The Struggle for Reform — Challenges and Hopes for Comprehensive Health Care Legislation

Undaunted by a soaring federal deficit, competing legislative priorities, and skeptical Republicans, leading Democrats are relentlessly pursuing health care reform, as they hold hearings, engage key stakeholders, plot strategy, and draft legislation. Five congressional committees — two in the Senate and three in the House — are at work on major reform legislation. While underscoring his administration's strong support for reform, President Barack Obama has emphasized his preference that Congress lead in crafting a measure aimed at expanding coverage, improving care delivery, and constraining the growth of health care spending.None of the committee chairs have introduced reform bills yet, . . .