Posted on 07/31/2009 6:18:14 PM PDT by St. Louis Conservative
WASHINGTON Democrats have pushed sweeping health care legislation through a key congressional committee, clearing the way for a September showdown on President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.
The 31-28 vote Friday came after majority Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committee agreed to a last-minute series of changes including limiting how much health insurance companies can raise premiums.
The changes were made to placate liberal Democrats who rebelled after a deal was struck earlier in the week with conservative Democrats.
Energy and Commerce was the last of three House committees to act on the health bill. The vote came on the last day of the House's session before its annual summer recess, sending Democrats home with some momentum on health care.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) After a bruising struggle, Democrats pushed sweeping health care legislation to the brink of passage in a key congressional committee on Friday, clearing the way for a September showdown in the House on President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.
As part of a last-minute series of changes, the Energy and Commerce Committee agreed to limit increases in the cost of insurance sold under the bill, and also to give the federal government authority to negotiate directly with drug companies for lower prices under Medicare.
The new provisions were part of an intensive effort Democrats have made in recent days to satisfy the conflicting demands of liberals and conservatives on the panel. "We have agreed we need to pull together," said Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., the committee chairman.
The measure is designed to extend health insurance to millions who now lack it, at the same time it strives to slow the growth in medical costs nationwid.
(Excerpt) Read more at google.com ...
Those who will be denied medical services and given end of life services are those who are eligible for medicare - 65.
That means as soon as someone reaches retirement age, the democrats are going to expedite their death.
Presto. The politicians get to keep all their SS money, pay for illegals health care, and guarantee their vote after the amnesty bill passes.
It's criminal. The voters need to hear this. They'll be on the expendable list themselves someday, too.
You can press Henry Waxman’s face into dough and make gorilla cookies.
That said, the economy-killer and health-care killer known as Obamacare must be stopped.
There is ALREADY competition on the Medicare Part D prescription market.
Who really thinks that the government can do a better job than the free market?
I knew they were going to get it through. They don’t care what we think.
I’m sorry...Waxman is one ugly dude!
what an ugly SOB!
Luigi
Just through committee we still have a good chance to get this crap bill dumped. After all the congressional representatives get back to their districts and hear from their constituents, things could change dramatically.
How ‘bout them blue dogs?
This should be in Breaking News
If the price cannot be increased then the coverage has to be rationed.
tut tut and pish posh boyos. The rich, powerful and political will no doubt exclude themselves from the plan or at the very least have them (and their families) bumped up on the care lists. They can also afford to go overseas to private clinics.
In Canada, those who have the bucks go to private clinics....so much for equal treatment.
Coming soon to a town near you.
“Needle please!”
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