Though
Republicans oppose the so-called "public option," Rep. Joe Wilson,
R-S.C., is proposing the requirement to draw attention to the plan's
alleged flaws.
Republican
Rep. Joe Wilson proposed an amendment Wednesday that would force all
members of Congress to receive health insurance coverage through the
government-run plan proposed in the House's reform bill.
Though Republicans oppose the so-called "public option," the South
Carolina gadfly -- who gained notoriety for shouting "you lie" at
President Obama during his address to Congress two months ago -- is
proposing the requirement to draw attention to what he sees as the
plan's flaws.
"They know the government-run option will not be in the interest of
the American people, either individually or for the American citizens
at large," Wilson said Wednesday, arguing that's the reason Congress
does not require its members to sign up.
The current House health care legislation states that members of
Congress "may enroll" in the public plan. Wilson wants that changed to
"must enroll."
"If the public option is good enough for the American people, then
it's certainly good enough for Congress," Wilson said. "If this
government-run plan is so good, why don't members of Congress take the
plan?"
House Democrats have published their final adjustments to the
1,900-page health care bill, starting a 72-hour clock before the bill
comes to the floor.
No Republicans have come forward in support of the bill, but
Democrats have a strong enough majority to pass the bill as long as
they can resolve intra-party disputes.
Fox News' Megan Whittemore contributed to this report.