CQ TODAY MIDDAY UPDATE
July 29, 2009 – 2:09 p.m.
Deal With Blue Dogs Revives House Health Bill Markup
House Democratic leaders cleared the way Wednesday for their health care overhaul to advance after making major policy concessions to a group of moderate “Blue Dog” Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committee.
The committee’s markup of the legislation, stalled since last week after seven panel Blue Dogs threatened to vote against the measure, was to resume at 4 p.m.
Rep. Mike Ross , D-Ark., who has acted as a spokesman for the dissident Blue Dogs on the committee, said that four of the seven have agreed to support the revised measure as long as other Democrats agree to changes that he said would reduce the bill’s cost below $1 trillion, increase the number of small businesses exempt from its requirements and weaken a government-run insurance plan that would compete with private insurers.
The Blue Dogs also won a promise from Democratic leaders that the full House will not vote on the measure until September.
The four Blue Dogs who struck the deal with Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry A. Waxman , D-Calif., were Ross, Zach Space, D-Ohio, Bart Gordon , D-Tenn., and Baron P. Hill , D-Ind.
Rep. Tammy Baldwin , a liberal on the committee, said she and other liberals have not signed off on the revisions yet.
“The problem is the rest of the committee hasn’t yet had a chance to study it,” she said. “Hopefully we’ll be quick studies.”
Comments
They may be blue dogs by reputation, but these dog always return home!
Screw the cost. It's the obscene provisions of Obama's deathcare bill I object to. Requiring everyone on Medicare to go to a "counselor" after 5 years to discuss how to end their live, is obscene, and everyone who votes for that bill should be hung.
Seems that Rahm Emanuel's been busy, sending dead fish in newspaper to each of these 4 hapless stooges. They should be called Bluefish instead of Bluedogs.
I agree with Objective Truth. As a physician, I can't possibly fathom having to tell a patient that the government doesn't feel they deserve to have healthcare anymore and they are going to have to live with their disease because "they're too old to save." It's horrendous how this government is ruining the healthcare system. Remember, citizens of other countries come to US because our system works ... when was the last time someone left the USA to go to Canada for healthcare? Will everyone have healthcare ever? No ... not even under this bill. And if you disagree, remember that 100% means EVERYONE ... this bill guarantees around 80-90% will have coverage - that still leaves many with no care. It's a horrible bill and I pray that it fails.
Objective truth and the fake Dr,listen and listen good. Where ever you heard that,they lied to you. There is a provision to have regular consultations but never ever was that even said except by rumor email. There is a link to politifact,look yourself. Actually I am writing this more for the benefit of others who might read this,I believe you and the fake Dr are one and the same and are a regular poster/republican staffer. I got the email also,its a lie.End of story.
I am sure the GOOD LORD is listening to all the PRAYERS but Dr. Matt I feel he does not listen to persons who Pray for something as important as HEALTH CARE, FOR ALL...to FAIL. The "Blue Dogs" need a "leach"!!! Take a good look at ALL the Politicians taking "kick-backs" from medical/insurance etc companies. The public should vote on the Health issue, not their Reps!!!
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