Liberals increase pressure for public insurance plan in health bill

Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid is facing intensifying pressure from liberal lawmakers to revive a proposed government insurance plan before healthcare reform legislation reaches the Senate floor. Two versions of the "public option" were rejected by the Senate Finance Committee as potentially too great a threat to the insurance industry and the coverage it provides. But the idea has gained momentum in recent weeks as Democrats look to ensure that the policies Americans would be required to buy would be affordable.