Posted on 03/03/2010 1:15:54 PM PST by milwguy
U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri, D-Utica, said Tuesday he would vote against the Senate version of the health care bill that could soon go before the House of Representatives for approval.
Arcuri, who voted in early November in favor of the House version of the health care bill, said he is against the Senate bill for three main reasons:
* He doesn't want to see the bill passed as a “mega bill,” and he believes more success would be had by breaking the bill apart and passing aspects of it incrementally, he said.
* Arcuri also said he isn't comfortable with the possible Democratic strategy of passing the bill through reconciliation. This would get around Republican opposition by having the House pass the Senate bill, then the Senate would make amendments requested by the House, and the House would pass the new Senate bill. In other words, a Republican filibuster in the Senate could likely be avoided.
* The Senate bill differs from the House bill in ways Arcuri said he dislikes. He cited a provision that would tax benefits on insurance policies, expand Medicaid eligibility, provide an unfairly low amount of funding to the state and not allow for negotiations on prescription drug prices.
“There would have to be some dramatic changes in it for me to change my position,” Arcuri said.
(Excerpt) Read more at uticadailynews.com ...
There will be lots of Dems switching in both directions in order to maximize the number who can claim truthfully they voted against it (at one point or other) after it passes. One group will vote against the Senate bill and then for reconciliation to “improve” a bad bill, while the other group will vote for the Senate bill but against reconcilition because “the process was abused” etc. etc.
Thanks for the link. Letter sent from a constituent.
Something tells me the old “I voted for it before I voted against it” ploy won’t work this fall. The voters are in no mood for that kind of political crap.
I don't think so. Its the final vote that will count the most with the voters
Arcuri was not even on the NR list of possible no's. I think this may be significant
That’s good news, He’s my congressman and I’ve called his office many times about this bill. We don’t need this bill crammed down our throats. Who ever heard of requiring a person to buy health insurance else you’ll be fined around 700 bucks. This is socialism. I don’t buy into their argument that it’ll pay for itself; how can it when the government is adding 30 million uninsured. Also what will happen when Obama makes the illegals US citizens? My bet is that they’ll be getting subsidized health care at everyone expense. The costs has got to go way up. I hope Pelosi doesn’t get the votes in the House to do this. I guess we’ll wait and see.
Call, then write. 202-224-3121
I don't buy it, either. What they are claiming defies all commons sense and logic. Of course costs and taxes will go up and when that isn't enough they will resort to rationing.
They also can't cut $500 billion from Medicare without pain. They will have to cut doctor reimbursements further or reduce or ration coverage.
Heck, they don't even need to give the illegals citizenship. The present bill seems to be don't ask don't tell as to citizenship, same as what already happens in hospitals today. So, presto chango, and the illegals will be covered with no futher action.
Arcuri barely edged out Richard Hanna in the 2008 election, and Hanna has already announced a challenge for 2010, so Arcuri is feeling plenty of heat ...
This is a significant gain for us — breaks the BO momentum of the afternoon and gives cover to other RATS — everyone remember that, having watched Ben Nelson get trapped, if you’re gonna bolt from your leadership, do it early.
Massa, next door, just bailed out, so maybe he read the tea leaves.
He has been targeted by Dick Morris as a swing vote because he is a blue dog for a while.
>Arcuri barely edged out Richard Hanna in the 2008 election, and Hanna has already announced a challenge for 2010, so Arcuri is feeling plenty of heat ...<
That is exactly right.
I don;t know if this is any indication at all of how the other dems are thinking. Arcuri is in a tight spot here.
He is getting virtually no support from his district now because he has followed Obama. He is REALLY worried and rightfully so.
I just wouldn’t read that into too many other congresscritters right now without knowing their positions as I know his.
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