Momentum grows among Dems for using rules to avoid filibuster on healthcare reform

[babylonsister]

Do it, Dems! I double dog dare ya!

Momentum grows among Dems for using rules to avoid filibuster
By Walter Alarkon and Jared Allen
Posted: 03/31/09 07:34 PM


Momentum among Democrats is growing to use special budget rules to push major healthcare reform this year through the Senate with a simple majority.

Two possible members of a House-Senate conference committee, which is likely to have the final say on the rules’ use, on Tuesday refused to rule out the use of reconciliation instructions that would include an overhaul of the nation’s healthcare system in a final budget resolution.

Separately, President Obama’s nominee to lead the Health and Human Services Department told a Senate panel that using the rules remain on the table.

Using the rules could allow Democrats to enact one of their long-sought goals without the support of any Republicans. That’s because the budget resolution needs only 51 votes to pass in the Senate, not the 60 votes needed to move ahead most controversial legislation.

“I think everything’s on the table,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), a Senate Budget panel member and conferee on last year’s budget resolution, when asked about the use of the rules. “I really think that is an answer we don’t know yet.”

more...

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/momentum-grows-among-dems--for-using-rules-to-avoid-filibuster-2009-03-31.html

[Jackpine Radical]

1. Yeah, do it, but

put a "single-payer" expanded-Medicare option in there first.

[patrice]

2. Would this favor non-Single Payer "solutions" over Single Payer?

[yurbud]

3. will we get a public run option or at least some price controls on private insurance?

[belpejic]

5. Please, please

Just do something. My health insurance ends in August. Since I'm not likely to have a great job by then, just give me a few clams to offset the cost of my scripts. And make it easy for me to visit a doctor specializing in preventative care.

[yurbud]

7. if government subsidizes private insurance without price controls, we'll end up paying more

than now and see prices accelerate even faster since the government has deep pockets.

[babylonsister]

4. Nobody knows what new healthcare reform is going to look like yet,

so I can't answer that question. :shrug:

[Bluenorthwest]

6. If it is all about profit for insurance companies

it will not even pass with 50. And it should not. Most Democrats oppose the profit factor in medical care. If my Senators vote to mandate a bill for the poor around here, with profit for the companies coming out of the people's pockets, they will not be getting my vote again.