Sept. 9
President Obama, flanked by Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, prodded Congress to quickly enact comprehensive legislation that would impose strict new insurance protections and expand government health programs for the working poor.
Rich Lipski-The Washington Post
Sept. 9
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) shouted out "You lie!" during the president's speech after Obama disputed claims that reform efforts would insure illegal immigrants. Following the speech, several members of Congress said Wilson should apologize.
Melina Mara-The Washington Post
Sept. 9
Lawmakers give Obama a standing ovation during his speech. Obama told lawmakers, "the time for bickering is over. The time for games has passed."
Rich Lipski-The Washington Post
Sept. 9
Obama laid out his case for a 10-year, $900 billion plan that would build on the current employer-based health system with new requirements on individuals and businesses to contribute to the costs of coverage.
Toni L. Sandys-The Washington Post
Sept. 9
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, between Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis. Obama directed Sebelius to begin reforming medical malpractice laws.
Melina Mara-The Washington Post
Sept. 9
Over the August recess, the health care debate heated up at raucous town hall meetings. Obama told Congress, "I will not waste time with those who have made the calculation that it's better politics to kill this plan than improve it."
Rich Lipski-The Washington Post
Sept. 9
Republican members of Congress wave copies of Obama's speech in the air. The Republican side of the rotunda all stood up and applauded when Obama mentioned reforming malpractice laws.
Rich Lipski-The Washington Post
Sept. 9
Obama makes his way to the podium after being announced by the Sergent at Arms. Obama had been urged to put his own stamp on the legislation and to frame the debate on his terms.
Melina Mara-The Washington Post
Sept. 9
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) leans across the aisle to talk to Zach Wamp (R-Tenn.) during the speech.
Melina Mara-The Washington Post
Sept. 9
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) listens with a list of key excerpts from the speech on his lap. Obama appealed to both sides of the aisle, saying his bill combines ideas from both Democrats and Republicans.
Melina Mara-The Washington Post
Sept. 9
Obama enters the chamber, shaking hands with lawmakers and cabinet members along the way.
Rich Lipski-The Washington Post
Sept. 9
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shares a laugh with several lawmakers before Obama arrives on the House floor.
Rich Lipski-The Washington Post
Sept. 9
Vice President Joe Biden enters the House chamber.
Melina Mara / Twp-The Washington Post
Sept. 9
First Lady Michelle Obama hugs Ellen Linderman, a 61-year-old farmer from Carrington, N.D., after entering the House chamber. To her left are Vicki Kennedy and Dr. Jill Biden. Obama invoked the memory of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, citing his friend's desire to see "that great unfinished business of our society" finally pass.
Melina Mara-The Washington Post
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