July 30, 2009 9:43AM 

# Then Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off 

By [Michael F. Cannon](https://www.cato.org/people/michael-f-cannon) 

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According to [CNS News](http://cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=51694):

> In a sign that intra-party negotiations continue to drag on, \[House Democratic Majority Leader Steny\] Hoyer \[MD\] declared that no single provision was sacred, not even President Obama’s coveted government-run “[public option](https://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=10382)” plan.
> 
> 
> “I want to see the Senate give its proposal so that in September we can contribute to having a conference that’s productive and results in health care reform,” said Hoyer. **“I don’t think there’s any specific item that is absolutely essential to reform.”**

You can say that again.

##### Related Tags 

[Health Care](https://www.cato.org/health-care) 

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