As part of its fight to regain the upper hand in the health reform debate, the Obama White House today unveiled a new Web site.
The launching of the Reality Check site was announced in The Blog on the White House’s Briefing Room Web page.
The announcement said the page was created to counter the “troubling trend” of health reform opponents using “wild rumors and scare tactics” to confuse citizens about the reform bills in Congress.
“Today, the White House is rolling out a new Web site that focuses on what reform really means for you and your family, debunks some common myths along the way and provides you with online tools and content to share the facts with friends, family and anyone else in your social network,” the White House announcement said.
The Web site features video presentations by top administration officials in which they attempt to assuage public concerns that the reform plans would restrict choice, harm small businesses and ration care.
Since Congress adjourned for its August recess, members who support reform have been confronted by rowdy groups of opponents at town hall meetings.
Three members of the Kansas congressional delegation recently announced schedules for listening tours and town hall meetings. While the meetings aren’t being billed as sessions on health reform, the topic is likely to come up.
Republican 2nd District Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, who has been sharply critical of the House reform bill crafted by the Democratic majority, is scheduled to kick off her listening tour in Topeka at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Holiday Inn Holidome, 605 SW Fairlawn Road.
Congressman Jerry Moran, a Republican who represents the sprawling 1st District, which covers most of the western two-thirds of the state, has also criticized the House reform bill. He is scheduled to resume his annual listening tour of the district on Thursday with stops in Lindsborg, Hillsboro and Cottonwood Falls.
Moran is running against fellow Congressman Todd Tiahrt for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Sam Brownback.
Tiahrt, who represents the 4th District, which includes Wichita, has also been a vocal opponent of the House reform bill crafted by Democrats. Over the next eight days, Tiahrt is scheduled to hold town hall meetings in Wellington, Derby, Newton, El Dorado, Independence and Coffeyville.