After hours of spirited debate during an historic Saturday session, the U.S. House of Representatives tonight passed the Democratic health care reform bill, by a vote of 220-215.
Regrettably, 39 Democrats joined 176 Republicans in voting against the bill, with a lone, newly elected Louisiana Republican, Rep. Anh “Joseph” Cao, voting in favor.
The vote came after solid rejection of the sham Republican substitute bill.
A dream advanced periodically over a century, with backing from Presidents Roosevelt (Theodore and Franklin D.), Truman, Johnson, Clinton and now, Obama, is one big step closer to becoming reality.
Along the way to passage, the House voted 240-94 for an amendment by Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., to strengthen a provision barring federal funding for abortions. Sixty-four Democrats voted for Stupak’s measure, triggering outrage among pro-choice groups. (More background on Stupak, co-chairman of the House Pro-Life Caucus and co-resident of the C Street house with religious zealot Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., here.)
For all the compromises necessary to get it passed, the House bill is far more progressive, complete and helpful than the Senate version. That sets the stage for some fierce head-butting as the two versions are reconciled in conference committee negotiations in the coming weeks.
For liberals, the House bill’s paltry one-vote margin bodes ill, because House negotiators’ hand will be weakened as they bargain for a stronger final version with their Senate counterparts.
That said, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., and all but 39 House Democrats have earned respect for their months of grueling, complicated work when it would’ve been much easier to just kick this can down the road.
Polls show the public is highly dissatisfied with congressional Democrats and Republicans alike, and repelled by the spectacle of what has rightly been likened to sausage making.
In our view, the American public would do well to grow up, wise up and give credit where credit is due. This long, hard year of wrangling; of two steps forward and one step back; of high drama, low comedy and chronic uncertainty, is what political courage in action looks like in our representative democracy.
When getting all warm, fuzzy and patriotic about America the beautiful, home of the brave and land of the free, we need to show some respect and appreciation for this kind of hassle-ridden ordeal, too. It’s every bit as crucial to what makes our country what it is as victory parades after wars, men walking on the moon and Lee Greenwood singing how proud he is to be an American.
There is more drama to come along with more misrepresentations of the facts and just a pinch of hypocrisy. The 39 democrats should just cross the aisle and be done with, one of the 39 is my rep., I voted for him, never again. Political courage has been shown by some of the democrats because they knew it would put them under intense pressure to hang on to their well paid jobs next year. Doing the right thing for Americans who are not CEOs of major corporations has not been in vogue for many years. The fact that it has made the republicans spitting mad is evidence that it is a good thing.
SW said: In our view, the American public would do well to grow up, wise up and give credit where credit is due. This long, hard year of wrangling; of two steps forward and one step back; of high drama, low comedy and chronic uncertainty, is what political courage in action looks like in our representative democracy.
Bee says: Couldn’t have said it better myself
You need to remember that this is about prying obsene profits away from the insurance companies. That’s no easy task when you consider the made billions in profit and are shoveling money at our congress.
Holte, I expect much more than a pinch of hypocrisy. Maybe taking revenge on your representative is in order, but keep in mind what that can do to the total of Dems in Congress re: other issues. If too many dump their Democrat, Republicans could regain control.
Bee, thank you again.
Demeur, the industry and U.S. Chamber of Commerce aren’t going down without a fight, and for good rea$on$.
My so-called representative is none other than alcoholic Orange-Glo “Junket John” Boehner, whi is an embarrassment to humanity.
A local County Sheriff has formed an exploratory committee in preparation for a run against Boehner in the Rushpubliscum primary. I will, should he run, cross lines and vote for him, such is my distaste for that corrupt POS.
But JR, Boehner looks so good in a suit. And that baritone voice delivering all the latest GOP talking points. Ahem.
I think the most important thing now is for the Senate to get on it and pass this bill, whatever final form it takes. If it doesn’t have a public option it will still be better than no bill at all. This bill is too historic for the Senate to blow it now.
I personally don’t mind the sausage factor aspect of Congress or this debate. I think the most disgusting part is how beholden both parties are to the insurance lobby. It wasn’t exactly a news bulletin, but still, seeing one Democrat after another reciting what his/her HMO puppetmasters told him/her to say — it’s revolting.
I want to replace my current blue dog democrat, with a democrat of a different hue.
Tom, revolting is what the people Democrats in Congress look to for money, volunteers and other support ought to do if this degenerates into a complete sellout. Ditto, if Lieberman is allowed to scuttle health care reform or make it not worth passing, and he’s allowed to keep his committee chairmanship.
Holte, have you thought about running? Considering where you’re located, it might be your only chance to get a Dem of a different hue.