Posted on 02/08/2010 11:08:48 AM PST by Dominic01
Republicans gave a chilly reception Monday to President Barack Obama's invitation to discuss health care in a bipartisan, televised setting later this month, part of the White House effort to revive the stalled legislation.
The House and Senate GOP leaders said Obama and his fellow Democrats must shelve their long-debated health care bill, which was on the verge of becoming law until Republican Scott Brown won a special Senate election in Massachusetts last month. The White House says Obama has no plans to do so but is willing to hear Republicans' ideas.
Rep. Darrell Issa of California, the top Republican on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, said Monday that the first question for Obama should be: "Did you lie about moving forward on malpractice reform?" He was alluding to the president's earlier remarks about possibly curbing malpractice lawsuits, which is not included in the health bills passed separately by House and Senate Democrats in December.
In the first major move to jump-start his health care agenda after his party's loss of a filibuster-proof Senate majority, Obama on Sunday invited GOP and Democratic leaders to discuss possible compromises in a half-day, televised gathering on Feb. 25.
It comes amid widespread complaints that Democrats' efforts so far have been too partisan and secretive.
The meeting's prospects for success are far from clear. GOP leaders insisted on starting from scratch. But many Democrats want to use their party's remaining parliamentary muscle to enact their plans with as few changes as possible.
"If we are to reach a bipartisan consensus, the White House can start by shelving the current health spending bill," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky...
(Excerpt) Read more at mail.com ...
Tell Obama he can talk to the GOP after the Nov. elections.
Yep. Perfect
Me too. I hope they don’t go simply because the American people do not want government run health care.
INHO the word “bipartisan” means one party rule.
Not interested, thank you very much.
Having been thus far excluded from the entire process, logic dictates that any such dialog should start with a clean slate.
Tennessee has joined several other states in trying to pass a Health Care Freedom Act. NO COLAs for granny, retired Military or retired fed employees. BIG NEW fees for Tricare for Life retired over 65 Military's secondary health ins. (DOD bill already passed, delayed but goes into effect 2011)
New Dem mantra: Woof, woof eat dog food granny....ala let them eat cake.
Mr. President, a one-half day Healthcare "discussion" isn't necessary, or warranted.
Mr. President, the Congress of the United States is responsible for, and should be fully capable of, determining the content of all laws submitted to you for your signature.
As you well know Mr. President, the Congressional Branch of the United States is separate from, and equal to, the Executive Branch.
Mr. President, we have made it perfectly clear to the Democrat members of Congress that we expect them to halt all of their efforts on both Healthcare bills passed by the Senate and House of Representatives.
Following that action, we are fully prepared to proceed with addressing any new Healthcare bills proposed by the Democrats in the Senate and House, but only if the Democrat leadership is willing to play by all the rules, and to televise ALL proceedings to the American Public through C-SPAN.
Mr. President, Republicans do not require the Executive Branch, nor its supporters in the media, to explain our duties as Senators and Representatives.
Mr. President, we fully understand the U.S. Constitution, and plan to ensure that all laws passed by Congress meet the requirements, and limitations, of the Constitution, before they are ever sent over for your Signature.
Mr. President, we must respectfully say no to your invitation.
However, we cordially invite your Executive Branch designated individuals to participate in normal, and Constitutional, activities associated with any Healthcare bills generated by Congress.
Don’t bet on it, FRiend..........
Personally....I've always thought the saying...."Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way"...works pretty good.
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