Obama attacks healthcare reform foes

WASHINGTON, July 21 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama had harsh words Tuesday for critics trying to block his efforts toward health insurance reform.

He accused his critics of playing "politics of the moment instead of putting the interests of the American people first."

"These opponents of reform would rather score political points than offer relief to Americans who've seen premiums double and costs grow three times faster than wages," Obama said Tuesday afternoon in the White House Rose Garden. "They would maintain a system that works for the insurance and the drug companies, while becoming increasingly unaffordable for families and for businesses."

Obama said the healthcare reform bills making their way through the House and the Senate reflect a "hard-earned consensus" with members of Congress and the healthcare industry.

"Health care providers have agreed to do their part to reduce the rate of growth in healthcare spending. The pharmaceutical industry has agreed to spending reductions that will make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors. Hospitals have agreed to bring down costs. The American Nurses Association and the American Medical Association, who represent millions of nurses and doctors who know our healthcare system best, have announced their support for reform," the president said.

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