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Reid’s secrecy on health care reform provokes frustration, admiration
When time nears to making a deal, Senate majority leader rarely tips his hand
Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press File
“It would be really premature for me to lay out for each of you what I think should be in this bill,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said when asked about a public health plan.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 | 2 a.m.
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Washington — A tried-and-true lesson in deal-making is a simple one: Don’t show your hand.
Keeping the cards close to the vest can be a strategy for playing poker, buying a car or, it turns out, running the U.S. Senate.
As Congress debates health care reform, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s deal-making skills are being tested. He rarely takes a public stand as details are being negotiated. This infuriates some, annoys others and, when his views shift, provides fodder for his opponents.
Reid tries to avoid that.
When asked Tuesday whether he would make a personal push in the health care bill for the so-called public plan, Reid took a pass.
“It would be really premature for me to lay out for each of you what I think should be in this bill,” Reid said during a news conference. “What I think should be in the bill is something that I will vote according to my conscience when it gets on the floor.”
The public plan is one of several contested provisions blocking Congress from reaching a deal.
More progressive members of Congress and their constituents insist a government-run option is necessary to foster competition with private insurers. But Republicans deride this as socialized health care, and some observers think that by eliminating it, a bipartisan bill could be crafted.
Reid’s reluctance has been typical of his tenure as leader. He is known for giving the committee chairmen in the Senate a long leash to craft legislation as they see fit. His role is to apply steady direction and finesse the final details.
Yet as leader, he finds his power not at the bully pulpit but, for example, by controlling the Senate floor schedule, which can make or break a bill’s fate through the timing as well as the amendments that are allowed or rejected.
Reid has enormous sway over the final product as legislation is often merged in closed meetings with companion bills in the House.
His backroom approach can be maddening, particularly to Reid’s detractors on the Democratic side who would prefer to see a more forceful leader, LBJ-style, pointing his troops to the top of the mountain and then marching them there.
Writing last month in the weekly paper City Life about Reid’s role, Las Vegas blogger Hugh Jackson said, “the Senate majority ‘leader’ has been conspicuously absent from the most consequential action facing Congress since it gave George W. Bush and Dick Cheney a blank check to invade and occupy Iraq for no ... good reason.
“Not only is Reid failing to whip his caucus into line, he is inviting Senate Democrats to roam if they want to.”
On the other side of the aisle, the Senate Republican campaign arm shot back Tuesday that Reid was equivocating on the public option, saying the majority leader had earlier made statements in support of it, but now was “unable to even articulate his own position on a key component” of the bill.
Eric Herzik, chairman of the political science department at the University of Nevada, Reno, suggests Reid is merely refusing to tip his hand any further until the time has come to make a deal.
Much as President Barack Obama has kept mainly to broad themes of health care reform and left the details to Congress, Reid “doesn’t want to skew the public debate and put too much of his personal prestige into the debate too early,” Herzik said.
“Then it’s harder to deal,” he said. “Harry Reid’s about making the deal.”
But the question arises: This may be smart politics for sausage-making in the legislative factory on the Hill, but how does it play at home for Nevadans trying to understand their senator’s views?
Reid is up for reelection in 2010 and surely some residents back home are looking for signs of his position.
For example, where does Reid stand on the House’s proposal to pay for part of the bill by taxing upper-income households that earn more than $350,000 a year, a plan the Senate has largely refused?
Or what is his position on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s plan to tax only millionaire households?
Reid’s office insists the senator’s reluctance to weigh in is not a problem back home, saying he speaks up when he feels strongly on an issue. Plus, his position gives him an unparalleled ability to ensure Nevada’s needs are being met as the final legislation is formed.
Nevada has a higher rate of uninsured residents than most other states, with nearly one in five Nevadans going without health insurance — some 500,000 people, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s statehealthfacts.org.
Herzik said Reid’s recalcitrant stance can both help him and hurt him — depending on whether Nevada voters view him as a leader who sealed the deal or an elected official whose views shifted.
“A big part of the electorate says, ‘That’s exactly what I like in a politician,’ and a big part says, ‘That’s exactly what I don’t like,’ ” Herzik said. “His supporters will give him the benefit of the doubt. His detractors will call him shifty Harry Reid.”
But sometimes, Reid tips his hand just so.
The newspaper Roll Call this month reported that Reid had told his point person, Sen. Max Baucus of Montana, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, that doing away with the public option and taxing employer-sponsored health care benefits to bring Republicans on board wouldn’t be worth the loss of Democratic support.
A Democratic source confirmed that Reid asked Baucus to consider funding options aside from taxing benefits.
When asked Tuesday about the public plan, Reid’s true feeling may have been discernible between the lines.
“I have a responsibility to get a bill on the Senate floor that will get 60 votes that we can proceed to. That’s my No. 1 responsibility. There are times when I have to set aside my personal preferences.”
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It's not a matter of Harry not divulging his thoughts because HE HAS NONE!!!!! Without a doubt, Harry Reid is a total and complete blithering idiot and should be booted out of office. A pre-schooler could accomplish more in 1 day that this buffoon can in an entire session of congress. Put him out to pasture with all the other lame brains.
Let's set aside another distraction, a baseless, nominal, and minimal coverage by some senators. A new Gallup Poll released late last week shows that 71 percent of Americans want health care reform, with a substantial number calling for reform to come sometime this year.
A pay for outcome / value payment system, key to the deficit-neutral, might be capable of bringing all groups together.
Supporters of the agreement say it could save the Medicare System more than $100 billion a year and 'improve' care, that means more than $1trillian over a decade, and virtually needs no other resources including tax on the wealthiest. (Please visit http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.... for detailed infos).
As much as 30 percent of all health-care spending in the U.S. -some $700 billion a year- may be wasted on tests and treatments that do not improve the health of the recipients," Thus the remaining $239 billions over a decade do not matter.
Dr. Armadio at Mayo clinic says, "If we got rid of that stuff, we save a third of all that we spend and that is 2.5 trillion dollars on health care. A third of that and that is 700 billion dollars a year. That covers a lot of uninsured people."
1. There is no need for infighting and class conflict.
2. It can satisfy revenue-neutral raised by the Republicans.
3. It is able to resolve the regional disparity.
4. It may bring the private insurers to competition, innovation.
5. The focus on 'outcome' over volume can make the practitioners more accurate and creative based on IT SYSTEM and evidence, while eliminating the additional, unnecessary care that is increasing patients' pains, frustrations, and possible side-effects.
6. It undoubtedly allows for massive medical job creation.
7. The desperate people will get back American dream.
THANK YOU !
Reid seems to be allowing the bipartisan Gang of 6 to develop a balanced plan that will fly in the Senate and with the American people--at least I hope so.
More below--letter to Obama and administration:
"Barack Obama's comments at AARP HDQ are beginning to show some initial glimpses of hope. With the advertised deep cuts in Medicare that the administration was touting, the prospects for seniors was indeed grim. This was totally unacceptable and wrong! Seniors do not have "a duty to die". They desire to live longer and better quality years than ever before. Millions of baby boomers and those who went before them deserve the very best in care, not rationing. One way or another we are going to make certain that we get that excellent care.
I also request that the administration take particular note of the outstanding bi partisan efforts of the Senate Gang of 6. Six senators, three Democrats and three Republicans, are working together in a bi-partisan partnership to fashion a new health care plan for the U.S. From my own vantage point the plan on which this Gang of 6 is working offers the most sensible and credible plan yet for reforming health care in this nation. They have reportedly been working together now since June 17, and are hammering out a new Senate bill that the entire nation, including the administration and the rest of Congress should be eagerly awaiting. This group has already ditched the idea of a government run insurance plan that would compete with private insurers. They would raise the money for funding their health care plan from within the health care area--such as by taxing lucrative health insurance plans whose values exceed $25,000. This group has also scrapped the plan to levy a surtax on high income earners.
May the Gang of 6 find a receptive audience in the public, the administration and the Congress for all of its diligent bi partisan deliberations. Hopefully, this is the breakthrough that everyone has been waiting to see."
I hope that Reid will be a realist and accept the work of the Gang of 6--Republicans: Snowe, Grassley and Enzi. Dems: Bacaus,Conrad and Bingaman.
hsr write: "... It can satisfy revenue-neutral raised by the Republicans. ..."
--
I really don't think most of the far-right Republicans are as concerned about 'fiscal responsibility' as they're now pretending to be.
And while it would be perfect to have a reform plan that offsets its own costs, or seeks to eventually, the Credit Card Republicans are in no position to suddenly feign concern about deficits and debt because if the choice is deficits or a tax increase on millionaires, you know which one they'll pick.
Past Republican presidents like Reagan and Bush have gone their entire terms signing deficits into law every single year they were in office. We had 8 years of deficits under Reagan then 4 more years of deficits under BushI and another 7 years of deficits under BushII.
And what do we really have to show for those 19 years of deficits and the mountain of national debt? Affordable healthcare? Nope. Energy independence? Nope.
Americans need to fix a lot of things. We need to clear our healthcare minefield, get on a path to a balanced budget and build up our renewable energy infrastructure. The Credit Card Republicans need to shut their yaps and hopefully, 'we the people' are smart enough to put together the plans that will get us going in the right direction again.
I for one am very proud of Senator Reid and know he will do the right thing for Nevada and our country when it matters most. He'd better!
Could it merely be lack of leadership on the senator's part? Or is secrecy only good when practiced by dumbocrats?
HSR, Shame on you!
I went to the gallup poll website looking for the article you cited, the heading of the top healthcare storyline is, "Benefits of Healthcare Reform a Tough Sell for Americans"
The opening line of this story shows that only 26% of Americans feel that Healthcare reform would improve their personal healthcare.
The story goes on to say that 70% of Democrats want Healthcare reform, NOT 70% of Americans like you cited.
Shame shame.
Here is the article link of you care to see the facts and not hsr's lies.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/121943/Benefi...
May I remind everyone that if all the Dems in Congress for for this bill, then it would be passed. Remember, the filibuster-proof Dem majority? Whats up guys? Proof that some level headed, fiscally conservative Dems aren't onboard with this bill, pure and simple.
Senator Harry Reid says 'trust me to bring you health-care'
Senator Reid has brought to you...
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/person.x...
The Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002
What Reid did not explain was that the bill promised a cavalcade of benefits to real-estate developers, corporations and local institutions that were paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in lobbying fees to his sons' and son-in-law's firms, federal lobbyist reports show
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.c...
http://bsimmons.wordpress.com/2006/10/19...
http://www.lvrj.com/news/breaking_news/5...
Patriot Act I & II
http://democrats.senate.gov/newsroom/rec...
Funding and support for War crimes against humanity
The Spanish prosecutors advised the Americans that they would suspend their investigation if at any point the United States were to undertake an investigation of its own into these matters. They pressed to know whether any such investigation was pending. These inquiries met with no answer from the U.S. side.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-s...
The $787 BILLION Tarp Program
*Which will cost $23.7 TRILLION
*gave dictator powers to the US Treasury Secretary
*Mr. Reid was personally responsible for REMOVING BONUS restrictions from the Legislation.
http://market-ticker.denninger.net/archi...
The next time you speak to Senator Harry Reid ask him about the:
Buyer: REID, HARRY; THE HARRY REID PROFIT SHARING PLAN (Company/Corporation), Trust
http://strata-sphere.com/blog/index.php/...
**** READ THE COMMENTS ****
Then ask yourself..'Can we trust Senator Harry Reid to bring us Health-care?'
I suggest we all send Harry Reid a $1.00 campaign contribution, then pledge $100 more after and IF he supports a strong public option, crafts a bill for a Senate vote that also includes high standards for private insurers, and that he appoints health care advocates to the Conference Committee. We need health care on par with the rest of the world, not a bunch of Congressman cowtowing to the health and pharmaceutical industry lobbies.
STD writes: "The story goes on to say that 70% of Democrats want Healthcare reform, NOT 70% of Americans like you cited. Shame shame. Here is the article link of you care to see the facts and not hsr's lies."
--
As the poster said, the poll was from last week, and it's on the Gallup website. You're just confused, but that's nothing to be ashamed about.
QUOTE:
Seven in 10 Americans favor the passage of new healthcare reform legislation, but less than half (41%) say a new law needs to be passed this year.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/121883/Most-U...
Harry Reid is not interested in what YOU think, LVS siding with Reid don't care either. Want to see what's in the bill all 1018 pages?
Click here: http://edlabor.house.gov/documents/111/p...
Then we have congressman Conyers: ""What good is reading the bill if it's a thousand pages
and you don't have two days and two lawyers to find out what it means after you read the bill?"
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/ar...
These people don't want you to know. Seniors, you have to remember your best days are behind you, it's in the bill.
The CBO estimates so far the cost is close to a $Trillion$$$
Mia Gulper,
I can play your game too, let's just quote the parts of the story we like and not read the whole context. The following is from the story that you quoted.
"The data show that about 4 out of 10 Americans generally agree with Obama -- that a new healthcare law needs to be passed this year. But that leaves the majority of Americans who do not agree, either because they believe a delay is acceptable, or because they don't believe such a law is needed at all."
Since you were on Gallup did you read this story?
"Obama Approval Slips Three Points in Past Week"
A quote from the article, "Amidst President Obama's push in July to revamp the nation's healthcare system, Gallup finds his average job approval rating registering 56% for the seven-day period ending Sunday, down from 59% the previous week. This three percentage point drop is the largest week-to-week decline seen in Obama's job approval thus far in his presidency, and punctuates a gradual descent from his 66% rating in early May."
Keep living the dream Gulper, keep living the dream...
Harry Reid is self-destructing. He is Obama's "Yes Man" and he needs to GO! Next year and it can't come soon enough. Career politicians commonly lose site of it's constituents!
STV, the point is that the poster "hsr" told you about a Gallup poll released last week which showed that 71% of Americans want health care reform, with a substantial number calling for reform to come sometime this year.
Then you cited a different poll from this week and called "hsr" a liar.
Here's the Gallup poll "hsr" was talking about from last week:
MOST IN U.S. WANT HEALTHCARE REFORM, BUT VARY ON URGENCY
http://www.gallup.com/poll/121883/Most-U...
Leaders have ideas and move forward based on their convictions. Senator Reid is a politician who wants to be re-elected. Let's elect someone who will be a leader for Nevada, not someone who is doing what is best for his political career. Vote for anyone but Reid!
...honestly, is expanding medicaid too complicated? Raise 'some' taxes, across the board and keep a proven entitlement...aks
"The surge is not working,the war is lost" Boy you people from Nevada sure know how to pick um !
Re-elect me Reid is a failure and nothing more than a Pelosi whipping boy in the Senate. The federal government is broken, social security is broken, medicaid is broken, VA is broken, education dept. is broken, fannie and freddy are broken, GM is broken, employment is broken, America is BROKE. Everything the government touches is broken and now you want to take on a new project???
stopblamingamerica writes: "The surge is not working,the war is lost" ...
--
lol... how about these quotes:
"The most important thing is for us to find Osama bin Laden. It is our number one priority and we will not rest until we find him." -- GWB 9/13/2001
"I don't know where bin Laden is. I have no idea and really don't care. It's not that important. It's not our priority." -- GWB six months later 3/13/2002
Gulper,
No, you missed the point and misrepresented the truth again in your last post to me!
Both HSR and you skewed the full point of the article by posting your quotes. I then played by your game and posted a quote out of the SAME ARTICLE that completely countered your quotes.
From the same Article you quoted:
"The data show that about 4 out of 10 Americans generally agree with Obama -- that a new healthcare law needs to be passed this year. But that leaves the majority of Americans who do not agree, either because they believe a delay is acceptable, or because they don't believe such a law is needed at all."
Clearly you can see from the SAME article that only 40% of Americans agree with Obama that a new healthcare law needs to be passed this year.
The most important point is that MANY Americans want healthcare to be more affordable, but they DON'T want the government to totally revamp healthcare.
Almost 90% of Americans are happy with their current healthcare
QUOTE:
"A survey conducted jointly by the Kaiser Family Foundation, ABC News and USA Today, released in October 2006, found that 89 percent of Americans were satisfied with their own personal medical care"
Keep living the dream Gulper, keep living the dream...
gotjobs writes: "Everything the government touches is broken and now you want to take on a new project???"
--
That's because the loony rightwingers were in control just long enough to screw everything up.
Since they don't really believe in government [of the people, for the people and by the people], they obviously don't know how to run one. Just look at the mess Bush left behind.
Bush came into office inheriting the biggest budget surplus in US history, he spent all of it, borrowed more and spent that too and left behind not a surplus but a gaping, smoldering crater.
It's difficult to even list everything Bush and the rightwingers have destroyed and now it's left for somebody else to clean it all up again.
Now the Republicans are trying to sabotage America's recovery as they pray for the USA to crash and burn for electing Democrats into power.
Gulper,
How long do you libs get to blame the previous administration?
I'm being serious. I want to mark a spot on the calendar when I should expect see the fruits of Obama's labor. Where on the calendar should I make that mark?
I know what Obama told me when he took office, but that didn't pan out too good. 'They' then said that things were worse then 'they' expected so it was going to take longer.
If you give me an honest date that I can start expecting a turn around and if it's a reasonable time period I'll hold off judgement until that date comes and I can look at the results.
I ask you becuase you obviously take the time to learn the Dems talking points and current take on things. I'm not being sarcastic here, you seem to be as informed as a loony left can be, so I'll trust your 'information'.
Can you step up and give that date?
STV writes: "The most important point is that MANY Americans want healthcare to be more affordable, but they DON'T want the government to totally revamp healthcare."
That's good news because if Americans will be able to choose to buy their healthcare insurance from a public insurance plan then there's no need to "totally revamp healthcare." It'll essentially be another insurance plan that anyone can buy.
And since 71% of Americans favor the passage of healthcare legislation, we may just get something done in spite of the GOP's unanimous opposition.
Gulper,
Nice tactic to ignore the part that I pointed out your misinformaiton and just go back to blaming the GOP and restating what I pointed out as skewed numbers.
Still waiting for that date that I can expect change to happen...
Why do we need to wait for the GOP to change? The Dems have a major majority, why don't they just go ahead and get it done as Obama promised? oh yeah not all the Dems are on the same page! Some Dems have a problem with this legislation TOO.
Go ahead though, keep blaming the GOP, keep living the dream Gulper, keep living the dream.
Re-elect me Reid is a failure and nothing more than a Pelosi whipping boy in the Senate
Mia, my first sentence was a comment about two powerful current leaders that are CAREER (lifetime)politicians, meaning they were there pre-Bush. Reid, because that's what the article is about, Pelosi, well facts are facts.
Then I direct my comment to the FEDERAL GOVT. (that's everyone) is broken and has been.
STV writes: "Why do we need to wait for the GOP to change? The Dems have a major majority, why don't they just go ahead and get it done as Obama promised?"
--
You're right that even with the GOP in unanimous opposition and standing in the way of the healthcare reforms proposed by the Democrats, there are enough Democrats to fix healthcare in spite of the Republicans' lockstep obstructionism.
And it's proving to be practically impossible to be "bi-partisan" with a bunch of disgruntled kooks who just got reamed and booted by the American voters in the last two election cycles.
So it would be a lot like back in 1993 when Clinton and the Democrats passed the 1993 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act without a single Republican vote.
Republicans at the time called it the "biggest tax increase in history" and said it would hurt the wealthy, kill jobs, cause a recession, etc. but history proved the Republicans were wrong back then too.
So you're right in that the Democrats should just forget about the Republicans lockstep obstructionism since they're all going to vote against anything decent the Democrats try to accomplish.
Instead, the Democrats should just put together the best bill they can formulate and pass it in the House and through the budget process in the Senate with 51 votes. They don't even need 60.
Gulper?
When is your tactic of topic diversion going to change?
When can I expect Change?
Gulper?
When is your decade plus old tactic of blame the GOP going to change?
How many Americans are AGAINST rushing a bill through Congress this year?
Gulper?
what specific date will we see change start to take effect?
Gulper?
STV writes: "How many Americans are AGAINST rushing a bill through Congress this year?"
--
That's tough to say because that Gallup poll from last week doesn't ask specifically about being "against rushing" as you suggest.
But it says that 71% of Americans would advise their representative to "Pass a new healthcare reform law" and only 24% of Americans would advise their representative to "Not pass a new healthcare reform law."
MOST IN U.S. WANT HEALTHCARE REFORM, BUT VARY ON URGENCY
http://www.gallup.com/poll/121883/Most-U...
41% of Americans would advise their representative to "Pass a new healthcare reform law by the end of this year."
-and-
30% of Americans would advise their representative to "Pass a new healthcare reform law but not necessarily by the end of this year."
So clearly 71% of Americans would advise their representatives to pass a new healthcare reform law (41% + 30% = 71%). (Republicans ignore it at their own peril, as usual.)
And while it doesn't specifically ask about being "against rushing," it does say that 24% of those polled are against passing any healthcare reform. That 24% quite obviously represents the fringes, the very rich, the "birthers," Dick Cheney, teabaggers and assorted shotgun-shack occupants.
Its a dumbocrat world when "reforming" healthcare amounts to raising taxes on "the rich" to provide 10 million illegals their healthcare.
HR3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, specifically bars benefits to illegal immigrants. FYI.
I am getting so very tired of the partisan BS with the Health Care Reform issue...this should have nothing to do with either egos or party affiliation. We elected these officials - they represent US, not the insurance industry.
I believe that it's better to do something than do nothing. I have sent emails, commented, etc. but that is not enough. So with the help of two others (thank you both very much!), I have set up a petition. If you agree, please sign it - and spread the word!!!!
http://www.petitiononline.com/PubOp676/p...
the health care bill will not take effect until 2013....why are they in a hurry?
why 2013???
maybe cause there are elections in 2012 ...and obama wants to be re-elected before everyone figure out how they got screwed with govt health care...
"Now the Republicans are trying to sabotage America's recovery as they pray for the USA to crash and burn for electing Democrats into power."
This is insane. The Democrats do not NEED one single Republican vote ANYWHERE or ANYTIME to push this through. The problem is even some Democrats think this is garbage.
You can blame the Republicans all day long and it still won't change the fact that the Dems can't bring this home!
This truly shows how desperate the Dems are right now. "I can't get anything done because there are too many Democrats and the Republicans don't have any ideas."
If Dirty Harry had the votes this would be a done deal.
I already said that in light of the unanimous, lockstep GOP opposition, the Democrats should forget about wasting time trying to get any Republican votes.
Republicans are the Party Of Nope.
They can pass it with 51 votes in the Senate as part of the budget process and forget about the GOP and the blue dog DINOs. They don't even need 60 votes.
What many don't understand is that while 71% of Americans may want national health care they want it without it changing what they have and without raising taxes to pay for it. When they have to change what they have and pay for it so that illegals can get health care, the numbers drop dramatically to 49%. If the Dems pass this without the Repubs then the Dems own it and any problem that arises will put power back into the hands of the Repubs, if not total control at least take the super majority away from the Senate. If the Senate passes cap and trade and the taxes raise prices for everyone, then 2012 will lead to a loss of all three branches of government.
I think the Democrats will lose the next election if they pass the current health care reform bills being considered. Here's HR 676 that would actually fulfill the mission and the democrats would keep power for at least the next generation.
Find it here:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?...
SUMMARY of HR 676 AS OF:
2/8/2005--Introduced.
United States National Health Insurance Act (or the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act) - Establishes the United States National Health Insurance Program (the Program) to provide all individuals residing in the United States and in U.S. territories with free health care that includes all medically necessary care, such as primary care and prevention, prescription drugs, emergency care, and mental health services.
Prohibits an institution from participating in the Program unless it is a public or nonprofit institution. Allows nonprofit health maintenance organizations (HMOs) that actually deliver care in their own facilities to participate in the Program.
Gives patients the freedom to choose from participating physicians and institutions.
Prohibits a private health insurer from selling health insurance coverage that duplicates the benefits provided under this Act. Allows such insurers to sell benefits that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery benefits.
Sets forth methods to pay hospitals and health professionals for services. Prohibits financial incentives between HMOs and physicians based on utilization.
Authorizes appropriations and provides for appropriated sums to be paid for: (1) by vastly reducing paperwork; (2) by requiring a rational bulk procurement of medications; (3) from existing sources of Government revenues for health care; (4) by increasing personal income taxes on the top five percent income earners; (5) by instituting a modest payroll tax; and (6) by instituting a small tax on stock and bond transactions.
Requires the Program to give first priority in retraining and job placement to individuals whose jobs are eliminated due to reduced administration.
Establishes a National Board of Universal Quality and Access to advise the Secretary and the Director to ensure quality, access, and affordability.
Provides for the eventual integration of the health programs of the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Indian Health Service into the Program.
The only time uncle tips his hand is when someones putting money into it! Look at his flip flop on the maglev?Its the future of transportation? Ya,untill someone else padded his pockets with more money to support a train to no where!STOP LIEING TO AMERICA UNCLE HARRY! ITS GONNA CATCH UP TO YOU SOON!!!
The Dems have to hide their Frankestein healthcare plan as they develop it and then pass it before anyone has a chance to really analyze it -- the only way they can possibly come close to affording their nascent "nanny state" is by imposing a confiscatory tax rate (you ain't seen nothing yet), draconian social controls (like a caloric sales tax to raise money & reduce obesity), and care rationing (if you're over 60 watch out, unless you're a member of Congress of course) -- as the majority of American people would never agree to it.
"Party of Nope"? Cute. Maybe if the Dems stopped trying to make me pay for their re-election driven earmarks & giveaways and their socialist utopia I'd be a little more willing to listen. Not that the GOP pols are much better, but at least they'll talk the talk (even if they don't always walk the walk).
I don't mind helping those less fortunate who can't help themselves, but I resent subsidizing irresponsible adults and self-serving pols with my tax dollars, and the reality is that ObamaCare will do exactly that while simultaneously mortgaging our country's future for generations. I'd buy off on a new Medicare for children and those adults physically or mentally unable to care for themselves, and a new Medicaid that the insurance industry supports by pooling resources for catastrophic care, people who can't get insurance due to a pre-existing condition (cost of insurance compared to income), and to partially reimburse emergency rooms for uninsured care. Beyond that, individuals need to take responsibility for their own health & insurance, or pray that charity will pick up the bill when they fall ill.
Reid hasn't read 1,018 pages of anything (except maybe playboy) in his entire life. Does anyone actually believe he read this bill? Of course he's not saying anything. He hasn't the slightest idea what's in the bill.