senate

ABC News reports that President Obama today will launch his final push to get a health care reform bill passed and will indicate that he is willing to work with Republicans on some issues. But the president will suggest that if it becomes necessary, Democrats will use the controversial "reconciliation" rules to send a bill to his desk.

Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) stood firm Tuesday in single-handedly blocking the Senate from extending unemployment benefits, highway funds and other programs in the face of mounting criticism from Democrats and pleas from his own party.

The White House called Mr. Bunning's actions "irrational."  Senator Susan Collins, the moderate Republican from Maine, became the latest lawmaker, and the first Republican, to try to override the objection.

Mr. Bunning is arguing that the Senate should first find a way to pay for the expense.