PORTLAND, Maine - Maine Sen. Angus King is stepping up his criticism of the House Republicans' proposed health care reform bill.
On the Senate floor Wednesday, King said the House was moving the bill too quickly, without adequate review. King, an independent, says the measure would cost Maine's aging population more money and reduce benefits for many, while providing a tax break for the rich.
"The pattern is shift and shaft - shift the cost and shaft the people who need the coverage," King said.
King's Maine colleague, Republican Sen. Susan Collins, says the bill needs improvement.
Gov. Paul LePage, a Republican and 1st District Rep. Chellie Pingree, a Democrat, are both condemning it - from different ends of the political spectrum. But 2nd District GOP Rep. Bruce Poliquin is hailing the proposal for "much needed health insurance relief."