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Key Senate Democrat suggests that he didn't read entire healthcare reform bill
The Hill ^ | 8-25-10 | Jordan Fabian

Posted on 08/25/2010 11:01:32 AM PDT by afraidfortherepublic

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), one of the chief authors of the healthcare law, suggested Tuesday he did not read the entire piece of legislation.

Speaking at a forum in his home state, Baucus and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius were asked by an audience member if they had read the whole bill and “if not, that is the most despicable, irresponsible thing.”

“I don’t think you want me to waste my time to read every page of the healthcare bill,” Baucus said, according to the Flathead Beacon. “You know why? It’s statutory language. ... We hire experts.”

Republicans, who opposed the law in lockstep, frequently criticized Democrats for the length of the bill and often pressed members if they had read the legislation or not. In March, Congress passed the legislation and President Obama signed the 961-page final bill into law.

At least one Democratic lawmaker, Sen. Claire McCaskill (Mo.) made a public showing of reading the bill.

Democrats dismissed the criticism, saying it did not have anything do to with the contents of the legislation.

At the town-hall event, Baucus defended the sweeping law.

“It’s not perfect, nothing’s perfect, but I’m telling you, ma’am, it’s a good start,” Baucus said. “Mark my words, several years from now you’re going to look back and say, ‘Eh, maybe it isn’t so bad.’ ”


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Extended News; Government; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: democrats; maxbaucus; obamacare; senate
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To: ripley; All
"Just as the brilliant, really smart, intellectual Ms. Pelosi stated, “You’ll find out what’s in it after it’s passed.” (Don’t you stupid dolts out there know that The Speaker of the House knows what’s best for you??"

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21 posted on 08/25/2010 11:45:28 AM PDT by musicman (Until I see the REAL Long Form Vault BC, he's just "PRES__ENT" Obama = Without "ID")
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To: brownsfan

That’s the problem. The left would insist on “progressive” law professors. Someone like Barack Obama. The test would include questions like, “True or False, The Constitution goes too far in describing what the Gov’t cannot do to you rather than what it must do for you.” Of course, the correct answer is true.


22 posted on 08/25/2010 11:47:45 AM PDT by KansasGirl (No, I do not proofread.)
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To: afraidfortherepublic
They can't read the bills because they are too large and you need 2 lawyers to tell you what it means. EXACTLY what is wrong with them. The bills are to be read in congress. Someone, anyone, can object to the suspension of the reading of the bill. They should do so on EVERY bill, until bills are made smaller and are written in understandable plain English.

This is immediately possible as soon as the new Congress is sworn in. Transparency is paramount.

23 posted on 08/25/2010 11:49:50 AM PDT by faucetman (Just the facts ma'am, just the facts)
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To: BenLurkin

Its as bad as treason. And technocrats is a good word. We are governed by the unelected.


24 posted on 08/25/2010 11:55:39 AM PDT by ThomasMore (Patrick Henry and Joe Wilson...Patriots past and present!)
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To: afraidfortherepublic

Is anyone surprised by this?


25 posted on 08/25/2010 12:04:19 PM PDT by SuziQ
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To: KansasGirl

“Of course, the correct answer is true.”

Freepers know that the Constitution was written by some very bright men who didn’t trust government. Therefore, the Constition is to spell out the powers of the government so that it doesn’t go too far. If it’s not in there, it’s not intended to be in there!

In tech terms, when it comes to government powers, the Constitution is an implicit deny.


26 posted on 08/25/2010 12:04:42 PM PDT by brownsfan (Revolution.)
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To: afraidfortherepublic

Don’t worry, Max, neither did anyone else we elected. That’s why they will (and you) will be replaced. Dumb but!


27 posted on 08/25/2010 12:05:10 PM PDT by Bitsy
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To: afraidfortherepublic
“I don’t think you want me to waste my time to read every page of the healthcare bill,” Baucus said

Perhaps he doesn't need to waste our time by being in DC.

28 posted on 08/25/2010 12:08:02 PM PDT by bgill (K Parliament- how could a young man born in Kenya who is not even a native American become the POTUS)
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To: JTHomes

Sneak in a paragraph about firing Congress.


29 posted on 08/25/2010 12:10:14 PM PDT by bgill (K Parliament- how could a young man born in Kenya who is not even a native American become the POTUS)
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To: brownsfan

Nope, would turn out just like the 911 commission, with libs like goreLICK undermining common sense and honesty.


30 posted on 08/25/2010 12:13:07 PM PDT by dusttoyou (Let the other side get all wee-wee'd up, Remember come November)
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To: brownsfan

That is why Barack Obama is going to send you off to a re-education camp. ;-)


31 posted on 08/25/2010 12:21:33 PM PDT by KansasGirl (No, I do not proofread.)
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To: brownsfan

Bump!


32 posted on 08/25/2010 1:34:44 PM PDT by BenLurkin (This post is not a statement of fact. It is merely a personal opinion -- or humor -- or both.)
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