Posted on 10/27/2009 11:55:01 AM PDT by La Lydia
Independent Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman said Tuesday that he would back a Republican filibuster against Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's health care reform bill if a government-backed insurance plan remains in the package. The announcement is a blow to the Democratic leader and signals that he does not yet have the votes to advance the bill. While Reid needs just 51 votes to pass the package, he needs 60 votes to crush a filibuster.
"If the bill remains what it is now, I will not be able to support a cloture motion before final passage," Lieberman told reporters...
The trouble doesn't end there for Reid, who on Monday declared that a government insurance plan that states can opt out of would be in his final health care bill. Moderate Democratic Sens. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., and Ben Nelson, D-Neb., both said they're uncommitted on Reid's bill.
"The devil's always in the details," Nelson said, expressing concerns about how hard it might be for states to opt out of the government plan.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
He’s also a deficit hawk, and he knows what this bill is: a ticket to massive debt.
Yeah Dingy Harry, why bother with an overwhelming majority when you can settle for a simple one, right?
What a worthless excuse for a man.
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Reid soon to formally announce reconciliation!
Schumer played this fool like a drum!
Ya think the media will give Lieberman the same “brave” and “courageous” treatment for crossing the aisle like did for Olympia Snowe?
Progressives on MSNBC progressive shows are calling for Lieberman to be stripped of his committee positions over this.
I love politics again.
Joe is OK. I think he’s rather spend the money on defense and that’s OK, too.
This is such good news and pastes a BIG LIE on Senator Reid’s boasting about having the votes. It also gives all the moderate Dems an excuse to vote NO! I love it! The libs must be burning up with rage. Expect some of them to explode.
The Evil and Obnoxious Schumer works hand in glove with the Evil and Obnoxious Rahm Emmanuel. They thought with the opt-out they were within striking distance. I bet they won’t be able to even get 50 votes now. Why should moderates support this when they have nothing to gain and everything to lose? It’s so good to see Chuckie Schmuckie Schumer go down in flames.
Thanks,couldn’t happen to a bigger scumbag.
I think some of these yahoos can feel the cold bony fingers of the Nov. 3rd election closing around their necks.
Yep. Obama is going to be hung around their necks like a big ol’ burning tire.
I love Joe Lieberman. He is a man with a conscience and with the COURAGE of his convictions. Of course they don’t want him. He has risked a lot, again, to stand up to the pressure to conform. A very good man.
I hope he includes the current “opt in/out” process as well. This is a rouse. The states can only opt out if they meet certain criteria. Moreover, they still have to pay for that which they will not receive
The hand of God.
"Bayh also said that he would oppose a motion to proceed to the bill in its current form if a provision that would impose $40 billion in fees on the medical device industry over 10 years isn't eased."
Lieberman the Maverick...
Wonder what sort of bribe Joe is holding out for?
According to the media wing of the rat party, they’re only mavericks when they come from our side. Otherwise, they’re traitors.
I don’t trust Joe Lieberman. He will dazzle you with his talk, but watch for the turn about just before a crucial decision point.
I provide as evidence Senator Lieberman’s being firmly aghast at Bill Clinton’s lying under oath (perjury with a small “p”?) but at the last moment being also against any meaningful action for a logical consequence for Clinton’s transgression(s). Bunk!
The Republicans don’t have the balls to filibuster this bill. Not even close.
[if a government-backed insurance plan remains in the package]
Correct me, if I’m wrong but isn’t Lieberman from a BIG INSURANCE HEADQUARTERS state?
Just wondering if that would influence his decision.
From your keyboard to God’s ears!!!
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