After the House Vote, Time to Stop Triggers and Opt-Outs

After Saturday’s bittersweet victory in the House, we need to refocus our efforts to secure a public option in the final bill that’s signed by President Obama.  That means nailing down enough Members of Congress to stop triggers or state-opt outs from appearing in the conference report bill.

That’s why we’re joining with CREDO Mobile and Democracy for America to call progressive Members of Congress and find out where they stand all this week.  Specifically, will they oppose a final bill that has triggers or state opt-outs?

Click here to get progressive Representatives’ numbers and call now.

Jane emailed FDL activists this morning:

You can see how far Blue Dogs are willing to go to derail the health care bill.  Progressives are going to have to show just as much conviction and resolve or they’re going to be making one concession after another to the Blue Dogs’ corporatist agenda.

Your Representative has previously committed to a public option – now we need to find out where they stand on triggers and state opt-outs in the final bill.  Please call now and ask where your member of Congress stands on a real public option.

Some folks have already reported their calls.  Here’s a sampling:

• Rep. Yvette Clark (NY-11): Definitely opposed to triggers, undecided on opposing opt-outs.
• Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-07): Definitely opposing a final bill with triggers or opt-outs
• Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-25): Definitely opposing triggers, unknown on opt-outs.  The caller wrote: “I also expressed my concern with a state opt-out since I live in Texas.  They agreed that would be an issue for us.”
• Rep. William Macy Clay (MO-01): Undecided on triggers and opt-outs.  The caller wrote: “Person answering the phone said Clay did not want opts outs and triggers, but said regarding triggers he was waiting to see what would develop. Got the impression he did not want either, but might be swayed on triggers to get a bill through.”

If a public option – available nationwide on day one – is to be included in the final health care bill, we need at least 40 members of the House of Representatives to promise to vote only for it. It’s the only way we can make sure that President Obama signs a public option into law.  To do that, we need Congressional phones to ring.

We need to find out where progressive Members of Congress stand on a bill with triggers or opt-outs.  Can you call now?

Click here to get the numbers of progressive Reps. and let us know what they say.