President Obama To Promote Health Care Law Thursday

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama will promote his health care law in a speech Thursday just days before uninsured Americans can begin signing up for coverage under the law's new insurance marketplaces.

The speech comes as the law is under attack from Republicans who are trying to undercut it in budget legislation meant to keep the government operating beyond Sept. 30. The address is scheduled at a community college in Washington's Maryland suburbs.

It will be Obama's second effort in a week to draw attention personally to the law. On Tuesday he is scheduled to appear with former President Bill Clinton to highlight the law's benefits. Republicans maintain the law will hurt the economy by placing too many burdens on businesses and on individuals.