“House leaders struggled Thursday to settle differences … in time to pass expansive health care reform Saturday. The push to garner the 218 votes needed for passage came as congressional Republicans and thousands of conservative activists gathered on the West Lawn of the Capitol — just below the steps where Democrats released their bill last week — to protest what they call a government takeover of health care that will lead to extraordinary new taxes.” (Washington Times, Friday)

Two-minute warning.

FEE Timely Classic:
“Ranking the U.S. Health Care System” by Jim Peron

“In a step that reflected deep partisan divisions in the Senate over the issue of global warming, Democrats on the Environment and Public Works Committee pushed through a climate bill on Thursday without any debate or participation by Republicans.” (New York Times, Friday)

Looks like its Hail Mary time.

FEE Timely Classic:
“Mandating Renewable Energy: It Ain’t Easy Being Green” By Michael Heberling

“Projected costs [of a Denver rail project] have ballooned to nearly $7 billion, and the system faces a budget gap of $2.2 billion, mainly because of a sharp drop in sales tax revenues … Voters could be presented with a proposed sales tax increase as early as next year to finish a system that remains mostly an idea.” (New York Times, Thursday)

Don’t say we told you so.

FEE Timely Classic:
“Mass Transit Mess” by John Semmens