House passes bi-partisan health insurance reform bill (Part 1)

November 8, 12:39 AMWorcester County Progressive ExaminerThomas Deusser

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 House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (house.gov)

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This was certainly an unusual day in the House of Representatives.

It started around 9 AM EST with Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) gaveling in debate for H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act; otherwise known as the House Health Care Reform Bill. Republican obstruction started pretty early on, with Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) objecting and interrupting as a slew of Democratic Congressmen tried to put their short “revise and extend remarks” statements on the record.

Once that was cleared up, however, it appeared that everything resumed its normal course. About 10 hours of debate followed, with approximately 400 million references to “government takeover” “job-killing” and “for the American people”, to the point that if you didn't know better; you would think that the Democrats and Republicans just had the same speech on loop for ten hours. On the other hand, if you didn't know who your Congressman was, you likely would have had found out had you watched today. For example, Delegate to Congress Donna Christensen (D-USVI) was on twice.

The “stars” of the past few months were all in attendance. Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) made three separate appearances today, thankfully none of them called for an investigation on the anti-American sentiment in the House. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) of “you lie” fame also made an appearance; demonstrating once again why the Republican Leadership probably should have used someone who could actually pass for literate; when deciding who would shout “you lie” during the special joint session of Congress. Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) of “die quickly” fame, was not awarded any mic time today for his lack of decorum in the past.

Then it became time for the nitty-gritty. The Stupak (et. al) Amendment, posed as a “clarification” of the “Hyde Amendment” came up for a vote after some very contentious debate. Here's the full text of the amendment, and you can decide for yourself if that's what you think it is:

The amendment will prohibit federal funds for abortion services in the public option. It also prohibits individuals who receive affordability credits from purchasing a plan that provides elective abortions. However, it allows individuals, both who receive affordability credits and who do not, to separately purchase with their own funds to purchase plans that cover elective abortions. It also clarifies that private plans may still offer elective abortions.

The amendment passed 240-194 (all 194 “nay” were Democrats) with Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) intentionally voting present, in what was thought to be a compromise to get enough votes to pass the underlying bill.

Click Here for Part 2