President Obama Delays Trip, Prepares for Climax of Health Care Battle

President Barack Obama had been scheduled to travel to Guam, Indonesia and Australia starting on Thursday, March 18 and the trip was slated to last for a week. However, the President has decided to delay the much anticipated trip by three days as a result of pessimism amongst Democratic lawmakers that a vote on the Senate health care bill would take place before he was scheduled to travel to Asia.

Press Secretary Robert Gibbs revealed on his Twitter page that First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha Obama would not be joining President Obama during his upcoming trip as originally expected. The upcoming House of Representatives vote on the Senate health care reform bill is viewed as the climax of the year-long health care battle between the political parties.

According to The Washington Post, President Obama’s decision to delay his trip to Asia is the third time that he has opted to push back travel in favor of the ongoing battle over health care reform. Democratic lawmakers are projecting that the health care bill could be put on the floor for a definitive final vote on Friday, March 19th or Saturday, March 20th.

Democratic Representative from Maryland, Chris Van Hollen, commented on the progress of health care reform, saying, "I do believe momentum is in the right direction. People are eager to move on this. Do people have concerns they want addressed? Yes. But there's a growing sentiment that we need to complete action on health care."