The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Politics & RKBA => Topic started by: Hazcat on November 08, 2009, 08:12:20 AM
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Nov 8, 12:18 AM (ET)
By DAVID ESPO
WASHINGTON (AP) - In a victory for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation Saturday night to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. Republican opposition was nearly unanimous.
The 220-215 vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress.
A triumphant Speaker Nancy Pelosi likened the legislation to the passage of Social Security in 1935 and Medicare 30 years later.
"It provides coverage for 96 percent of Americans. It offers everyone, regardless of health or income, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will have access to affordable health care when they need it," said Rep. John Dingell, the 83-year-old Michigan lawmaker who has introduced national health insurance in every Congress since succeeding his father in 1955.
In the run-up to a final vote, conservatives from the two political parties joined forces to impose tough new restrictions on abortion coverage in insurance policies to be sold to many individuals and small groups. They prevailed on a roll call of 240-194.
Ironically, that only solidified support for the legislation, clearing the way for conservative Democrats to vote for it.
The legislation would require most Americans to carry insurance and provide federal subsidies to those who otherwise could not afford it. Large companies would have to offer coverage to their employees. Both consumers and companies would be slapped with penalties if they defied the government's mandates.
Insurance industry practices such as denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions would be banned, and insurers would no longer be able to charge higher premiums on the basis of gender or medical history. In a further slap, the industry would lose its exemption from federal antitrust restrictions on price gouging, bid rigging and market allocation.
A cheer went up from the Democratic side of the House when the bill gained 218 votes, a majority. Moments later, Democrats counted down the final seconds of the voting period in unison, and and let loose an even louder roar when Pelosi grabbed the gavel and declared, "the bill is passed.'
From the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada issued a statement saying, "We realize the strong will for reform that exists, and we are energized that we stand closer than ever to reforming our broken health insurance system."
The bill drew the votes of 219 Democrats and Rep. Joseph Cao, a first-term Republican who holds an overwhelmingly Democratic seat in New Orleans. Opposed were 176 Republicans and 39 Democrats.
Nearly unanimous in their opposition, minority Republicans cataloged their objections across hours of debate on the 1,990-page, $1.2 trillion legislation.
United in opposition, minority Republicans cataloged their objections across hours of debate on the 1,990-page, $1.2 trillion legislation.
"We are going to have a complete government takeover of our health care system faster than you can say, 'this is making me sick,'" jabbed Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich., adding that Democrats were intent on passing "a jobs-killing, tax-hiking, deficit-exploding" bill.
But with little doubt about the outcome, the rhetoric lacked the fire of last summer's town hall meetings, when some critics accused Democrats of plotting "death panels" to hasten the demise of senior citizens.
The legislation would require most Americans to carry insurance and provide federal subsidies to those who otherwise could not afford it. Large companies would have to offer coverage to their employees. Both consumers and companies would be slapped with penalties if they defied the government's mandates.
Insurance industry practices such as denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions would be banned, and insurers would no longer be able to charge higher premiums on the basis of gender or medical history. In a further slap, the industry would lose its exemption from federal antitrust restrictions on price gouging, bid rigging and market allocation.
At its core, the measure would create a federally regulated marketplace where consumers could shop for coverage. In the bill's most controversial provision, the government would sell insurance, although the Congressional Budget Office forecasts that premiums for it would be more expensive than for policies sold by private firms.
The bill is projected to expand coverage to 36 million uninsured, resulting in 96 percent of the nation's eligible population having insurance.
To pay for the expansion of coverage, the bill cuts Medicare's projected spending by more than $400 billion over a decade. It also imposes a tax surcharge of 5.4 percent on income over $500,000 in the case of individuals and $1 million for families.
The bill was estimated to reduce federal deficits by about $104 billion over a decade, although it lacked two of the key cost-cutting provisions under consideration in the Senate, and its longer-term impact on government red ink was far from clear.
Democrats lined up a range of outside groups behind their legislation, none more important than the AARP, whose support promises political cover against the cuts to Medicare in next year's congressional elections.
The nation's drug companies generally support health care overhaul. And while the powerful insurance industry opposed the legislation, it did so quietly, and the result was that Republicans could not count on the type of advertising campaign that might have peeled away skittish Democrats in swing districts.
Over all, the bill envisioned the most sweeping set of changes to the health care system in more than a generation, and Democrats said it marked the culmination of a campaign that Harry Truman began when he sat in the White House 60 years ago.
Debate on the House floor had already begun when Obama strode into a closed-door meeting of the Democratic rank and file across the street from the Capitol to make a final personal appeal to them to pass his top domestic priority.
Later, in an appearance at the White House, he said he had told lawmakers, "to rise to this moment. Answer the call of history, and vote yes for health insurance reform for America."
Participants also said Obama had referred to this week's shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, in which 13 people were killed. His remarks put in perspective that the hardships soldiers endure for the country are "what sacrifice really is," as opposed to "casting a vote that might lose an election for you," said Rep. Robert Andrews, D-N.J.
It appeared that a compromise brokered Friday night on the volatile issue of abortion had finally secured the votes needed to pass the legislation.
As drafted, the measure denied the use of federal subsidies to purchase abortion coverage in policies sold by private insurers in the new insurance exchange, except in cases of incest, rape or when the life of the mother was in danger.
But abortion foes won far stronger restrictions that would rule out abortion coverage except in those three categories in any government-sold plan. It would also ban abortion coverage in any private plan purchased by consumers receiving federal subsidies.
Disappointed Democratic abortion rights supporters grumbled about the turn of events, but pulled back quickly from any thought of opposing the health care bill in protest.
One, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., detailed numerous other benefits for women in the bill, including free medical preventive services and better prescription drug coverage under Medicare. "Women need health care reform," she concluded in remarks on the House floor.
A Republican alternative was rejected on a near party line vote of 258-176.
It relied heavily on loosening regulations on private insurers to reduce costs for those who currently have insurance, in some cases by as much as 10 percent. But congressional budget analysts said the plan would make no dent in the ranks of the uninsured, an assessment that highlighted the difference in priorities between the two political parties.
It was a theme of Obama's remarks to Democrats at midmorning.
The president said Democrats have a 70-year history of creating and defending programs like Social Security and Medicare, Andrews said afterward, adding Obama had said the day's vote "is going to define the difference between the Republican and Democratic parties for decades."
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091108/D9BR59EO0.html
HOW THEY VOTED
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll887.xml
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I feel darn betrayed right now. I'm fuming, and I will never comply. My trust in govt is gone. I will not be a "comrade".
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Woody, welcome to the 3%.
I knew my butt licking liberal Congress critter would vote for it, and she is aware that I will do my best to see her unemployed at the next election.
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LOCK N LOAD
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I'm surprised....our district Dem representative voted no......... :o
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LOCK N LOAD
They can't get us all!!!! It's past time to fix things starting with a Kenyan in the White House, minions in all appointed positions & creatures from the beyond running the Senate & House. MB has stated during his Halloween podcast that the zombies may attack - he was right, we just didn't expect from which direction. Aim for their heads I believe is the answer & only way to get rid of them.
(Ever read Tom Clancy's "Executive Orders" - anybody know a Jap that drives airplanes? (Not a slur, that was in the book - any pilot & plane will do; it's the timing that counts.)
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Now it comes to the senate where there is major opposition, possible filibusters lurk. Reid says he may not bring this for a vote until next year. We'll see....
You know since the American people voted for this socialist garbage, let's see how bad they want it. I have written the NRA and other pro-2A groups about pressuring members to introduce amendments to the legislation that would, among other things, remove the unconstitutional Hughes Amendment from FOPA. I have not heard a peep about this or any other pro-gun legislation. I believe the socialists (Dems and some Reps) want socialized medicine so badly, they will swallow this "bitter pill" and others like it to get it.
I'm going to go to work on Senator Baucus and a few other pro-2A senators and see what we can get.
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Time to fire off more letters to Senators. My two have so far been opposed to this garbage.........will have to see if they hold the line when it comes time.
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Remember the process, Reid is failing miserably in his home state of NV. He has waffled on the Senate version and is now delaying it possibly to next year which is an election year, which historically never sees major legislation passed.
The House Bill, and the unvoted on Senate Bill would have to be ratified, amended, with members of the house and senate in joint committee, and a little of this and a little of that from both versions would be removed , added, whatever.
It's a bureaucracy!!!!!!! With all the House and 1/3 of the Senate on the chopping block in 2010, they have not forgotten the Town Hall meetings over the summer.
It's CYA time. Just because the House passed a monster, it still has a long way to go.
Good to see the 3% may become 4% at this rate. 8)
John Adams knew this:
I have accepted a seat in the House of Representatives, and thereby have consented to my own ruin, to your ruin, and to the ruin of our children. I give you this warning that you may prepare your mind for your fate.
John Adams
It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.
Ronald Reagan
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Pops, Yes I have read that, it has to be during the state of the Union address though to get them all.
Maybe we can start a suicide prevention hot line to look for volunteers. ;D
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You might want to think about someone other than Alec Baldwin or Harrison Ford to play the Jack Ryan part fellas. They don't much more left wing than those two! I think Ford works the left to pick up chics though!
;D
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I was thinking Olberman, for the pilot. ;D
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Hell, just find some more Muslim extremists, they did it once on 9/11. I bet they would love another shot at that big white target.
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I was thinking Olberman, for the pilot. ;D
He would volunteer, if you gave him an exclusive.
And I would even watch him for that live coverage...
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Hell, just find some more Muslim extremists, they did it once on 9/11. I bet they would love another shot at that big white target.
Once again I must commend you on your quotation...which I hope we will all read and take to heart at this time when we are at the precipice that, if crossed, may cause us to fall into generations of darkness.
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen." [Samuel Adams]
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Hell, just find some more Muslim extremists, they did it once on 9/11. I bet they would love another shot at that big white target.
Not with their guy in there, BO, and Pelosi are the best allies the nut cases could hope for, and Biden is a joke. That's why they keep him chained and muzzled at the Naval Observatory.
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You might want to think about someone other than Alec Baldwin or Harrison Ford to play the Jack Ryan part fellas. They don't much more left wing than those two! I think Ford works the left to pick up chics though!
;D
Not too sure on that, else why would he have ended up with that scrawny-assed Q-tip with the artificially inflated lips? I think he could have done a wee bit better, don't you?
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Not too sure on that, else why would he have ended up with that scrawny-assed Q-tip with the artificially inflated lips? I think he could have done a wee bit better, don't you?
Good Point Path!
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrison_Ford
He' was born in 1942, so he's closing in on 70.
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"Pelosi likened it to the passage of Social Security and Medicare". Well, there's two government programs that have done well. Both are examples of the misuse of taxpayer's dollars by Congress. They (Congress) are so full of themselves that they really think they are doing something for the good of all. All's they did was to lock up the votes of those who think that the government is supposed to take care of you from cradle to grave. Gee, that sounds kinda like socialism to me! It's a good thing the government thought it was a great idea to take this outta your paycheck before you got it.
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Greywolf has perfectly summed up this BS.
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The thing everyone needs to remember, is that this "health care bill" has NOTHING to do with health care. It's ALL about control. 2K+ pages isn't reform. It's dictatorial mandate. Do what the government says to do or we (the gov) will F^$K YOU. Just bend over and say yesuh, yesuh.
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The thing everyone needs to remember, is that this "health care bill" has NOTHING to do with health care. It's ALL about control. 2K+ pages isn't reform. It's dictatorial mandate. Do what the government says to do or we (the gov) will F^$K YOU. Just bend over and say yesuh, yesuh.
Give that man a ten dollar cee-gar.
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B.O.H.I.C.A.!
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BOHICA is right!!! If you fail to buy health insurance they'll fine you. Failing to pay the fine will be a felony, punishable by 5 years in a federal prison!
Lock & Load.
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Open letter from the US Congress
Dear tax payer,
Just keep the money coming and STFU.
Sincerely,
Pelosi and Co.
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Open letter from the US Congress
Dear tax payer,
Just keep the money coming and STFU.
Sincerely,
Pelosi and Co.
I hope they are referring to AMMO! The new American currency! ;D ;D
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Update on Healthcare from one of my Senators (Chamblis-R):
Dear Friends:
The House of Representatives passed their version of a health care reform bill last weekend. In the coming weeks, the Senate Democrats are expected to introduce their version of a health care reform bill.
I believe our health care system needs to be reformed so that all Americans have access to affordable, quality care. However, I’m not supportive of a government-run health care plan, or “public option,” and I will not support any legislation that will raise taxes or interfere with the patient-doctor relationship.
Health care reform should focus on keeping decisions between doctors and patients, empowering and entrusting individuals to choose their health care plans, and encouraging competition in all areas of health care. I also believe employees should have the option to take benefits with them when they change jobs. That’s why I’m a cosponsor of S.1099, “The Patients’ Choice Act of 2009,” which was introduced by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., a medical doctor from Oklahoma. This legislation would strengthen the relationship between the patient and the doctor, and uses choice and competition rather than rationing and restrictions to contain costs.
Click here to read my health care reform principles:
http://chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=5240aa49-1aea-4b7a-9eb3-ff20dde4861d&ContentType_id=5c81ba67-be20-4229-a615-966ecb0ccad6&Group_id=29a81778-8944-46e0-a550-9d034534e70a
Last Monday, I was a guest on Michael Smerconish’s nationally syndicated radio show.
To listen to the interview, click “play” after clicking here: http://chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=RadioClips1
Tort Reform Legislation
Last week, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and I introduced legislation to decrease the number of frivolous lawsuits that increase the cost of medical care.
This critical piece of healthcare reform has been missing from every Democratic proposal. While no one with a valid claim for medical malpractice should be denied his day in court, those who bring frivolous lawsuits raise the cost of healthcare for everyone. This 'Loser pays' legislation should go a long way toward discouraging such junk lawsuits and lowering the cost of practicing medicine.
You can read more about this legislation here:
http://chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=85da5098-d649-4d32-8fdc-dd3fadc90c5f&ContentType_id=5c81ba67-be20-4229-a615-966ecb0ccad6&Group_id=29a81778-8944-46e0-a550-9d034534e70a