Lawmaker predicts no health overhaul this year

[August 15, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Pennsylvania lawmaker who is a close ally of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says it's looking unlikely that Congress will pass health care overhaul legislation this year.

Democratic Rep. John Murtha tells WJPA-AM Radio in western Pennsylvania that Congress is going to "do it right" when it comes to passing health care legislation. But he says it's not clear it will get done before January. And he says it may not get done then.

There have been numerous missed deadlines. But the goal of Democratic leaders is to pass a health care bill in time for President Barack Obama to sign it this year.

Murtha says members are telling Pelosi not to rush passage.

[Associated Press]

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