KTRV Fox 12 GOP senator backs off threat to read health bill
Member Center:
WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican Sen. Tom Coburn is backing off his threat to require that the Senate read the 2,074-page health care bill because some GOP colleagues aren't supporting the effort.
The Oklahoma lawmaker said there's uncertainty about whether reading the bill during Thanksgiving week would be productive. He also said that if the Republicans do decide to tie up the Senate for the dozens of hours it would take, six GOP colleagues have committed to pitching in on reading duty.
Coburn also said in an interview with The Associated Press that he questions whether Americans who might be listening in would understand a line-by-line reading.
Coburn, who is a doctor, said he wants Americans and other senators to know what's in the bill.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
