Posted by John Romano in Politics on December 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. (YBH.ME) – With Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson’s support, the Democrats are all but assured a filibuster-proof majority to pass a health care bill on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The final bill, which has not been released yet to either the Democrats or the opposition, will be voted on without a full analysis or reading by most members of the Senate.
Ben Nelson to vote for Senate health bill.
Health care reform, long a goal of the left, is set to be passed with only one Republican vote in the House and Senate total. Republican Congressman Joseph Cao of Louisiana was the only vote the Democrats were able to secure in the House. All 40 Republicans in the Senate are expected to vote against the bill.
Fifty-eight million people voted for John McCain in the last election, and conservatives claim that those people are virtually unrepresented in both the House and Senate bills. The President campaigned on a “post-partisan” platform, and many pundits on the left talked up Mr. Obama’s ability to work across party lines. The realities of every day Washington politics cut that short, and Mr. Obama has been loath to work with Republicans on anything of substance.
It is also important to note that no real Republican alternative was released during the year long debate on health care. Also, the bill does nothing to rein in malpractice suits and legal harassment of doctors by lawyers looking for “jackpot justice.”
Friday night, after a long day of talks and concessions for the state of Nebraska, Mr. Nelson finally gave in and claimed that “I truly believe this legislation will stand the test of time. The lives of millions Americans will be improved.” Among the giveaways Mr. Nelson secured, was a set-aside for the Federal government to pay the entire cost of Medicaid expansion in the state of Nebraska. States are typically on the hook for half of that cost.
#1 by Rottin1 on December 19, 2009 - 5:31 pm
Ben Nelson's spineless decision to give in to party pressure and for the HC bill will cost him his job and Nebraskans will shun him. Welcome to socialism, Thank Ben…
#2 by Guest on December 19, 2009 - 6:49 pm
Most Americans are fed up with these fools and will get many of them fired the next several next elections. It is no longer about electing or supporting a candidate; it is about revenge for jamming us up with this dreck. It will start with voter education ads aimed directly at their records in their primarys promoting opposition, and continue during the general election.
#3 by Yurpapichulito on December 19, 2009 - 3:35 pm
I just love the twisted reality these politicians by shoving down my throat for my own good that which I don’t want and loath. The fact of the matter is that the small percentage of those that have no coverage will be covered and the majority who do have coverage will lose lose the quality of their current care. Chicago style politics and corruption has come to your front door.
#4 by Beautyseer on December 19, 2009 - 9:54 pm
We need to reform the disgracefdul American Sickness System. Too many have died — and continue to do so — while drug and insurance companies have grown obese with obscene 90-day profits and rightwing posters have sneered. It is time to do unto others and make a kinder, gentler world. Let's MAKE "the best country in the world" right here for EVERYONE, not just the top one percent! The time is NOW.
#5 by EXTMLYAGRY on December 19, 2009 - 10:11 pm
I'm sorry, but I am NOT in the top 1% and I still disagree with this bill!!! I am SO tired of hard working Americans having the ills of people not willing to help themselves being shoved down our throats!! Why should some beaurocrat be able to make decisions regarding my healthcare? Why should I be responsible for paying for a heathcare bill that they (politicians) think so highly of that they will NOT EVEN USE??? I have a good suggestion for sharing the wealth… GET A JOB AND YOU'LL HAVE WEALTH OF YOUR OWN! I WORK HARD FOR WHAT I HAVE AND YOU AREN'T ENTITLED TO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#6 by Wellescent Health on December 19, 2009 - 11:29 pm
Obama attempted to work with the Republicans on health reform, but the party decided that they would rather attempt to undermine his credibility on the issue and gain political points despite a number of proposals being similar to ideas from their own membership. It is unfortunate because the result has been a fully partisan bill by the Democrats that may indeed pass without as many eyes as possible scrutinizing it to achieve the best possible result. Both sides could have taken credit for some of the advancement and provided good ideas. Instead, it is the ideas of a limited group that will likely have more holes than it would have otherwise.
#7 by Arbor Adams on December 20, 2009 - 12:25 pm
I live in Nevada, and have been so happy that our Senator is the Speaker. Well, he apparently doesn't really work for Nevadans, because he CUT A DEAL FOR NEBRASKA that is WAY BETTER than the deal for NEVADA, which is suffering terrible state deficits that will lead to many State job cuts–and now our Medicaid bill will balloon, greatly exacerbating the problem. Here's an idea: let's aim to get as good a health care deal as the French have. Don't we deserve as good a deal as they have? Even if we had to pay 10% or 20% MORE for the SAME outcomes, we'd be WAY ahead! Being forced to buy a really rotten insurance product is NOT health care reform. It is extortion!