July 14, 2009 10:38 PM UTC

House Introduces Health Care Reform, Passage By August?

•  
• by: Colorado Pols

This just in from The Associated Press:

House Democrats unveiled sweeping legislation Tuesday to overhaul the nation’s health care system.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters the bill is both a starting point and a path to success. She was joined by committee chairmen and other House leaders. They stood before a banner reading “Quality affordable health care for the middle class.”

Pelosi and Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., said the House would pass the bill before the August recess.

The legislation would impose penalties on employers who fail to provide health insurance for their workers and on individuals who refuse to buy it.

President Barack Obama is pushing the House and Senate to vote on bills before their vacation break.