Frist spent this week scrambling to clarify comments he made at his weekly press briefing that the Washington Post interpreted to mean Social Security reform was doomed until 2006. When asked if the Senate could get a bill to the President this year, Frist said, "In terms of whether it will be a week, a month, six months or a year as to when we bring something to the floor, it's just too early." In a front-page story Wednesday and a follow-up yesterday, the Post portrayed Frist as presenting an obstacle to the President's plan. On Thursday, Frist clarified himself on the Senate floor. "We need to do it this year, not next year, but this year," he said.
