Wow. Health care reform not inevitable…
I spent the day on the Hill stringing for FireDogLake and taking the temperature of House Democrats with regards to their feelings about the Senate version of health care reform. I asked them about concerns expressed by Marcy Wheeler and Jon Walker.
You’ll recall that the House adjourned a week or so before the Senate passed their version of the bill; for all practical purposes, this is the first day the House has been in session since well before Christmas. I haven’t had the chance to ask House Democrats what they think about being stuck with the Senate’s bill.
As it turns out, there may be a bit of a hitch.
Check out Pete Defazio (D, OR):
I also spoke with Emmanuel Cleaver (D, MO). He said that HCR may not pass the House on the first try; it may need to go back to the Senate for further accommodation before enough House members can support it:
Joe Courtney has been the point person carrying the rock for progressives unhappy with with the excise tax:
I spoke with a lot of Democrats that weren’t prepared to go on video with their concerns yet, but one thing that was (almost) universal was a disdain for being rolled by the Senate. These folks believe they are closer to the people and are (at least) a co-equal component of our bicameral legislature. The idea that these guys should screw their constituents to appease a dysfunctional Senate is absolute anathema to them.
If progressives are fortunate, that sentiment will cement in the coming days and we’ll see a cohesive block of opposition insist on better things.
It appears that the Senate is much more tightly cemented into the corporatist uber-government structure than is the House of Reps. If we are ever to break free from this insidious form of communism, it seems that the House is our only last hope.
Brian
13 Jan 10 at 11:17 am
1) Wow, thank YOU Mike Stark for making and posting these videos, and also thank you for thanking the representatives on our behalf. Yes, yes, yes.
2) What’s the diff between the state exchange idea and the thing Dennis Kucinich wanted, which was the right for states to go beyond the national bill and keep innovating health care solutions on their own, including I guess public option. I admit it, I’m WAY fuzzy on these state-vs-federal issues. Simple clarification would be SO appreciated.
3) I can also imagine a useful tool whereby anyone can locate their own rep’s position on health care reform. There probably is one, but I don’t know. In my case, where’s Bob Filner? In August DFA posted a youtube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmf9ixE9xYk ) where Filner stated he was for the public option and would vote against any bill that had a trigger. He wanted Medicare For All. Would love to have you talk to him and ask him where he is now.
me in CA-51
13 Jan 10 at 5:21 pm
I am really glad to see that the house isn’t rolling over for the sen. bill. Its a real stinker of a bill, and its paid for on the backs of the middle class. My husband works for the state and he does not make much in pay, but he does in benefits. I am pretty sure we would be hit in a couple of years if the sen. bill passes. I really wonder in a few years times how many companies rather pay a fine then give their employees health benefits. I guess we shall see how all this plays out.
Kim
13 Jan 10 at 8:38 pm
Great job, again, Mike.
I really value your work and hope to see you continue on in the same vein.
It’s so important to see these unedited, non-sound-bite video bits that show the real person, as opposed to the talking points politicos who are all we ever see on the Mainstream media (TV and Print).
Thanks for your Good Works!
Angie in WA State
13 Jan 10 at 10:20 pm