Speaking at an AFL-CIO rally on Labor Day, President Obama said “it’s time to act” for healthcare reform.

President Obama: “Let me just say a few things about this healthcare issue. We’ve been fighting for quality, affordable healthcare for every American for nearly a century, since Teddy Roosevelt. Think about that. Long time. The Congress and the country have now been vigorously debating the issue for many months. The debate’s been good. And that’s important because we’ve got to get this right. But every debate at some point comes to an end. At some point, it’s time to decide. At some point, it’s time to act. Ohio, it’s time to act and get this thing done.”

As President Obama spoke on Monday, Democratic Senate Finance Committee chair Max Baucus began circulating a new proposal that leaves out a government-run public option but imposes some fees on the health insurance industry. Baucus’s plan calls for the formation of nonprofit, member-owned insurance cooperatives. On Wednesday, President Obama will give a major address to Congress and lay out his proposed revamp of the healthcare system.