Lawmakers back a health insurance mandate

A Republican senator with a leading role in the health care debate says Congress is more likely to support requiring individuals to buy health insurance than mandating coverage through employers.

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa says there is nothing wrong with requiring individuals to buy health insurance. He plays down the argument that it's an infringement on individual freedom.

Grassley says that an individual mandate for health coverage doesn't tie coverage to employment.

Grassley says he believes there is bipartisan consensus on the issue. Bills in the House and Senate would require people to purchase insurance if they could afford it.