Conrad: Reconciliation won’t work for ObamaCare
posted at 12:30 pm on February 28, 2010 by Ed Morrissey
No wonder the Times was so pessimistic about reconciliation. Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND), who runs the committee that would have to run a reconciliation push, says that the budgetary process can’t be used for ObamaCare. It would only address the actual budgetary issues, which leaves a lot off the table. The Budget Committee chair told CBS’ Face the Nation audience that reconciliation wasn’t designed for this purpose, nor is it appropriate for such sweeping legislation:
“…reconciliation cannot be used to pass comprehensive health care reform. It won’t work. It won’t work because it was never designed for that kind of significant legislation. It was designed for deficit reduction… The major package of health care reform cannot move through the reconciliation process. It will not work… It will not work because of the Byrd rule which says anything that doesn’t score for budget purposes has to be eliminated. That would eliminate all the delivery system reform, all the insurance market reform, all of those things the experts tell us are really the most important parts of this bill. The only possible role that I can see for reconciliation would be make modest changes in the major package to improve affordability, to deal with what share of Medicaid expansion the federal government pays, those kinds of issues, which is the traditional role for reconciliation in health care.”
That’s a long clip, which replays the entire FTN segment on health care. Steny Hoyer insisted that ObamaCare would proceed in Congress, but not if the Senate Budget Committee refuses to play along with the reconciliation strategy. The House will not pass the Senate version of ObamaCare as the last word on the subject, not with the unions getting a big tax on their benefit plans. Even Hoyer seems to understand that much:
However, Hoyer deflected questions about whether there were enough votes in the House to pass the Democrats’ plans as outlined thus far. Even though a reform package passed in the chamber last November, many analysts think it could be harder to get the votes the next time.
“I don’t think we have the votes in terms of a specific proposal because there’s not a specific proposal on the table yet,” he said.
Hoyer added that he thinks a specific proposal will be put forth within “the next couple of weeks,” and then Democrats will start counting votes for that bill.
That almost sounds like the Democrats may have a do-over in the House. If so, then the process starts over from scratch. If the House passes a different bill than the one the Senate has on the table, then either Democrats have to have a conference committee — whose report can get filibustered in the Senate — or the Senate has to pass the new House version. Either way, that adds weeks to the process, and probably months … putting the debate squarely in the middle of the midterm general elections. It’s a disaster for Democrats, the worst of all possible worlds.
Update: I replaced the longer clip with a shorter one provided by CBS News, and they have a new report on Conrad’s comments:
With Democrats pledging to move ahead on their health care plans following Thursday’s bipartisan health care summit, much of the talk has focused on whether they will use a procedural method known as “reconciliation” to pass a final measure through he Senate.
Reconciliation would allow Democrats to pass the bill with 51 votes rather than have to overcome a Republican filibuster with 60 votes. Since Republicans now hold 41 votes in the 100-seat chamber following Scott Brown’s victory in Massachusetts last month, reconciliation appears to be on the radar for many Democrats. But the prospect has drawn fierce debate among Democrats and Republicans, as was evident during on Sunday’s “Face the Nation.”
Democratic Sen. Kent Conrad (N.D.), chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, defended the possible use of reconciliation by saying that the procedure would only be used for “minor” issues with the bill.
“Defended” it only in general terms, of course; Conrad ruled out the use of reconciliation for the purposes foreseen by Harry Reid. Be sure to read it all the way through.
Blowback
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wow
rob verdi on February 28, 2010 at 12:32 PM
I never believe what a democrat says … every word is calculated to distract from something else.
I won’t believe Obama DeathCare is dead until the progressives have all been kicked from office and our shores.
darwin on February 28, 2010 at 12:35 PM
“The worst of all possible worlds”…Ha Ha! Couldn’t happen to a more tone-deaf, incompetent, bunch of morons!
JAM on February 28, 2010 at 12:35 PM
Keep imploding dems.,couldn’t happen to a more pathetic bunch!
ohiobabe on February 28, 2010 at 12:38 PM
HA! Health Care Reform killed by Byrd himself…. HA! I love it. Bet the Dems are hating him now.
joe99jpn on February 28, 2010 at 12:39 PM
Yes.
Drag this carcass around.
artist on February 28, 2010 at 12:39 PM
They have driven themselves right into a box canyon.
Beautiful.
aquaviva on February 28, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Conrad is lying and spinning his ass off. He states that many of Coburns suggestions are already in the bill.
Liar.
The entire bill is designed to skyrocket the price of insurance and force a public option, or complete government control of health care.
Liars all.
darwin on February 28, 2010 at 12:41 PM
What happened to Barry’s “hard pivot” to concentrate on jobs?
When does this insanity end?
Knucklehead on February 28, 2010 at 12:41 PM
This very short vid clip sums up my reaction:
Fishoutofwater on February 28, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Don’t forget, Jim DeMint openly objected to the appointment of coference committee appointees the last time–if he does it again, they won’t be able to even do a conference committee.
Enoxo on February 28, 2010 at 12:42 PM
Do you think they will really start over from scratch?
If they do, should the republicans even join in on the process this time, or wait until after the mid-term elections?
Mord on February 28, 2010 at 12:42 PM
I still don’t trust The One and Pelosi to try something underhanded.
Otherwise, what is up with all this press today? Just a way to further their own delusions?
tru2tx on February 28, 2010 at 12:42 PM
I presume that everyone knows by this point that the reconciliation solution was never intended to support major reform issues.
Either you get real support from the public, and pressure the opposition, or you don’t.
This effort has failed to do that.
The public has just as much reason to be angry at the far left, which was screaming for a single-payer system, as they do against those wanting NO reform.
Both sides are idiotic.
And the public is caught in the middle.
And angry.
AnninCA on February 28, 2010 at 12:45 PM
Exactly. The only thing we know for sure.
rrpjr on February 28, 2010 at 12:45 PM
The idea of starting over would be a supreme moment of real leadership from Obama.
I’m not holding my breath. He’s running his administration based on politics.
AnninCA on February 28, 2010 at 12:46 PM
It is a disaster for Progressives, Marxists, and Socialists, to be sure. The failure of Obamacare is a big win for the middle class, and American citizens.
The longer the liberal Democrats try to take control of the US government the better it is for the US in the long run, Obamacare is a festering blight that is leading to the Democrat Party being ousted from power.
Rode Werk on February 28, 2010 at 12:46 PM
Don’t they have a budget for the US government that they need to pass as well? That’s going to eat up a lot of time & political maneuvering.
rbj on February 28, 2010 at 12:47 PM
At this point, ObamaCare can be likened to 747 whose engines just won’t start. The few remaining True Believers are trying to get it going by pushing it down the runway…everyone else is telling them to give it up already and get another plane, or have simply gone home in disgust.
Dark-Star on February 28, 2010 at 12:47 PM
Or the House could just pass the Senate bill in total. Fix its financial terms like the Cornhusker Kickback, Union tax, etc. through reconciliation, and fix the abortion language with a separate bill. The Republicans in the Senate wouldn’t filibuster that separate bill on abortion!
Just strategizing from the other side of the board. What’s wrong with this strategy for them?
tommylotto on February 28, 2010 at 12:48 PM
There is no middle. There is the far left which wants a government takeover of health care, as well as every other industry … there are people who are absolutely clueless but know the cost is high and getting higher … and there are people who want reform but understand that even more government intrusion will make the cost skyrocket.
Common sense “reform” yes … government mandates no.
darwin on February 28, 2010 at 12:49 PM
They won’t start with a new bill… they’ll figure out how to get the first Senate bill through the house…
ninjapirate on February 28, 2010 at 12:49 PM
Remember, this only passes through reconcilation if the House passes the Senate bill ‘as is’, then trusts the Senate to go back and fix the things through reconcilation. With the Chairman of the Senate committee openly saying he will not play that game, do you really think those house dem moderates will vote for it ‘as is’.
I think this was the message today and Conrod does not speak for only himself. He is speaking on behalf of at least 10 Democratic Senators who don’t want this to go Nuke.
This pig is dead.
tatersalad on February 28, 2010 at 12:49 PM
Exactly. A boondoggle of this size is simply unsalvageable by reconciliation. The Dems’ ONLY hope for passing it in the first place was to steamroll the opposition, and with a strong leader they could’ve done it.
But…they didn’t get a strong leader…and the whole thing is falling apart.
Dark-Star on February 28, 2010 at 12:51 PM
So, I constantly see from the Dems, and even the NYT as indicated by another thread on HotAir, that the cost of doing nothing is more than we can bear. And yet, when Coburn says we can save 10-15% on health care costs though legislation on TORT Reform and Fraud and Abuse, Conrad says ‘no, we won’t do it because that isn’t enough.’ That underscores the fact that Dems aren’t interested in cost containment, they’re interested in control. So the blame shift to the GOP from people like Reed Abelson is just another red herring.
BKeyser on February 28, 2010 at 12:51 PM
AnninCA on February 28, 2010 at 12:46 PM
Personally I’d say the republicans should tell the D’s to pound sand and wait until 2011 for any kind of reform effort.
The democrats have proven they will not negotiate in good faith while in the majority. Once the republicans can set the agenda we’ll see how “bipartisan” the D’s really want to be.
Mord on February 28, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Reconciliation is a one shot gamble. If the democrats use it in this way, they’ll open to door to the dismantling of every one of their entitlement programs by the same tactic.
darwin on February 28, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Obama to Dems: Go out and fall on your swords for your EmperorDems to Obama: You first!
kingsjester on February 28, 2010 at 12:52 PM
These morons are so buried in the underbrush that they can’t see the truly grotesque proportions of the monster they’ve created. The fact that this discussion is even taking place at all, especially at the Federal level of the American government, is a profound obscenity!
Lew on February 28, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Oh, I think there’s a HUGE middle, and that’s why the GOP approval ratings aren’t any higher than the Dems.
No, I disagree. My take, after reading months of polls, we do want reform, we want an end to industry unfair practices, and we want portability.
We also are struggling with the cost issues. Cadillac plans are wonderful. You don’t ever have to worry or even budget. However, they are out of reach.
It’s a huge adjustment.
AnninCA on February 28, 2010 at 12:53 PM
You really think so? They’ve got a massive block of sellouts who’ll go apes–t if their golden goose is up on the chopping block.
I could see reform and partial scaling back, but not total dismantlement.
Dark-Star on February 28, 2010 at 12:53 PM
The thing depends on how many democrats value power over country.
The entire Obama ahenda is designed to give the government total control over the individual.
darwin on February 28, 2010 at 12:54 PM
My thoughts exactly.
LastRick on February 28, 2010 at 12:54 PM
It reminds me of divorce. Pound sand sounds great, until you’re backed into a corner financially. That’s really the divorce strategy, usually.
I think it’s the same here.
AnninCA on February 28, 2010 at 12:54 PM
is there any of the Obamacare that Bambi can do by Executive Order?
kelley in virginia on February 28, 2010 at 12:55 PM
Yes, but only if the public is willing to swing wildly, voting out this group, then that group.
I suspect we’re not that into chaos.
AnninCA on February 28, 2010 at 12:56 PM
Just strategizing from the other side of the board. What’s wrong with this strategy for them?
tommylotto on February 28, 2010 at 12:48 PM
The house democrats do not trust the senate democrats. The house got burned big-time on Cap-and-Trade and Obamacare. They passed both and the Senate stabbed them in the back even though they had 60 seats since july ’09.
Mord on February 28, 2010 at 12:56 PM
“Starting over” will be effective only if the Democrats are willing to embrace concepts such as malpractice reform in an election year when they need trial lawyer money.
“Starting over” would have a chance only if Nancy, Barry, & Harry are ready to let bills go through the typical legislative process — meaning they give everyone time to read bills before they are asked to vote on them.
With these requirements, “Starting over” is a waste of time.
EconomicNeocon on February 28, 2010 at 12:57 PM
That may be out of reach but I think it will be a huge amount of cutbacks. Even on immigration.
VegasRick on February 28, 2010 at 12:57 PM
And I think that is the one point that is missed in all the analysis of the summit. Time and time again the Democrats indicated they weren’t interested in anything but a comprehensive bill. A bill that won’t contain costs, no matter what they say. And who’s the party of no?
lowandslow on February 28, 2010 at 12:58 PM
anninca who is now in texas: the TEA parties are indeed into the type of voting in/out chaos. The TEA party in 5thCDVa doesn’t like any of the primary candidates who are life-long avowed Republicans because they are “establishment” (even though is only on school board & another only board of supervisors).
kelley in virginia on February 28, 2010 at 12:58 PM
It depends on how bad things get with the economy, and how much of a lesson this experience with Obama has taught people about the danger of massive government.
In fact, you could relieve the federal government of all entitlement spending and let the states decide if they want to continue funding them on their own. I imagine some states, if not all would keep some type of entitlement program to varying degrees.
darwin on February 28, 2010 at 12:58 PM
I hate to say it Ann, but we are. Just look at what happened in the last election – as well as what that got us.
We’re set to do the exact same thing in 2012, as a reaction to the anti-Bush sentiment that led to a complete Democrat takeover in the first place. Hopefully they’ll have some shred of competence, or we’re finished.
Dark-Star on February 28, 2010 at 12:59 PM
I think people will be absolutely appalled by the Dem plan.
Mandates but no benfits for how many years?
Frankly, we’re entirely way, way too spoiled to even begin to consider that as a good deal.
People will flip their lids when they see this plan.
AnninCA on February 28, 2010 at 1:01 PM
Initial thoughts is that Conrad coming out today and saying what he did is equivalent to the GOP leadership going to Nixon during Watergate to inform him that they don’t have the votes to avoid impeachment/conviction.
I think Conrad and others are also telling Obama NOT to go out in front of the cameras on Wednesday and commit political suicide by announcing his ‘path forward’.
Will Obama take this advice?? I sense that he will have no other choice.
Look for Obama to announce his ‘plan B’ next week.
tatersalad on February 28, 2010 at 1:01 PM
The Keystone Kops are running the country.
Cicero43 on February 28, 2010 at 1:01 PM
See, this is what I don’t get. The left has been artificially moving the “center” to the left for decades. The true center of the country is much further right … that is where true center is. That’s where “normal” is.
That’s where the original concept of the freedom to pursue life, liberty and happiness works best … not strangled by massive government and it’s tentacles of taxes and regulation.
darwin on February 28, 2010 at 1:02 PM
How STUPID can u be??? Reconciliation as been a total farce/non-starter from the get go…it was/is obvious…yet barry and his buddies say “Let’s go for it!” And now…who knew …it won’t fly!!!! I mean really…God help us when we really need competent leadership!!!!
winston on February 28, 2010 at 1:03 PM
I don’t see anything in the Constitution that allows this super majority requirement, except for impeachment, treaties, overturning a veto and amending the Constitution, but I do see language in the Constitution that requires only a majority to pass laws. Of course these Democrat health care bills are also unconstitutional and the dual-citizen president isn’t constitutionally eligible to sign the bills. The government is a joke.
Buddahpundit on February 28, 2010 at 1:04 PM
People are already going crazy. The average liberal has finally managed to wrap the heads around the fact that the current bill is a unfunded mandate. One which will directly hit their pocketbooks without any sort of pain-reduction process like happens for tax increases. And to top it all off, insurance companies will sell their new ‘captive customers’ junk policies and laugh all the way to the bank.
Dark-Star on February 28, 2010 at 1:04 PM
Swing wildly? Chaos? I think you’re in for a chaotic wild ride in November. I guess the only big question is how you’ll self-medicate for the upcoming election cycle.
Mojave Mark on February 28, 2010 at 1:04 PM
No, I don’t agree. First of all, 8 years of Bush was enough. For anyone. *haha
Lordy, we had to follow Bush into Iraq, and it really didn’t even hit the sweet spot over 9/11.
That was just such a “Bush” war.
Win, fine. But win what?
Everyone was terribly annoyed by that by the end. Annoyed is the wrong word. Everyone was ticked off.
AnninCA on February 28, 2010 at 1:04 PM
Judd Gregg said something similar to Greta during an interview a month ago. He said that it could only be applied to funding and would leave the bill looking like “swiss cheese”. I’m so sorry he’s stepping down as, while I don’t always agree with him, he’s one of the few pols I have some respect for.
jeanie on February 28, 2010 at 1:04 PM
If the Senate and the Congress ignore the American people and jam a healthcare bill through using a parliamentary trick called “reconciliation” I predict civil unrest will follow.
Mark7788 on February 28, 2010 at 1:04 PM
AnninCA on February 28, 2010 at 1:07 PM
Look for Obama to announce his ‘plan B’ next week.
tatersalad on February 28, 2010 at 1:01 PM
I don’t know about that. Obama has never once admitted wrong, that I know of. He always, always doubles down on stupid. He did it during the campaign so many times I lost count: The surge opposition, raising taxes=less revenue=”fairness”, Closing GITMO, No Pre-conditions with Iran. So many others that I forgot…oh yeah the Honduras “coup” that he never changed his position on.
Mord on February 28, 2010 at 1:08 PM
That will be one of the big sticking points, true. But it won’t be enough to stop a ‘pendulum swing’ when unemployment is going through the roof. Push comes to shove, Americans care far more about the state of their pocketbooks than a ‘war’ against ragged religious nuts halfway ’round the world.
Of course, it doesn’t help that the media has gone silent because making Obama look bad is a big no-no.
Dark-Star on February 28, 2010 at 1:09 PM
Let’s see if the Dems fear their party or their constituents this summer when they are out campaigning.
yoda on February 28, 2010 at 1:09 PM
They’re not going to use reconciliation… and this is not just going to die… they’re going to end with a “win”…
Here is what is going to go down… either some kind of Plan B OR… the house “progressives” will be told to STFU and pass the Senate bill as is… the house dem pro-lifers will be promised some anti-abortion measure or program in the future…
ninjapirate on February 28, 2010 at 1:10 PM
It depends. I have a Gen-Xer kid. He’s been skating. He had a wife with Kaiser, then they divorced, and he’s been without insurance while he goes to school.
He hit a point where that really was too scary.
People can talk about how awful Medicaid is, but if you have no insurance, it’s not that awful.
I never have bought into the idea that this was ever about insurance. Even the inefficiencies with private insurance, which is what…..about 10%? That’s not enough to really address the big issues.
What I personally think?
What ARE the big issues. You want to pay for the absolute longevity of every person?
dig deep, then people.
AnninCA on February 28, 2010 at 1:12 PM
The weeping and lamentations of the left are music to my ears!
GarandFan on February 28, 2010 at 1:14 PM
+infinity.
“Unlimited demands, limited resources” is an economic concept that can be grasped by a kindergartner at the corner store with $1 to spend and $100 worth of ‘I want’.
Somehow, most adults are all but incapable of processing this.
Dark-Star on February 28, 2010 at 1:18 PM
You want to pay for the absolute longevity of every person?
dig deep, then people.
Who in the Wide, Wide World of Sports are you or any Liberal to decide that someone has lived long enough? Are you saying that you are in favor of government bureaucrats deciding whether to give or withold live saving medical care?
kingsjester on February 28, 2010 at 1:18 PM
If they pass a healthcare bill using RECONCILIATION is the government ready for the civil unrest that will surely follow? Are they prepared to use: riot police, water cannons, mass arrests of protesters? These are legitimate concerns.
Mark7788 on February 28, 2010 at 1:20 PM
I would love for this to die then have the Rep. turn around and co-opt the issue after the Nov. elections. Pass their bill and declare victory!
JAM on February 28, 2010 at 1:20 PM
Ann, why do you always think you speak for everyone? You don’t. You’re just another mindless particle floating around in the middle following the laws of Brownian motion.
AsianGirlInTights on February 28, 2010 at 1:20 PM
Ann was taking a potshot at the people who think it’s the government’s job to provide free medical care for as many people as possible, and present the taxpayers with the bill.
Dark-Star on February 28, 2010 at 1:20 PM
Even if it is all squashed today, the serpent head of socialism will rise later. They never sleep, they will incrementally have there way.
They are never sated.
TheSitRep on February 28, 2010 at 1:21 PM
When the hard pivot to jobs did not work, The health Scare reform was pushed by The Magnificent One. Better to push this now and then blame Republicans for failure. The Strategy though, doesn’t seem to be working.
Expect a hard pivot to Jobs again.
antisocial on February 28, 2010 at 1:22 PM
Dark-Star on February 28, 2010 at 1:20 PM
When you use the term longevity, that refers to one’s life span, not abusing government assitance in their day to day lives. It sounded like the advocation of bureaucrats making life or death decisions for seniors.
kingsjester on February 28, 2010 at 1:24 PM
Another flip-flop, Ann. What happened to your call for a public option? You were williing to pay for that.
Do you really want to give up your Medicare?
ladyingray on February 28, 2010 at 1:27 PM
It’s unconstitutional. Bottom line.
uknowmorethanme on February 28, 2010 at 1:28 PM
I think you’re trying to find actual meaning in Ann’s comments. There really isn’t any.
AsianGirlInTights on February 28, 2010 at 1:29 PM
my question, what if they are working on Snowe again. I don’t trust that woman, she is such a dem kiss a**.
immigrantchick on February 28, 2010 at 1:30 PM
Everyone talks about “wanting reform” but let’s face it – most people don’t want reform if it’s going to cost them or negatively impact what they have. Do people honestly think there is some way to provide coverage to high risk groups like those with pre-existing illnesses, subsidize coverage for the poor, decrease the out of pocket expenses, etc without increasing the costs SOMEONE pays? There is no insurance fairy who is going to assume the cost of providing improved coverage to those who don’t have it.
katiejane on February 28, 2010 at 1:31 PM
Keep in mind also that there’s a time limit on using Reconciliation: Actually, there are several time limits, but the most important is that it has to pass within the framework of the budget by April.
http://www.politico.com/politicopulse/0210/politicopulse180.html
CK MacLeod on February 28, 2010 at 1:32 PM
Foreclosures UP, bankruptcies UP, unemployment UP, and these contemptible fools are discussing a non issue with the American public! Put Up or Shut UP you lying communists! If you have the votes; Pass It! We will repeal every aspect of it. Either way you are gone the next election! It will take a complete sweep of the communists to restore the economy and put the U.S. back to work.
Marco on February 28, 2010 at 1:33 PM
Democrats are worried to death about 2010. If they’re that worried, Snowe knows better than to join them. At this point in time democrats are an endangered species.
darwin on February 28, 2010 at 1:34 PM
You live under a rock, Ann. People have seen the plan, and they are damn angry about it.
ladyingray on February 28, 2010 at 1:37 PM
This is the best news I’ve heard all month.
John the Libertarian on February 28, 2010 at 1:38 PM
No! This cannot be. Emperor Barrack has instructed his Shoguns, Harry and Nancy, to send the Dem Samurai out in their Zero (how apt) fighters to ride the Divine Wind (Kamikaze) and rain ‘yea’ votes for ObamaCare upon the decadent, gangster Republicans and Tea Baggers. The Emperor implores his loyal subjects in the name of the symbolic cherry blossoms embodied in the concept of mono no aware: The transience of the blossoms, the extreme beauty and quick death, so often associated with mortality. Political life is ephemeral and your emperor requires your Seppuku (ritual suicide).
JimP on February 28, 2010 at 1:39 PM
“Everyone” who hears about this HC bill is constantly reminded of the first morons who tried to do this,Bill and HILLARY Clinton. Sometimes I think obama just wants to push this so that he can ensure that HILLARY CLINTON never has another chance in electoral politics. After outmaneuvering her so easily in the Dem primaries, and exposing her as the political and intellectual lightweight that she is, you would think he would have been done with her. But no, he does this to her. Perhaps Hil reminds him of his mother. That would explain why he’s intent on destroying her along with himself. She will be even more untouchable than al-Gore after Obama is through with her. Poor old woman.
JiangxiDad on February 28, 2010 at 1:47 PM
Hooray!
JKahn913 on February 28, 2010 at 1:51 PM
So, who decides who lives and who dies, Ann? The government? You?
I say~you first…you allow others to make the decision on the longevity of YOUR life and YOUR FAMILY’S life……
Didn’t think that one out too far, did you? Shocker.
HornetSting on February 28, 2010 at 1:58 PM
What is BHO going to do if the Dems don’t ram this thing through? Civilian National Security Force…?
d1carter on February 28, 2010 at 1:59 PM
Speak for yourself Ann. Imagine if Bush had gotten the kind of media adoration that Obama has gotten. Not only would we have had Social Security reform, but since, in fact Bush succeeded with the surge in Iraq, the American public would have had a much higher opinion of him. I find it highly amusing that Bush only had a majority Congress for four of his eight years, and never with the margin that Obama has had and yet managed to enact all sorts of legislation, whereas Obama has had complete control and enacted the Lillie Ledbetter law and some credit card laws that are screwing consumers in this recession. Incompetant doesn’t even begin to describe his lazyness and lack of ability to lead this nation.
txmomof6 on February 28, 2010 at 2:03 PM
The donks need to get this out of the headlines before summer, anyway.
a capella on February 28, 2010 at 2:03 PM
The way to make health insurance cheaper is to enact strict tort reforms, and let all insurance companies compete in every state. Then even people who can’t afford any now will buy some.
But portability is absurd–that is, to insist that you get your old health plan again from a completely different company, assuming that you’re fortunate enough to land another job. It used to be that jobs and health insurance were separate things. You don’t expect your employer to pay for your car insurance, do you?
Emperor Norton on February 28, 2010 at 2:26 PM
This is what I don’t understand. To do reconciliation, they still have to pass the Senate bill in the House first.
If they do this, all the ineligible non-budgetary stuff would be in there and there would be very little to reconcile at that point. It would be anti-climactic.
The problem I see is simply abortion at this point. They can’t do anything with reconciliation with this. The Stupak people hate the Senate bill because it is too weak and many of the House liberals who held their nose and voted for their bill with Stupak will think the Senate bill is too strong.
Chuck Schick on February 28, 2010 at 2:38 PM
This is just another example of the general rule that leaders completely surrounded by fawning “yes” men slowly go nuts. To think Obamacare, which starts rising taxes this year but doesn’t start giving out benefits until 2014 (in order to be deficit neutral) is a vote winner THIS November is simply unbelievable. Either there is more going on that is not yet public or these guys are incompetent moroons (or both).
Fred 2 on February 28, 2010 at 3:04 PM
Goodness gracious, another Ann-in-a-Can show!
Dhuka on February 28, 2010 at 3:21 PM
It’s more like an an ‘undead’ bill at this point. I’ve seen it shot in the head and have declared it dead several times but it always reappears later in another twisted reincarnation of itself.
In any case the only sure way to kill this monster for good is with a Tea Party Congress dismembering it, President Palin driving a wooden stake thru it’s heart and the American public setting it on fire.
Electing Mittens will only lead to RomneyCare – same story different big government monster.
Mr Purple on February 28, 2010 at 3:36 PM
Go figure. A politician running his administration like a politician. I never would have thought it.
chemman on February 28, 2010 at 3:51 PM
Mr Purple it seems that the only way we can kill this bill is to get the Highlander to cut its head off with his famous sword.
chemman on February 28, 2010 at 3:52 PM
The Atlantic and Conrad are being intentionally disingenuous on this angle!
The thing that no one is focusing on, and in fact the Dems are deliberately misdirecting everyone’s attention from, is the issue of what happens with a bill that is addressed through the ‘reconciliation’ process. They need to misdirect the focus and deflect attention from this because it is vital to the future of nationalized health care.
Once a bill is passed by both houses of Congress, and signed by the President, whether through normal channels or through the highly restrictive budgetary reconciliation process, it becomes law unless and/or until Congress overrides it or the Supreme Court shoots it down.
And once legislation becomes law it can be expanded hugely via the amendment process. Which is why the Dems are twisting themselves into pretzels trying to figure out how they can get even the barest minimum portion of Health Care Reform passed through reconciliation which requires less votes. As long as there is some kind of verbage in there establishing the bill as nationalized health care reform, it will have the necessary ‘toe in the door’ wording that they can later and build upon to get to the actual massive legislative agenda we saw represented in the huge stack of papers sitting in front of Paul Ryan at the summit this past Thursday.
And that is why they’re trying to put out all kinds of smoke screens right now, saying that the chances of getting votes for the entire package doesn’t have a prayer right now, or putting Conrad out there to also put the pall on any Dem hopes of passing health care reform, on and on. It’s a dog and pony show to deflect the voting public’s attention and focus away from what they’re attempting to do in the bottom line: Get something, anything, passed in a form that they can build on later through the amendment process.
KendraWilder on February 28, 2010 at 4:02 PM
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