Posted on 03/18/2010 1:28:15 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
The co-chairwoman of the Blue Dog Coalition says that using a controversial "deem and pass" mechanism to pass healthcare reform would be "poison."
In a conference call with reporters today, Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-S.D.), who is a "firm no" on the bill itself, said the process Democrats are considering would spell disaster for the climate in Congress.
"While deeming, like reconciliation, has been used by Republicans and Democrats in the past, the context in which it would be used in this case leads me to conclude that it would poison an already terribly partisan atmosphere and leave the Congress even less able to find bipartisan solutions to fiscal problems that are on the verge of becoming overwhelming," Herseth Sandlin said.
The "deem and pass" mechanism would allow Democrats to avoid a direct vote on the Senate bill and instead "deem" it to have been passed only when they make changes.
While the mechanism has been used before, many Republicans are calling in unconstitutional.
(Excerpt) Read more at thehill.com ...
Good thinking Blue Dogs!!
I guess a future Republican majority can deem Obama’s vetos “overruled” in the future.
H/T to the Drudge Report.
I wouldn’t be so certain that you can “undeem” after “deeming.” What if the Senate leaves the House high and dry? Will Nancy even wait on the Senate?
“deem and pass” will be on each of these fools tombstone....
I deem Obama stupid!
How about a civil war?
Now THAT'S transparent!
Who, what, where, when and why has it been used before?
All my lib friends are braying that deem-n-pass has been used many times before, so this is just no big deal. I know it has been used before, but has it ever been used on such a close, controversial, partisan bill?
Anybody have a good history of this thing?
Does she have a credible opponent this year..the GOP should be able to pick up the seat..and then, Timmy Johnson’s as well..
Look for a “Wag the Dog” military strike against Iran in the near future.
So many games being played right now, mostly by the Democrats I’m afraid. This whole “Slaughter Rule” thing might be a ruse, a feignt, a distraction.
No, it has been used on small, procedural stuff. NEVER on a huge entitlement, much less one that takes over 1/6 of the economy.
Blue Dogs better hide under the porch if they vote for this POS and expect to keep their jobs.
ruse, distraction or not THEY look really bad so I dont know how they benefit from it.
What's to stop her from simply deeming the House reconciliation bill "passed" by the Senate, without even sending up to the Senate. As crazy as things are getting lately.
My estimate is 80 seats.
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