House Dems push ahead on compromise health bill over liberals' complaints

[Karmadillo]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090730/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_overhaul

House Dems push ahead on compromise health bill
By ERICA WERNER, Associated Press Writer
27 mins ago

WASHINGTON – House Democrats pushed ahead with a compromise health overhaul Thursday over liberals' complaints, intent on achieving tangible — if modest — success on President Barack Obama's top domestic priority ahead of a monthlong summer recess.

"We've got to pass the bill. Not only do we have to, but we're going to," said Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, the last of three House committees to act on the sweeping legislation.

<edit>

Some details of the deal remained murky. As part of the agreement the Blue Dogs are insisting they won't vote for a bill that costs more than $1 trillion over 10 years, but that would require Democrats to make more cuts or raise more money. It wasn't clear how much, or how it would be accomplished.

As Energy and Commerce lawmakers worked methodically through piles of Republican and Democratic amendments, Waxman's shaky majority was on display early, when the committee voted 29-28 to defeat a Republican amendment to strengthen ID requirements designed to prevent illegal immigrants from getting Medicaid benefits.

<edit>

"This agreement is not a step forward toward a good health care bill, but a large step backwards," 53 Progressive Caucus members said in a letter to House leaders Thursday. "Any bill that does not provide, at a minimum, for a public option with reimbursement rates based on Medicare rates — not negotiated rates — is unacceptable."

At a news conference liberal lawmakers threatened to vote against the bill if it comes to the floor without a stronger public plan. Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., an Energy and Commerce member, said liberals probably had enough votes to block the Blue Dog deal in committee.

more...

[aquart]

1. So Democrats and liberals are different creatures?

This does not please me.

[JuniperLea]

2. I'm feeling duped... eom

[Laelth]

4. Sad, isn't it?

Blue dogs acting like Republicans. Only the Progressive Caucus willing to stand up for the interests of middle class Americans. I expected better from my party.

:dem:

-Laelth

[MzNov]

3. So I guess 75% of the American people are liberals.

They've been pigeon holing us forever and it's getting quite old.

[FiveGoodMen]

5. This is why the party has lost my support

[mdavies013]

6. Don't give up just yet...make calls...send letters....take an hour out of your day to call

the White House, Blue Cross Dogs, etc. I have drawn a line in the sand in regards to health care....the fight is just beginning....don't fold now.

[choie]

7. Please email Anthony Weiner

to support him on his threat to vote no if the bill doesn't include a strong public plan:
http://weiner.house.gov/email_anthony.aspx

[donco]

8. Sent this

Don’t waver Congressman Wiener, I don’t live in your district but you are showing a lot of grit and courage in your persistence in trying to get a REAL PUBLIC OPTION, not some lame…. whatever.


Sincerely Don ******