November 5, 2009 Health care debate boils on Capitol Hill

(NECN: RD Sahl) - The health care debate was boiling on Capitol Hill today. A dozen anti-abortion protesters were arrested outside Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office.

House Republicans and a crowd of several thousand rallied at the Capitol against the Democrats' 1.2 trillion dollar bill.

Republicans say the Democrats' plan will increase premiums, hurt seniors, and lead to a government take over of health care. The House Speaker scoffs.

Nancy Pelosi: "The only thing you need to know about the difference between our bill and theirs is that the republican bill does not end insurance company discrimination for pre-existing conditions."

President Obama was staying out of the partisan wrangling - instead welcoming endorsements by the American Medical Association and the 40-million member AARP.

Obama: "They're endorsing this bill because they know it will strengthen medicare, not jeopardize it. They know it will protect the benefits our seniors receive, not cut them."