Democrats Consider Bypassing G.O.P. on Health Care Plan

[brianna69]

With solid majorities in both houses of Congress, Democrats are tempted to use their political muscle to speed passage of health care legislation with minimal concessions to the Republican minority.

That approach may be the only way they can fulfill President Obama’s campaign promises, but it carries high risks as well.

In the budget blueprint for the coming year, Democrats may resort to an obscure procedure known as reconciliation to clear the way for Senate passage of a comprehensive health bill with a 51-vote majority, rather than the 60 votes that would otherwise be needed.

“It may be a struggle to get to 60,” said Senator Jeff Bingaman, Democrat of New Mexico, who is working on the legislation.

cont...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/23/us/politics/23health.html?hp

[DrToast]

1. Do it! Do it!

Just get it done with. The Republicans will complain and if they ever get the power to change it, they won't be able to because the public will love it.

[Skink]

2. If ever there was an issue...

something like 70 percent of the public is for health care reform moving toward universal coverage or medicare for all.

[drm604]

3. I'm hesitant about using such parlimentary loopholes,

but in this case I might agree with it. This is a VERY important issue. It needs to be done, and it needs to be done RIGHT. And the Republicans are going to be as obstructionist as possible on this, if for no other reason than the fact that true reform will be a boon to the Democrats politically.

[DrToast]

4. Parlimentary loopholes

Using a filibuster to block legislation is a parliamentary loophole.

[jwirr]

5. Good it is about time.