McCain criticizes Dems on health care

PHOENIX - The debate over health care reform promises an interesting five weeks in Congress before the August recess, according to Sen. John McCain.

The Arizona Republican spoke out against Democrats' plans for reform during a speech Wednesday at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

"Look at other countries that have government-run health care systems and there is health rationing," McCain said. "That is just a fact. I don't think the United States of America is ready to go down that slippery slope that will end up in rationing of health care."

McCain said the proposals would be too expensive and would give the government "the big foot" in the market.

The government needs to keep two objectives in mind when considering health care reform, he said.

"One, preserve the quality, and, second, make it affordable and available to all Americans. That's really what this debate and discussion boils down to."

During Wednesday's visit, McCain toured the hospital and met with patients.

Government medical coverage for middle-class workers and their families has become the hottest issue in the debate over how to overhaul the health care system.

McCain said Congress probably will start working on health care reform Monday.

From then until the summer recess could be the most interesting five weeks he has seen during his time in the U.S. Senate, McCain said. (Copyright 2008 Bonneville International Corporation. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.)