee members would bar insurance companies from denying coverage to any applicant.
Insurers could not charge higher premiums on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions.
Chamber of Commerce Support The effort received a boost from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, normally a close ally of Republicans.
In a letter to committee leaders, the business group called for the panel to "act promptly, preferably before" the Senate's scheduled vacation at the end of next week.
Blow to Republicans The Chamber's position dealt a blow to the Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, and other GOP lawmakers who have called repeatedly for Democrats to slow down.
