WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Republicans will seek amendments to parts of
the Democrat's healthcare reform they oppose, rather than push for an
alternative plan to overhaul the $2.5 trillion system, a key senator
said on Monday.

Conservatives are seeking changes that would limit medical malpractice
liability and do away with any requirement for consumers to buy a health
insurance policy, said Sen. Charles Grassley, speaking at the Reuters
Washington Summit.

He would also like to enable consumers to purchase insurance policies
across state lines. Insurance is currently regulated at the state level,
with consumers unable to purchase from firms that do not sell plans in
their state.

"I just hope that we're able to keep this bill from getting any worse,"
said Grassley, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee.

Congressional Democrats are unlikely to support those proposed changes,
and Grassley conceded the bill could pass without any concessions to
Republicans as long as the chamber's 60 Democrats stick together.

- - -


The Repubs want concessions in bills they won't for under any circumstances.

**** 'em.

Oh...and despite their claims to the contrary, the Repubs have no
alternative plan...and never did.

Senator Grassley...go **** up a rope.


--
Conservatives are not necessarily stupid, but most stupid people are
conservatives. - John Stuart Mill