Posted on 02/02/2010 7:02:34 PM PST by Steelfish
Rangel: Lawmakers Writing Compromise Health Bill
By ALAN FRAM
WASHINGTON Leading lawmakers hoping to revive President Barack Obama's stalled health care overhaul have started writing a compromise bill, but it's unclear when the legislation will be ready for votes, a top House Democrat said Tuesday. The measure would change the massive Senate-approved health bill to what bargainers from the White House, Senate and House agreed to last month, Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., said in a brief interview.
Rangel's remarks, if borne out, could be the first concrete sign that Democrats will try enacting major health legislation in the wake of the Republican upset in a Massachusetts special election that cost them their crucial 60th Senate seat. Stunned by that setback, the White House and top Democrats have been conceding that they no longer know if they have the votes to pass health legislation, or what such a bill would look like.
In January, White House and congressional negotiators agreed to ease a Senate-approved tax on high-cost health insurance plans opposed by unions and many House Democrats. They also planned to remove a Senate provision having the federal government fully pay for an expansion of Medicaid coverage solely for Nebraska, one of whose senators, Democrat Ben Nelson, was the crucial 60th vote for the Senate bill at the time.
Rangel said leaders have to decide whether the health package would begin moving before or after Congress tackles legislation aimed at creating jobs.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Rangel, here’s a thought: PAY YOUR DAMN TAXES you drooling criminal buffoon!
More Transparency
They don’t see it that way, but that’s what they’re asking for. Democrats are like Al Qaeda. The only way to reach them is by taking them out.
I pray that you are right. The pols need to feel the righteous indignation of the people.
Constitution?
What's that?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.