White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said President Barack Obama
has no constitutional concerns about signing a bill passed by
controversial House rules that are being proposed by Democrats to pass
healthcare.
Obama, a former constitutional law professor, would sign a bill if
it is passed by the controversial “Slaughter Solution,” Gibbs said.
{mosads}The
proposal would deem the Senate version of the bill passed after House
approval without an actual vote in the House. House Republicans have
cried foul, and many have questioned whether that process would be
constitutional.
But Obama has downplayed any controversy surrounding the procedure,
telling Fox News Channel on Wednesday that the American people are more
concerned with healthcare reform than the process.
Gibbs
answered all critics in what is believed to be the first Rose Garden
briefing by a White House press secretary, saying Obama “would sign
that bill, yes.”
Gibbs said the president and his White House team believe “what
we’re about to pass and sign into law will meet constitutional muster.”
Gibbs’s
remarks came after the shocking announcement that Obama is postponing
his trip to Indonesia and Australia until June so that he can stay in
Washington and ensure the process progresses.
The president is continuing to call and meet with lawmakers to try
to corral the necessary votes to pass the bill as whip counts indicate
the outcome could come down to the wire.
Gibbs denied reports
that Obama has promised lawmakers campaign appearances or fundraising
assistance in exchange for their votes, and he said there will be no
retribution toward Democrats who vote against the president’s plan.