Here's part of President Obama's message today, in light of the CBO hubub and efforts to slow the process down.
From the e-mailed White House pool report:
"Let me repeat: Health insurance reform cannot add to our deficit over the next decade and I mean it," Obama said.
He used a sports metaphor to make case for action this year.
"I realize that the last few miles of any race are the hardest run but I have to say now is not the time to slow down and now is certainly not the time to lose heart. Make no mistake if we step back from this challenge -- at this moment -- we are consigning our children to a future of skyrocketing premiums and crushing deficits. There's no argument about that."
He added: "We're going to have to get this done. If we don't get health care reform done now, then no one's health insurance is going to be secure because you are going to continue to see premiums going up."
"That's why those who are betting against this happening this year are badly mistaken. We are going to get this done. We will reform health care. It will happen this year."
The White House has also announced a prime time press conference scheduled for next Wednesday evening, July 22. Undoubtedly, the subject will be healthcare reform.