As President Obama’s August 7 deadline for healthcare reform approaches, he has begun to rally his healthcare troops with a series of public events scheduled for this week, according to recent news items.

Last week, the House approved its draft of healthcare reform legislation. To the delight of long-term care groups, it includes the Community Living Assistance and Supportive Services (CLASS) Act, which would provide a disability benefit to help pay for long-term care services. Upon unveiling the plan, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) reaffirmed her commitment to passing healthcare reform by the August recess. (McKnight’s, 7/15) At almost the same time, however, key senators began to show doubts about the president’s timeline, arguing that the confirmation to the Supreme Court of Judge Sonia Sotomayor and other issues would likely keep them from achieving their healthcare goals, Politico.com reported.

The president is redoubling his efforts to pass reform with a press conference scheduled for this evening, and a town hall-style meeting in Cleveland scheduled for Thursday. But with skepticism mounting on Capitol Hill, even some Democrats are gearing up to vote against the current reform bills, The Washington Post reported.