Reid Unveils Legislation

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By The Associated Press & Kathy Weber

Story Published: Nov 18, 2009 at 11:15 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 19, 2009 at 9:51 AM MST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveils health care legislation that aims to extend coverage to 94% of eligible Americans.

It's expected to cost $849-billion dollars over the next decade. It will be paid for with cuts to future Medicare spending, higher payroll taxes for the wealthy, and a new levy on patients undergoing elective cosmetic surgery.

Reid has said his plan would include an option for consumers to purchase government run insurance. The massive bill is headed to the senate floor within the week.

At a news conference late Wednesday afternoon, Reid said, "We all acknowledge this legislation is a tremendous step forward. Why? Because it saves lives, save money and protects Medicare, makes Medicare stronger."

The legislation is bitterly opposed by Republicans. Senator Max Baucus, who has been at the helm of health care reform, will not be in Washington for the next few days as he visits his ailing mother in Helena.

Senator Jon Tester has spoken positively about the legislation, but has not committed to voting for it. He says he's still evaluating Reid's proposal.

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