
NASHVILLE, Tenn.- President Obama's health care initiative is making progress in the House with lawmakers voting to advance the debate. Republicans, including Tennessee Congressman Marsha Blackburn, voted to block the debate.
Congressman Jim Cooper has said he will vote for the bill which could reshape our health care system and extend coverage to millions of the uninsured.
President Obama made a rare Saturday visit to Capitol Hill. He's pushing lawmakers for their support.
“No bill can contain everything that everybody wants or please every constituent in every district. That's an impossible task. But what is possible, what's in our grasp right now, is the chance to prevent future where every day 14,000 American continue to lose their health insurance. And every year 18,000 Americans die because they don't have it,” said President Obama.
Meanwhile, Republicans like House Minority Leader John Boehner, have vowed to do everything he can to "stop this from becoming law." Boehner would have found a lot of support at our state capitol. Saturday’s Tea Party was an overall protest against politicians, but with the debate on health care going on in Washington that issue did come up.
"It only cost $1.5 trillion. Who's going to pay for that? You, me, and future generations. It's not right," said bill opponent, Vicki Towles.
Hundreds of people gathered at the state capitol building in protest. They say this wasn't anything against one particular party, but to show politicians how displeased they are with their current work.
Taxes, bailouts, and health care reform were discussed and expressed on signs. The theme: politicians who won’t listen will be fired. Voters Saturday said they are giving their elected officials one year to get things straight or they will get them out of office by voting for someone else.
"I will vote for one that believe in the constitution and are honest, if you can find any that are honest," said Nashvillian Carlene Everett.
A number of people signed pink slips that will be sent to congress next week.
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