Groups preparing to fight cutbacks, ready final health overhaul push

A renewed push to pass health care reform in America has lobbyists and interest groups pushing to have their voices heard and heeded as lawmakers prepare the endgame on health reform legislation, The Washington Post reports.

"The fresh round offers a clear signal that the industries and advocacy groups most likely to be affected view the coming weeks as the final battle in determining whether Democratic proposals become law." Last year, more than $200 million was spent on ads bolstering or trying to defeat an overhaul. "Reacting to President Obama's recent statements that he will move ahead with legislation, health insurance companies have enlisted hundreds of lobbyists in a full-court press against the proposed overhaul, which would force dramatic cuts and increased regulation on the industry" (Eggen, 2/28).