Sebelius previews Obama's speech to Congress

By Justin Kendall in Politics

Wed., Sep. 9 2009 @ 11:25AM

President Obama

After addressing schoolchildren yesterday, President Obama will address a group that only acts like children tonight in the prime-time hour when he tells Congress about his plans for health-care reform.

In anticipation of the president's speech, Health and Human Services Secretary -- and former Kansas Governor -- Kathleen Sebelius released an audio preview. Listen to Sebelius' monotone delivery yourself or here's the transcript (highlights mine):

"On Wednesday night, President Obama will make the case for what is at stake for the American people in this debate, and he'll provide a clear direction for what a true reform plan is: A plan that will bring stability and security to Americans who have insurance,
and help those who don't get coverage they can afford. He'll discuss what health insurance reform means -- and what it doesn't mean -- for all Americans.

"Now we've come a long way and we're closer than ever to passing real health insurance reform. One thing is clear: doing nothing is not an option. Health care costs are rising three times faster than wages ... millions of Americans are being denied coverage because they get sick ... and insecurity is growing.

"We're entering a new phase in this important debate. Now is the time to begin pulling together the bills that have been written and the solutions that have been proposed to create a final product that reforms our health insurance system and offers families the security and stability they need."

The New York Times has a good list of what to watch for -- Will the president name-drop Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley? Will Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine cheer? Will Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV turn his frown upside down? -- during the speech.

Tune in tonight at 7 to see.