Former President Barack Obama spoke from a different bully pulpit Sunday night in challenging lawmakers to show « political courage » on health care.
May 8 (UPI) — Former President Barack Obama spoke from a different bully pulpit Sunday night in challenging lawmakers to show « political courage » on health care.
« I hope that current members of Congress recall that it actually doesn’t take a lot of courage to aid those who are already powerful, already comfortable, already influential, » Obama said after receiving the Profile in Courage Award on the 100th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy ‘s birth.
« But it does require some courage to champion the vulnerable, the sick and the infirm. »
Obama’s speech at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston was one of his first since leaving the White House on Jan. 20.
He responded to an all-Republican House vote last week to repeal the Affordable Care Act — Obama’s signature legislative accomplishment. He did not mention President Donald Trump, a proponent of the replacement bill, by name.
« This great debate is not settled but continues, » Obama said, « and it is my fervent hope — and the hope of millions — that regardless of party, such courage is still possible. »
The replacement bill, which passed the House by four votes, faces an uphill battle in the Senate.
Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said Sunday on NBC’s Meet The Press that the House bill will not be « not dead on arrival » in the Senate, but they will also not be « bringing it immediately on the floor. »
