Joe Wilson Proposes Forcing Congress Onto Government Health Insurance Plan
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., center, speaks about health care reform Nov. 4 in Washington, by Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga., right, and Rep. Dean Heller, R-Nev. (AP Photo)
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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.