Klobuchar: 'We had to get something done'

In a procedural vote early Monday, Senate Democrats proved they can pass a historic health care reform bill, a piece of legislation Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar defended on cable talk shows yesterday.

The bill would extend coverage to thirty million Americans, and impose tougher regulations on health care companies to curb abusive practices. During an appearance on Fox News Sunday, Klobuchar responded to liberal critics, including Howard Dean, who wanted to kill the bill because he said it doesn't do enough.

"I disagree with him," Klobuchar said. "I don't have that ability to just leave my Christmas presents and go home. We had to get something done here."

Klobuchar says she was always focused on reducing costs. During her appearance, Klobuchar was asked about a provision in the bill that would allow states to prohibit private insurance companies from covering abortions in a proposed private health care exchange. When asked whether she was offended by the provision, the Minnesota Democrat defended the entire bill.

"I am offended that so many people don't have insurance in this country," She said. "I am offended by that. Would I have preferred the original Senate language? Of course I would."

The bill will then have to be reconciled with a bill that already passed the House. Republicans argue that both bills spend too much and don't contain health care costs.

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