11/6/2009 2:45 PM ET
(RTTNews) -
Representative Anthony Weiner, D-NY, announced Friday that he has decided to withdraw his single payer amendment to the House health care reform bill.
"I have decided not to offer a single payer alternative to the health reform bill at this time," Weiner said.
He added, "Given how fluid the negotiations are on the final push to get comprehensive health care reform that covers millions of Americans and contains costs through a public option, I became concerned that my amendment might undermine that important goal."
Weiner said he would "continue to press the case for health care reform in every venue I can" and that he would "press for a smarter, less-expensive, more-comprehensive alternative to the employer-based health insurance system we have today."
Commenting on Weiner's decision House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman said, "I believe Representative Weiner's choice will be enormously helpful in passing the health care reform package."
He added, "His step is a correct and courageous one. I thank Representative Weiner for it, and look forward to working with him closely."
by RTT Staff Writer
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