Not unexpectedly, the Senate Finance Committee today voted passge of the Baucus Bill by a vote of 14-9. This after they insured that there would be no last minute public comments by holding the vote the first thing after the Columbus Day recess.
Olympia Snow, a Republican that often votes with the Democrats, allowed the White House to claim "bipartisan" support even though hers was the only Republican vote in the Committee. She added that in so voting, it did not mean necessarily that she would maintain support on the final version.
The Baucus Bill does does include the onerous government-run health care, but Committee member Bill Nelson (yes he's from Florida) vowed to get it in the final bill. Pelosi has vowed the same from the House. Funny, both (as well as others) are determined to give the public specifically what they do not want in reform.
I hear that the labor unions are coming out against the Baucus Bill tomorrow because of the 40% tax on "Cadillac plans." That should be interesting.
The Republican members of the Senate say that they will attempt to get tort reform and cross-state options included. I have to admit that is more reform that I have seen proposed so far.
Oh, and Obama needs passage this year. Or what, everyone turns into a pumpkin?
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Steve, thanks for bringing the latest to our attention. I understand they are looking for a final vote in November on SOME plan!!! Who knows what the final shape of this will look like??
Hi Steve, The insurance companies have spent so much to prevent real reform including a public option. Not sure why you call it "...onerous government-run health care..." but the insurance companies are dead set against it.
Gary,
Thank you. Due to an uploading issue with AR, this post got on twice so comments are in 2 places. Obama wants it voted on in November, as does Pelosi. Many are saying it can't be done this year. I hope those who say this are right. No bill as presently constituted - and there are 5 - should be passed. We simply cannot afford them - regardless or any other merits or deficiencies. :)
Steve
Bill,
I'm dead-set aganst it, too. When the government gets involved, it will squeeze out all of the competition until it is the only provider. We are a nation of choices. This eliminates choice. :)
Steve
Steve
Thanks for the update, the voters said and the Senate did listen to the voters, so it's are turn to vote them out.
Good luck and success.
Steve.. This is unbelievable. I think a class room of 5th graders could make better decisions and get to one quicker than our senate can. They get their salaries for what?
The pawns and bishops have fallen. Next comes the Rooks and the Queen. Checkmate.
Lou,
You're right. They have not listened. The "good old boy and gal club" needs to be disbanded. :)
Steve
Valerie,
I'd say they get their salries for free - they don't have to show anything for them and keep getting elected to another 6 year term. People tend to forget in that amount of time. :)
Steve
Nogui,
I like the way you have expressed that analogy. Thanks. :)
Steve
What I find quite humorous is that this time... instead of rushing something through right after writing it, they rushed it through before the actual legislative language has been written... It is just "conceptual language".
Talk about not reading the bill...
Lane,
I know. They voted on something that doesn't really exist. Very courageous. :)
Steve
Steve The way Congress is headed on this and other "reform" I predict a massive voter revolt in the next two elections - enough of their self-serving programs and phony promises - sorry - my liberalism is showing :) Karen
Karen,
Congress isn't really interested in serious reform. I agree that there should be a massive voter backlash. :)
Steve
I am watching this and wonder how it is all going to turn out. I just hope that what they end up really helps someone and does not make it all much worse. Government has done that before.
Lane,
I don't see how enacting anything that has been discussed or proposed will do anything but make things worse. :)
Steve
As usual, this follows the administration's pattern of behavior. Shove it down our throat, and shut up!
Jon,
There is no single direction here - as evidenced by 5 separate plans. The American people never specifically requested this. :)
Steve