Whip it!

Why don’t you include Gabrielle Giffords on your list of blue dogs? I would like to know why she doesn’t think that her constituents deserve the same level of health care that she gets as a public official.

probably not on the list because she doesn’t serve on any of the 3 Committees –

per Nate/Gallup, 1 in 10 of her constituents is without healthcare coverage.

Sometimes I have trouble finding a story the next day but I did finally get faxes through to Baucus and Reid last evening about 7 pm.

John Lewis just announced, through his web site, he will be hosting a public forum at the Ebenezer Baptist Church (yes, Dr. Kings) in Atlanta, on July 27th. He states that he will be updating people about the,latest information on the progress in Washington and to make your views heard on how we can make our healthcare system work for everyone.”

Sounds kind of like he’s going to be going on that vacation the congress keeps talking about. At minimum I think, IMO, he’s saying he has real reason to believe that their will be no done-deal before August 3.

I finally received this email from DiFi today:

Thank you for contacting me regarding health care reform and providing a public health care option. I appreciate the time you took to write and welcome the opportunity to respond.

I believe that there is much room for improvement in our nation’s healthcare system. However, I believe that health care reform should not increase the federal deficit. I am deeply concerned about the large number of individuals and families in our country who do not have access to quality healthcare. This is a problem that touches every community and must be addressed at many different levels, including the Federal, State and local government. This problem is especially acute in California, where nearly 7 million people are uninsured.

The escalating cost of some premiums continues to make obtaining health insurance difficult, if not impossible, for many Americans. I am working hard to remove existing barriers to health care so that all Americans have access to the services they require.

One of the many proposals being considered to reform our system is to create a health care plan that is publically operated. Please know that I am reviewing all health care reform options and I will keep your comments in mind as the Senate continues to work to improve health care for all Americans.

Again, thank you for writing. If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator