Grassley on Obama speech: ‘What a waste of time’

Count Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) among the critics of President Obama’s words at the White House Friday afternoon pushing lawmakers toward the finish line on healthcare reform.

After Obama announced a surprise speaking opportunity, in which he said he’s “absolutely convinced” healthcare reform will happen this year and told lawmakers now’s not the time to “slow down,” Grassley registered his frustration on Twitter.

Grassley tweeted Friday:

Obama speech on healthCareReform Absolutely nothing new Waste of time saying we are going to get that done Baucus and I know that But doRITE

Grassley has been a key member of the Senate to negotiate healthcare reform as ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee. That committee has been looking to craft a more centrist approach to draw support from both parties, but the pressure has been on for them to wrap up their work as other committees and the House move forward.

Six centrists from both parties, though, wrote Senate leaders Friday, asking for more time to craft a proposal in the Finance Committee.

Cross-posted to the Briefing Room.