Senators Raise Cost As Major Sticking Point In Health Care Reform

Congress' first stab at a major overhaul of the nation's health care system in the Obama era is getting off to a rough start as Democrats and Republicans clash over the cost.

Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, last year's GOP presidential nominee, questioned when lawmakers would have legitimate cost estimates on legislation that the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee began working on Wednesday.

McCain said it was a joke to race through the bill without cost estimates.

Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., who is overseeing the proceedings, said the panel has estimates on some aspects and needed to move forward on the bill.

Health care overhaul is a top domestic priority of President Barack Obama.