Bennet Calls for Open Health Care Negotiations

Colorado -- Michael Bennet this week renewed his call for transparency in health care reform by suggesting that final talks on merging the reform bills before Congress should be broadcast by live television cameras.

Bennet urged that health care reform is too important for the same old Washington games. Instead, there needs to be more transparency in order to ensure health care reform benefits Colorado’s working families.

"I haven't been in Washington long, but one thing I can tell you is this is one town that can use some fresh air, and some real transparency," Bennet said.

Last month, speaking from the Senate floor, Bennet criticized what he called "backroom deals" that became a part of the reform process and the legislation passed by the Senate.

Bennet said he wasn’t supporting health care reform to gain any special deals or earmarks -- he was supporting reform to extend Medicare, give small businesses tax cuts, and provide coverage to thousands of uninsured Coloradans.

Sen. Mark Udall joined Michael Bennet in saying recent health care negotiations need more transparency, and final negotiations should be televised.