Continued live-blogging of the House floor debate on health care bill today as the Energy and Commerce Committee time ends and the Ways and Means Committee time begins.
Chairman Sander Levin (MI): Discusses patient stories, says “Republicans have turned their backs on Americans. This will make our beloved America a better nation.”
Ranking Member Dave Camp (MI): The American people know you can’t create a brand new trillion dollar entitlement program without expanding the deficit. Kill the bill!
Levin yields to Charlie Rangel: “One of my lowest points in my political career was yielding my chairmanship of the Ways and Means Committee. I did not want to do anything that might distract from this historic bill, and I am now, when people ask, How are you today? This is one of the most historic moments on my life….
Donna Edwards realizes she has a difficulty — both the controllers of time are gentlemen from Michigan!
Wally Herger: “The American people don’t want to raid the treasury to cut Medicare and pay for abortions!”
Levin: Mr Stark will submit a statement, yield to Georgia’s John Lewis: “We have a moral obligation to recognize that health care is a right, not a privilege, the American people need health care and they need it now. Stand with the American people! Give the American people a victory! Give health care a chance!”
Edwards gavels the applause for Mr Lewis.
Sam Johnson, TX: “I for one know what is the America I want — freedom from a two trillion dollar takeover, freedom from explodoing debt. What kind of legacy do you want to leave? Will you cave in to Speaker Pelosi?”
Neal, MA: This is the most significant day, MAdame Speaker. Insurance companies can’t discriminate based on pre-existing conditions. Kids can stay on their parents’ plans until they are 26. No one has defended Medicare and Social Security better than Democrats — I don’t think you can believe the GOP.
Brady, TX: The cost has gone up, it takes two months to see a doctor, now the government rations care — this isn’t the future, this is MA today. Higher costs, lower care, rationing. This is why America is saying no to Obamacare.
Colloquy — oh, never mind says Levin. Doggett up next.
Doggett: So very fearful of being held accountable, the giant insurance insurance companies are doing the same thing they did over Medicare. For GOP, our bill is too long or too short. Too fat or too thin — but their real objection is NEVER NEVER NEVER. With this reform, every American gets protection. From the risk of bankruptcy, reduces deficits.
Chair reminds all members to heed the gavel, outburst from the floor.
Linder, GA: Feel rude trying to inject reality into this kabuki, the lady in cleveland who’s been referred to ad nauseam is being cared for in the Cleveland clinic! This isn’t about health care, this is about government control.
Thompson, CA (D): I’ve worked for access to quality affordable health care since my first campaign. When the pres signs this bill, kids won’t be denied coverage. Young adults can stay on their parents’ policies.
“Democrats will finally lay their cornerstone of the socialist utopia” — sorry I missed who that was.
SChauer MI (D): Today I stand with the people of Michigan who lost their insurance when they lost their jobs, who lost their insurance when they got sick, seniors who are caught in the donut hole, kids who can’t stay on their parent’s plans — I stand with those people, and i urge you to as well.
Teaberry (OH) GOP: This bill increases taxes on businesses and individuals — my hometown paper has published three editorials this week alone against it! It adds to our broken system.
Kind, WI (D) — I will never forget watching Neil Armstrong land on the moon. That belief in America — an American capable of doing great things — is in danger if we can’t have access to affordable health care. We can do this in a fiscally sound manner. This national achievement can begin tonight.
Becerra (CA) D — Today is a day of history, today this Congress will do something that 100 years of COngresses have not. 123 people will die today because they don’t have health insurance. Six billion dollars will be spent today on our failed health care system. Today the House is full of life, we hear your need for control of your health care…..
Brown-Waite, FL (R) The Democrats believe Americans must do things in their socialist way or face the wrath of the IRS. Our national debt will grow, our taxes will grow, everything will grow except the beneifts to our seniors…..
Gavelled down.
Pascrell, NJ (D) Many things are said across the aisle in a debate. I believe both the ranking member and my chairman are honorable people, but you really hit rock bottom when you accuse us of not caring about our veterans. It is utterly dishonest that we seek to deny soldiers any benefits. Why need we go to that….?
Speaker: Gaveled down.
GOP: Ask that the words of teh gentlean from NJ be taken down for his false and dishonest statements about me that violated the decorum of this body.
Pascrell: I stand by my statement.
Chair: Clerk will report the words.
[now we wait while they find the words said, and reported, I guess]
Still waiting….
Pascrell asks that any word or words taken as offensive be stricken then says “Don’t push me.”
Chair reminds that any statements should be made to the chair.
Parliamentary inquiry: Should we not question one another’s motives? Is it against House rules to question another’s motives?
Davis (KY-R) This bill will define America in our headlong rush to socialism being pushed by the Democrats. Impignes on free choice, idolatrous statism — vote NO on this bill.
Crowley (NY-D) American families need this bill now more than ever. If we do nothing it’s only going to get worse. America will break under the weight of this mounting debt. We have a serious problem, health care reform….
Gaveled down, chair reminds both sides to heed to gavel.
Reichert: (R-WA) The American people don’t want government takeover of health care, over a trillion dollars in debt, we need to start over, I stand with Americans who want to choose their own health care.
Chair is charging time consumed to members who want to revise-extend but use time to speak.
Van HOllen (MD-R) They call it Nazism, they call it Stalinism, just like they did for Medicare. Boehner calls it Armageddon. The day after Pres Obama signs this bill, they will see there are no death panels.
Boustani (LA-R) We all want to do right by our country, we all want to fix health care, but I see nothing but cuts to medicare, giant entitlements, rising taxes. The modern Greek tragedy, we have an obligation to get it right….
Gaveled down
(missed who this was) (D) Action is demanded! In 1935 we needed Social Security, Democrats answered. In 1970 we needed Medicare, Democrats answered. The Republicans brought us to the brink of….
Heller (R-NV) This 2.6 trillion legislation will kil Nevada jobs! speak for Neveadans who wat to keep their jobs.
Blumenauer (OR-D) Not just the culmination of 15 months of work, accomplished since Teddy Roosevelt, without bipartisan support.
(Sorry not to get the names evry time or right, but the members introducing thier colleagues are intro-ing them by state and committee, but not name, and I don’t know them by sight)
Roskam (IL-R) Running roughshod over the American people!
No more GOP time remaining.
“Right was right if everybody was right, but right was wrong if everybody was wronged.” — Danny Davis quotes his parents. “Do the right thing!”
Democrats have 3/4s of a minute.
Revise/extend: Ellison, others.
Wasserman-Schultz will wrap up: Standing up for all the moms, all the breast cancer survivors, the nightmare ends tonight!
All time has expired.
Now we will hear from the Education and Health Committee, George Miller Chairman.
Andrews (NJ-D): House should respect our consitutents for, against, and undecided. But we should be accurate. There is not one cut to Medicare in this bill. Epxand for Rx drugs, expands for preventive care. For a family making 45,000 a year, this saves them money. Section 1201 says goodbye to the Cornhusker Kickback. Section 120004 makes clear that abortion is not covered. The CBO says money will come off the deficit. Finally, we heard one of our colleagues say it will crate a socialist utopia, But it will not!
Mr Klein, designee for Minority Leader (R) I came here to cast votes based on whast my consittutnets sent me here to accomplsih. We should remind ourselves why we were sent here — to create jobs. THis bill will destroy jobs, this bill will be paid for by our children, grandchildren, and greatgreat grandchildren. THis bill is not open, it is based on backroom deals conducted secretly. I reserve the balance of time.
Courtney (D-CT) Why can’t the American people have access to the same benefits members of COngress do? Tonight, they will — no recission, no lifetime cap, section 1312, starting in 2014, Congressmembers will have to use the same exchanges the American people do!
Price, GA-R: Health care decusions we make for ourselves and our familes are the more important we make in our lives. More people make decisions in DC, and that is wrong! The picture is not pretty. Being able to afford care, having a responsive system, where you can choose your doctor — these are all harmed by this bill. None improved by the intervention of the federal government. Can you believe your trust won’t be eroded? This is a sad day, since we trust patients and families — they trust government. We lose our morality and our freedom. The bipartisan vote on this bill is a NO.
Woolsey (D-CA) The whole nation desperately needs health care reform, but no group needs it more than women. The current system allow companies to deny coverage, and being a woman is a pre-excisting condifion. Ins Companies can turn their backs on women who are victims of domestic violence. We need to protect women, not ins company profits.
(Gaveled into silence)
Picking up next liveblog at FDL Action with Jon Walker….



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About FDL Action
Just tuning in. So, what’s happened today…quick version?
It will pass.
Obama wins, we lose. Long way from 2008.
I wish they’d just get it over with already. The political damage is already done. It just amazes me it took so long for these fools to get this POS passed.
Just started 2 hour debate on Senate(?) bill.
we lost, but we already knew that
Gah! Jerks running the country.
Do you remember when live blogs around here actually were about what was being said and not so much a brawl on the playground? I do. Oh, I’m like everyone else. I resist change.
I don’t understand the republicans worry about deficit! It’s clear from the end of previous presidents’ terms which party is really worried about deficit.
Is there a linky?
Obama has divided the Democrats, and the union movement. His next target Lation’s and then on to the unions. Divide and conquer, clever fellow.
Hiel Wellpoint! *clomp*
The spin for this POS will be like nothing ever seen.
While the House has a much more tightly managed process than the Senate, it still is not over till it’s over. While it looks likely to pass, gloating is premature until the vote is taken.
“Inevitability” has backfired before.
Slightly OT: 60 minutes– puff piece about our hero, Rahm.
Already is.
Ask and ye shall receive.
That’s for sure. Just ask the University of Kansas.
It will calm down again after Tuesday’s Senate vote, I hope. Plus, a lot of trolls will have lost interest.
Progressives lost big time today.
How does one celebrate a mandate that delivers 10s of millions into the arms of private insurers, with no inducement to reduce costs?
Barring a miracle, this will cost the Dems the majority for a long time to come.
Can somebody please explain to me, since this was a Democratic Bill, why, if Obama was going to Rahm anything through Congress, he didn’t do a public option? At least that enjoyed popular support.
Oh wait…I know the answer. Because he and Rahm made their backroom deals.
Additionally, women were the latest constituency to be thrown under the Obama bus. Can’t wait to see the fallout from the Executive Order. THAT should be a doozy.
Progressives need to leave the Democratic Party….in droves. Let them woo us back with concessions. As I posted elsewhwere, right now we have as much influence in the Democratic party as Moderate Republicans have in the GOP. None.
Thnx. (By the way…my only time online today was to read Caturday post, but didn’t have time to comment. That Nagi!)
My God the Republicans never change.
Harrumph, harruphm, harrumph. I yield back the remainder of my time to ma good freend, the distinguished Loo Hoo.
I think it’s just that we’ve all heard every word they’re saying ad nauseum. The Emperor bought these fools off with promises. How bad is that? Ditto the troll interest except to chest puff.
Pretty much bad. But, thinking back to the other live blogs, was there really anything new in them? It’s a new game, to my way of saying. Hope that’s okay with you.
It will be a new game tomorrow. This one is in its dying gasp but it’s still with us. We’re ohfer 1, lookin’ to improve our average. Plenty of at bats comin’ up.
Would I be considered a troll or is there a time limit on trolling? I do see a helluva lot of weird names that do driveby’s and sing praise, then disappear……just trying to figure out who is a troll
When a coin falls into a sewer, both sides of that coin are shitty. That’s the weakness of a two party system.
Ron Kind D-WI: Oh please, not the moon landing reference.
And all the references about how the special interests spent millions trying to kill this bill – that’s pretty disingenuous too. How about the millions spent by PhRMA to craft and pass this bill? How about the money spent on lobbyists from all the health industries who wrote this bill?
If the special interests really wanted to kill this bill, we would have been absolutely swamped with negative propaganda and tv ads. We weren’t. They are all on board supporting this bill.
Who is this woman in the babyshit green?
HA!
Great analogy.
Not my nature to say. But, there are some troll watchers here. Ask them.
You know what demi? It’s like the question at Passover “Why is tonight different than all other nights?” You know what the answer is?
That around the table the family then talks about a story they know all so well. We knew how this would play out in advance, chapter and verse, and this time we’re more playing the role of witness rather than discoverer.
Only this time, there are more rude guests than usual.
That’s a good one—-haven’t heard that one before—writing it down-
The Republicans don’t worry about deficit.
It was just an obvious way to deny the Democrats the money to do anything.
Of course Obama took them serious and instantly caved, now it is an issue.
He’s a devil.
You’d think someone built a big ol’ bridge over the lake, there are so many trolls around here lately. Angry Obots, not the run o’ the mill dumb as bricks freepers.
I hear what you are saying.
Why do you call it debate when neither side has any intention of listening or changing?
LOL……ok……onward and upward!! Have a good night Demi if you can with all that is going on.
Unfortunately, it’s exactly like 2008.
Ya know, I don’t have so much of a problem with the “guests”. We know that they are here because Jane has had so much tv exposure. It’s the folks who are here on a regular basis who are just down right mean and nasty that gives me brain cramps.
I think those are called “Fleshlights.”
Ladies and Gentlemen, lie all you want, but if you violate House decorum, we’ll take you out back and waterboard you.
Not so far, from my perspective.
Doh!
Hope a Democrat reads the objections that were raised by Republicans when Social Security was passed: “Socialism, Socialism, Socialism.”
That’s ’cause I just made it up. ;-)
There’s been vitriol all around. Seems to be cyclical. Someone ought to chart it next to phases of the moon or something. It’s an ugly part of blogistan.
Ha! A facebook group wanting a debate between Hannity, O’Reilly and Beck vs. Stewart, Olbermann and Maddow:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=250192810635&ref=nf&v=info#!/group.php?gid=250192810635&ref=nf
Bierce – “Man, n. An animal so lost in rapturous contemplation of what he thinks he is as to overlook what he indubitably ought to be ..”
man, x times that for our political class ..
May I just say, as someone in Wally Herger’s district, that he is an ass! But I’m sure you knew that.
*waves at sharkbabe!*
Anyone with that much time on their hands might consider taking up bowling or sumting. But, whatever.
I’ve seen one of those fleshlight things…an ugly receptacle for someone’s uhm, illicit pleasure. O’s?
Good one. Here too, don’t you think?
Tapping my forehead.
It remains to be seen whether this costs Democrats the majority in the House, but it seems possible. Even when they do, there are likely to be all sorts of excuses, including blaming all those progressives who are too idealistic or perfectionists.
I think one of the things it will be important to do in the coming months is to counter that message. It’s the Democrats who screwed their base, and they didn’t have to. That needs to be repeated loudly, clearly, and often.
Rahm Emanuel on Tea Party: Fringe group controlling GOP
What a coincidence! Republicans are controlling the Democratic Party.
Hannity, O Reilly and Beck would insist that they maintain the ability to turn off their opponents mics. Otherwise I’m pretty sure that would be a no-go
Heh. Wii bowling is cooool. Doesn’t give ya blisters from the stinky alley shoes.
I don’t believe that Charles B-something. He said they empathize and have compassion for people in trouble (lost jobs etc.) I just don’t believe him.
Democratic Congressman from Georgia: “Give the American people a victory!”
More classically: “L’etat, c’est moi!”
Ha!
Are you going to vote Republican or REALLY Republican this cycle?
Couldn’t they have given us the Reader’s Digest or Cliff Notes version of a debate?
Oh, I guess they had to give their constituents their money’s worth.
I think that depends on how you use it.
Q:Anyone think there’s a real chance of a public option getting added to health care reform in the Lame Duck session after the 2010 election?
I thought stinky alley shoes gives one athletes foot. What do I know?
I grew up in Redding but left before Wally. But he is an ass, and not a very bright one at that.
Now they are calling this universal health care. Laughable.
Neither. Going to go third party. I’ve always liked the Greens but I felt like it was “wasting my vote” but not anymore.
F.U.
No, F.U.
I’m right, you’re wrong.
No. You.
Does that work?
Great quote. However, may I?
Petro – “Man, n. An animal so lost in rapturous contemplation of what he thinks he ought to be as to overlook what he indubitably is…”
As in, the American definition of “ought to be” – rich and successful – rather than what he “is” – a humble member of a human community responsible for his fellows – whether done well or badly.
Forgive my lay philosophy…
Would make great tv!
Could we get Jane to moderate?
No reason not to build up the Greens into a viable party. It’s a start.
Saves a lotta time.
Even though I think this bill is a piece of shit, it kills me to watch the fucking repulitards crying about spending too much money. Where the hell were these assholes when their tax cuts were adding more than a trillion to the debt and war supplementals were adding billions. Guess they weren’t too worried about the debt when they were busy making america the new third world country. The height of hypocracy.
Mayhaps.
Something like. Everyone sit down and STFU. But, she doesn’t work that way, actually. We all get to make fools of ourselves. Fairly.
Universal, Inc., an health insurance LLC.
I’d go for taking them over from the inside. You get the existing access to the ballots, and you can make it grow. (And possibly get better candidates.)
They could have passed a really Liberal bill at any point last summer when a strong public option enjoyed a two thirds majority of public support. But instead, the Democrats, with Orahma’s help, pissed it all away to where they are left having to pass an abominable bill that is nothing but insurance company welfare. And for what? Money. That’s it, period. It’s going to cost them in November dearly but not before the Kossacks come around begging and threatening us to support our betrayers once again ’cause THIS time it will be different. Pinky swear!
Better than continuing to hold onto a shit covered coin.
Yeah, why not the Greens? I’ll never contribute or volunteer for those that nothing more than a mirror image of the Republican cult.
Those D’s a talking a good game. If they would only act on what they say, we would all have access to healthcare.
So what the hell happened today?
How did they pick up 12 votes overnight?
And if they did, why has it not passed yet?
I thought the vote was at 200 PM?
I think we just have to consider a total end to listening to all of them (R and D)… and learn to forking shout over them with our own causes.
treating any of them like anything other than bought and sold robots is just crazy on our part.
Am so over it! Not the fight, but the old playbook has got to go.
Obama had already cast a backroom deal with AHIP and big pharma. He never wanted a public option.
Pinky Swear? Why I freaking love you.
That’s what I’m thinkin’.
Dude! Preach it.
I’m hip, (but not AHIP). ;-)
Oh gah! Woolsey. STFU.
Agree:
Old Playbook Gotta Go.
((Lynn Woosley)) Right on, sister.
If the House were wired so that every time a Republican told a lie about the health bills, they’d get an electric shock, there would be a massive blackout in Wash. D.C.
I just heard Rep. Kline (Minnesota) say that the reason they were sent to Congress was to make sure the economy provided jobs and firms could keep people employed, yet only three of his colleagues voted for the stimulus bill that created/saved 1.6 to 2.2 million jobs. I think he left to attend another ribbon cutting.
Agreed. Progressives will never have a voice as long as we have to operate inside the Democratic Party. The Emanuels and Fords and LIEbermans will always treat us like garbage and dismiss us as worse than Republican. Enough I say.
She is alllllll talk, no action. My critter, actually.
Cost who, exactly? As we can see from what’s going on right now, the two sides are owned by the same people. Who wins the “elections” matters about as much to politics as who wins the Super Bowl does to the NFL.
I would agree that it’ll cost anyone dearly who believes November will make a difference.
I was cleaning house. Did I miss anything?
Y’know, I guess they’re running the movie Peter Pan in the House cloak room, ’cause it appears that these guys think if they say it enough [all the fabulous things this bill's going to do] and clap loudly, that will make it so.
Or maybe it’s just the Rove “we create our own reality” meme.
Of course since there’s no reliable media to point out the fallacy of their talk, they’re home free!
Folding is an action.
We’ve got a House that really needs cleaning!!!
Last night, the Republican’s leading “intellectual,” Rep. Ryan, calmly told the Rules Committee that cuts in the subsidies of private insurers of Medicare Advantage would not help extend Medicare. He then read from a CBO saying that “these dollars” of the bill would all be used to provide coverage for others. What he neglected to mention was that in a different parargraph, the “rest of the dollars” from the MA reductions would be used to extend Medicare solvency. In other words, he was lying. That’s their leading intellectual.
Has there been a single Republican today who has not lied? Even one?
How about American Movement Progressives? We can say “AMP up!” Since the Democrats refuse to acknowledge us, let’s see how their tune changes when we peel off enough of their voters to make it necessary for them to beg us for an alliance. Big dreams? Wishful thinking? Perhaps but Lincoln and the Republican Party were both long shots at the time.
Well, I guess you know more than I, but, not having heard every word of this debate, whatever, I smiled to hear about women’s rights.
Vinegar and water will clean about anything including DB’s.
An excellent metaphor. Thanks.
Yeah, I’d trust her if she talked more about the benefits of folding and less about ending the use of “female” as a preexisting condition.
So what the hell happened today?
How did they pick up 12 votes overnight?
And if they did, why has it not passed yet?
I thought the vote was at 200 PM?
No.
This is turning into a debacle for them.
David Frum is claimng it is the GOP’s Waterloo.
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2010/03/frum_on_hcr.php?ref=fpblg
Margaret, I love you.
But the smell. Not my fave.
Planned Parenthood has spoken:
Obama was “forced”.
Wow! That’s two women who love me. So why can’t I meet a man?
Moving upstairs…
I can lower my voice. :)
ha!
Given what’s happened, I fear folks would think “movement” referred to poop.
I’ve got a single 22 year old son.
making “raspberry” sound.
I would say “unbelievable” but that would be a lie.
Excellent! And me only 27 years older! WooHoo!
Troll alert.
Supporters have been picking up votes one at a time, all day. Stupak got the WH to promise to issue an Executive Order to create the impression that whatever abortion restrictions Stupak claimed were not in the bills would be assured by this EO interpretation. With this device, some of the abortion opponents moved to YES.
The session began at 2:00 p.m. and they have been working through a set of procedures that involve several preliminary votes — the ones so far have receive more than 220 votes for the bill’s supporters, — so the final result seems assured.
After the current discussion, there will be a vote on the Senate bill, another procedural vote, and then a final vote on the reconciliation fixes — or something like that sequence. We’re an hour away, at least from being done, and there have been numerous delays, all of which are exploited by the Republicans.
Bottom line. Government does not work well, it’s embarrassing to watch, but we should pass a bill before midnight.
M’eh…I’m going to keep pitching progressive party ideas until you all become sick of it.
Whoa! When did Kelly become a troll?
Well, if it works for Demi Moore . . .
LOL!
Don’t you wonder how every single thing could go so wrong so fast? The bailouts, this year-long grand theater producing mandated IRS fines just for existing,no real healthcare for anyone? I was cynical before the great leader was elected, but I allowed myself, like so many, to have just a wee bit of hope. Dashed, and dashed hard, you know.
Since I refuse to watch any of those creeps on tv, I’m glad I can read like-minded people on this site. This seems to be the ONLY place left with rational human beings. I registered because misery loves company, and this country has become so miserable.
I’ll see y’all later. I need to work out, especially since I’m going to be dating a 22 year old. Laters!
No, no he said he was going upstairs and there’s already a troll there in the first few comments.
I’ve got a 22 year old son too.
(You do know that I’m not with that cute young actor, right?)
Saw that too. And, bit my fingers and sat on them. Trying to be good tonight.
If I want to throw up, I can jam my finger down my throat, but thanks for the heads up on must-miss TV. :-D
nothing much! if you wouldn’t mind, maybe you could clean the senate now too!
This whole affair is like the deliberations of sixth grade student council, with a president embarrassing in his soap-opera remarks. This guys second biggest problem is that he thinks he’s cute. His first is that he’s just a light-weight, shallow man.
Make that 2 and 1 and counting