Bush delays Health Plan Appeal Rules .... what's next, you ask....the photo op! Ya' gotta have a photo op!
from the AP wire
Placing his hand on the bed rail of colon patient Vincent Hamilton, 36, of Centreville, Va., Bush said, ''I'm here talking about a patients' bill of rights. Is there anything you want to share with me?''
Kinda brings a tear to your eye...his hand on the bed rail...
Bush Tries to Revive His Agenda
by RON FOURNIER
AP White House Correspondent
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush, trying to revive his legislative agenda, urged Congress on Monday to enact public school changes, open government programs to religious charities and pass a patients' rights bill he's willing to sign.
Surrounded by children at an overheated Rose Garden ceremony, the president said, ''There are things we can do here in Washington'' to improve the lives of Americans before Congress' summer recess.
White House officials billed the address as the first step in a two-week strategy aimed at reclaiming control of the political agenda from Senate Democrats. Negative reviews of Bush's first overseas trip and the defection of GOP Sen. James Jeffords of Vermont threw the White House political operation off kilter in June, aides acknowledge privately.
Their boss' job approval rating has declined in recent weeks.
On Monday, Bush sought to focus attention on his own priorities in a shrink-the-playing-field strategy that would squeeze some issues out of the top tier. Those getting a lower priority, at least for now, include:
-- His energy plan, which is sagging in polls but will get more attention next week.
-- Trade promotion authority, which is stalled in Congress.
-- Campaign finance legislation, which aides concede Bush will likely be forced to sign despite reservations.
Patients' rights legislation, touted Monday by Bush, was forced onto his plate after Democrats took control and pushed the issue to the top of the Senate agenda. The two sides differ mainly on Bush's call to limit the legal liability of HMOs.
''The Congress must act on a patients' bill of rights -- a good patients' bill of rights, one that recognizes patients are important, not lawyers,'' Bush said.
At least five children, suffering from the heat, were escorted out of the event and into the air-conditioned White House.
Later, Bush toured a suburban hospital to highlight the need for patient protections such as the right to see specialists -- a point not disputed by Democrats. The visit didn't help his case.
Placing his hand on the bed rail of colon patient Vincent Hamilton, 36, of Centreville, Va., Bush said, ''I'm here talking about a patients' bill of rights. Is there anything you want to share with me?''........
jttmab |
