Bill Clinton urges Dems to pass health bill

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By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar ASSOCIATED PRESS

UPDATED:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former President Bill Clinton is urging Senate Democrats to put aside their differences and pass a health care overhaul bill.

Clinton, who failed in his reform bid nearly 20 years ago, spoke to lawmakers Tuesday at their weekly luncheon. Emerging from the closed-door session, Clinton said passage of a bill was critical in a time of job losses and rising health care premiums.

Relating his remarks to reporters, he said of finishing legislation: "This is an economic imperative."

Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., said Clinton told rank-and-file lawmakers that the best way to silence critics is to get the job done.

However, Senate Democrats were less than optimistic about getting a final bill to President Barack Obama by year's end.