Schumer and Hutchison argue over health care bill

[November 23, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. Charles Schumer says majority Democrats will push through a bill overhauling the health care system with or without Republican support.

The New York Democrat accused GOP lawmakers of seeking to kill it and said "they haven't put any alternative on the floor." Schumer fenced with Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas on NBC's "Today" show in the wake of a key Senate vote Saturday night that paved the way for debate on a 10-year, $959 billion measure.

The House passed its version weeks earlier on a near party-line vote. Hutchison accused Democrats of pushing a measure that would impose heavy spending mandates on business at a time when the economy is still struggling to recover from a deep recession.

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AP's earlier story is below.

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WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. Charles Schumer says majority Democrats will push through a bill overhauling the health care system with or without Republican support.

The New York Democrat accused GOP lawmakers of seeking to kill it and said "they haven't put any alternative on the floor." Schumer fenced with Republican Sen. Kay Baily Hutchison of Texas on NBC's "Today" show in the wake of a key Senate vote Saturday night that paved the way for debate on a 10-year, $959 billion measure.

The House passed its version weeks earlier on a near party-line vote. Hutcheson accused Democrats of pushing a measure that would impose heavy spending mandates on business at a time when the economy is still struggling to recover from a deep recession.

[Associated Press]

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