On health-care bill, Democratic senators are in states of denial

Washington Post ^ | December 22, 2009 | Dana Milbank

[opentalk]

Formally, it is known as H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. But this week, it has acquired an unhelpful nickname: "Cash for Cloture."

As Senate Democrats finally complete their health-care legislation, those combing through the bill have uncovered many backroom deals that were made to buy, er, secure the 60 votes needed to "invoke cloture" -- the legislative term for cutting off debate and holding a final vote.

It will take years to see how well the measure reduces costs and expands insurance coverage. But already, the bill has been a bonanza for wordsmiths.

First there was the "Louisiana Purchase," $100 million in extra Medicaid money for the Bayou State, requested by Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.).

Then came the "Cornhusker Kickback," another $100 million in extra Medicaid money, this time for Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.).

This was followed by word that Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) had written into the legislation $100 million meant for a medical center in his state. This one was quickly dubbed the "U Con."

Earlier, when GOP staff member mistakenly thought the medical center was destined for Indiana rather than Connecticut, they named it the "Bayh Off" for Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.).

For Democratic leaders, this created an appearance problem. Fortunately, they had removed from the bill the tax on cosmetic procedures (the "Botax") and replaced it with a tax on tanning (which would primarily impact House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio).

[opentalk]

"Cash for Cloture."

It is also becoming a redistribution of wealth, form Red states to Blue

[VRWCTexan]

http://hotair.com/archives/2009/12/22/sebelius-everyone-will-pay-into-abortion-coverage-fund/

Sebelius: Everyone will pay into abortion-coverage fund

[screaminsunshine]

It did not take em long after returning from their home states to get back in the groove of Washington DC. Back in the Hive among their Fellow Travelers it is easy to deny reality. We need to reall take back to the streets and send them another Broadside when they come home for Christmas. Lets blow them out of the water.

[Trust but Verify]

Meanwhile, my two lunkhead Senators will vote for the bill without even trying to get anything.

[oyez]

Obama-care will be the gift that keeps on taking.

[neverdem]

Thanks for posting. Notice that it’s no longer chat. Dana Milbank writes OpEd, opinion editorial, columns for the Washington Post, WaPo. So I asked the admin mod to hang it in the editorial sidebar.

[opentalk]

Thanks!