U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, has joined Sen. Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y., to introduce a bill to delay the Federal Emergency Management Agency 's mandatory flood insurance purchase rules for five years.

WASHINGTON - New applications for unemployment insurance rose last week to their highest level in almost six months, the latest evidence that some employers are still cutting their staffs. First-time claims for jobless benefits edged up by 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 484,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. Analysts had expected a drop. That's the highest total since February. Initial ...

“Senate Democrats vowed Monday to include a government-run insurance program as part of their effort to revamp the health care system, reviving an idea that for months has polarized Congress. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who is working behind the scenes to ready a health care bill for floor debate this fall, said he will advance legislation that includes a ‘public option’ but will give individual states a choice to opt out of the program.” (10/26/09)

A Cadillac car (produced since 1902) has stood for excellence for many years. A “Cadillac” health plan is a plan that has little or no exclusions (such as for pre-existing conditions). The term “Cadillac” health plan was used in the 1960s, but was popularized during Congressional hearings in 1974. “Cadillac” health care plans were much discussed during health care debates in 2009. A proposed “Cadillac tax” is a tax on expensive health insurance plans. General Motors declared bankrupt

From the Associated Press : WASHINGTON – In a long-anticipated showdown, liberal Democrats twice failed on Tuesday to inject a government-run insurance option into sweeping health care legislation taking shape in the Senate, despite bipartisan agreement that private insurers must change their ways Michelle thinks: Down, but not out Jennifer Rubin, Commentary , offers a few last words, and commentary on the one: The president spoke out in favor of a public option weeks ago