WASHINGTON – Montana Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester say they are confident Congress will enact a health care overhaul, despite delays that have pushed a vote beyond the Senate’s August recess.
Baucus, Tester and other Senate Democrats met with President Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday. They declared themselves united in their determination to pass a health care law this year — ideally with Republican cooperation, but without the GOP if necessary.
Baucus, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and a top Senate leader on health care, called the meeting a “reconfirmation that health care reform is so important for the American people.”
Tester said all sides understand that the status quo in health care is not working, adding: “I think we’re going to end up with a good health care bill in the end.”
Tester said he also supports the renewal of the “cash for clunkers” program, which he says has been helpful to Montana car dealers.