Killing Health reform A Mistake, Says Clinton

While again acknowledging that he bit off more than he could chew in 1994's health care reforms, President Clinton has told a news conference that the Republicans made a mistake in killing any reforms. Both parties must now figure out how to help Americans get more affordable health care, he said, and if it is done the right way the cost of Medicaid and Medicare will continue to be substantially lowered.

Senator Robert bennett, chairman of a new Republican task force on health, says the issue is not a top priority for anyone now but it will be back on center-stage and will have to be dealt with. There is nothing in the GOP Contract with America on health care reform, but Senator Robert Dole and Representative Newt Gingrich have said Congress will look into the $162 billion Medicare program.