Comments on: FDL Action: Whip It! Day 9

By: TarheelDem

TarheelDem — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:34:07 +0000

I take it as his “Healthcare” boilerplate statement.

By: ondelette

ondelette — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:14:24 +0000

I’m not sure whether this is relevant, but I wrote to my congressman, Mike Honda, several days ago about health care, although I hadn’t seen your whip initiative when I wrote, and I actually wrote a very long note in which I asked for single payer and failing that, public option. I got the following in reply, you can take it as you wish in relation to your pledge:

Dear ___:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the increasing costs of health coverage and your support for H.R. 676, the United States National Health Insurance Act. I appreciate hearing from you on this important and timely matter.

The need for a high-quality, accessible and affordable health care system has never been more urgent. There are currently forty-seven million uninsured Americans, eight million of whom are children. Another fifty million are underinsured. Although the U.S. spends twice as much on health care per capita as countries with universal coverage, the World Health Organization ranks us 37th in overall health system performance.

I am proud to tell you that I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 676. H.R. 676 addresses many of the health disparities in our health system by guaranteeing every resident of the United States access to a full range of medically necessary services, including primary care, prescription drugs, mental health care and long term care. There are no co-pays or deductibles under this program. The role of the government would be limited to collecting revenues and disbursing payments; care would continue to be delivered privately. Patients could continue to use the same hospital, physician or health clinic from which they currently receive services. H.R. 676 is supported by over 210 labor unions and more than 100 grassroots groups across the country. The former editor of the New England Journal of Medicine, two former Surgeon Generals and 14,000 physicians support national health insurance.

The complexities and ambiguities of our current system are part of why I support universal healthcare. Once again, thank you for contacting me. Your views help shape the way I represent our district, and I value your opinions.

Sincerely,
Michael M. Honda
Member of Congress

By: ralphbon

ralphbon — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:06:00 +0000

I put the screws on Yvette Clarke’s legislative counsel again. Told her to chat with Reps Grijalva, Woolsey, or Ellison for context and/or support.

By: brendanscalling

brendanscalling — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:39:21 +0000

any word on my guy fattah?

By: yellowsnapdragon

yellowsnapdragon — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:28:20 +0000

There is no reason that we can’t have real health care reform when we have a comfortable majority in the house, 60 votes in the Senate, and a Dem President.

I say, if our Dem leaders can’t (at a very bare minimum) get a strong public option, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi should resign.

By: Ann in AZ

Ann in AZ — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:27:44 +0000

Jane has a new post up people might want to see: “HELP Committee Draft & CBO Score”

By: gussmith

gussmith — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:15:16 +0000

The Dems seem capable of only baby steps. Therefore, why not support Bernie Sanders suggestion and prevent Rethug control of the process (the need for 60 Senate votes). When an actual bill is voted on, the Dems can state their position.

By: Gregg Levine

Gregg Levine — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:07:15 +0000

Thank you Marisa–and thanks to every citizen whip!