Obama Clears the Deck for Health Care Reform

We're just about at the stage at which the health care debate starts crowding out practically every other domestic policy. That, at least, was the impression one got watching the White House this afternoon.

President Barack Obama says changes to the nation's health systems are necessary and the window for overhaul will close when Congress breaks for summer vacation.

Obama met with lawmakers Tuesday at the White House. He told reporters at the start of the meeting that it makes no sense to add people to a broken system, so he wants to see costs controlled.

Obama says he wants broad action before Congress leaves for an August recess. He says this is a make-or-break moment for his priority.

This comes shortly after a report from The Hill which said Democratic leaders on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue "are shoving aside issues that divide their party to clear the deck for healthcare reform, which is likely to dominate the rest of the legislative year."