Democrats Block GOP Health Care Mailing

[cali]

By Jackie Kucinich
Roll Call Staff
July 23, 2009, 12 a.m.


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Democrats are preventing Republican House Members from sending their constituents a mailing that is critical of the majority’s health care reform plan, blocking the mailing by alleging that it is inaccurate.

House Republicans are crying foul and claiming that the Democrats are using their majority to prevent GOP Members from communicating with their constituents.

The dispute centers on a chart created by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and Republican staff of the Joint Economic Committee to illustrate the organization of the Democratic health care plan.

At first glance, Brady’s chart resembles a board game: a colorful collection of shapes and images with a web of lines connecting them.

But a closer look at the image reveals a complicated menagerie of government offices and programs that Republicans say will be created if the leading Democratic health care plan becomes law.

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http://www.rollcall.com/issues/55_12/news/37125-1.html

[murielm99]

1. Thanks. I bookmarked this thread.

We have a republican congressman here. If this thing gets out to the public, I want to be able to shoot it down with LOTS of public exposure.

[Forkboy]

2. Mixed feelings on this one.

I wish the rule they refer to had been included. I know if the GOP pulled some rule out that stopped us from getting info that we feel is right to other Dems I'd be upset. But if there is a specific rule that forbids misleading information then the Repubs either need to follow the rules or pass new ones. And I'm sure they'd do the same to us.

If anyone knows this rule throw me a bone. :)

[Enrique]

4. rule here

http://johnrlott.blogspot.com/2009/07/democrats-block-gop-health-care-mailing.html


Congressional rules for franked mail bar Members from using taxpayer-funded mail for newsletters that use “partisan, politicized or personalized” comments to criticize legislation or policy.

[Forkboy]

6. Excellent. Thank you so much!

And that settles it for me. Tough luck, Repubs! :D

[emulatorloo]

3. Misleading information in a Republican mailer? I AM SHOCKED!!!!!!!!!

Actually I am kind of shocked to see House Dems do something about it. Very good.

[kenfrequed]

5. I saw the blowhard that was pushing this chart...

I believe that Lewis Black ripped on him a bit on a segment a day or so ago. He had a made up chart up that was nothing but a big fat lie. I think the repukes have been using a loophole by which charts are not entered into the congressional record to keep from looking like liars and dimwits when the record is seriously reviewed later.