Honestly, it isn't clear if the Democrats can stop the passage of the Republic health care debacle in the Senate. However, what is more important is that Senate Democrats and all of us really educate ourselves about the current system of health care in the United States, We now have the most expensive and not the most effective health care system in the developed world. If Congressional Republicans are determined to pass a measure that will make that worse--let them. People will suffer--maybe that will convince us as voters and patients that we need to understand health care in the United States what we're voting for.
2
oh please. the biggest drag on Obama's presidency was the incompetence of Harry Reid, and now Chuck Schumer is giving him a run for the title....
McConnell presented the road map for grinding the opposing party's agenda to a halt in the Senate and now literally months after this Congress was sworn in we're getting "were really going to do something...soon..." sabre (butter knife?) rattling.
I have zero confidence that Schumer can obstruct anything but am easy win for Democrats in the mood-term election.
McConnell presented the road map for grinding the opposing party's agenda to a halt in the Senate and now literally months after this Congress was sworn in we're getting "were really going to do something...soon..." sabre (butter knife?) rattling.
I have zero confidence that Schumer can obstruct anything but am easy win for Democrats in the mood-term election.
Republicans are working on a healthcare gerrymander that disenfranchises blacks, Latinos, poor Americans and immigrant communities from benefits. Like the North Carolina legislative gerrymanders, it will do this with surgical precision. Also just like in North Carolina, the majority of white Americans will be in favor of the gerrymander no matter how much it hurts them or their loved ones. this is what you get when you let hate drive the agenda. It's also a good prelude to the coming civil war.
2
Having seen the Senate bill, here are the highlights...seniors will die sooner than later, pre-existing is alive and well, poor folks don't count, off to the emergency rooms for them, everyone will pay, pre-existing folks will pay three times more, folks 55 and over, will pay double, young folks can drop out, employers will have the option of providing health insurance or not providing health insurance, Medicare rates will double, and you can custom your coverage to cover one, two, or more illnesses, just make sure you roll the dice the right way. Of course, not all is bad news...there's a nice tax cut for the rich hidden in the details. I guess what Trump meant was that the House Bill was mean, and he wanted it to be extra mean. Winning so much, I'm really exhausted from all the winning.
5
Does anybody in Washington care about taking care of the people who elected them? When obstruction replaces progress, when two steps backwards represents advancing the people’s business and when secret deals replace open dialogue it’s time to re think how American democracy works. It’s absurd what is happening in politics where basic common sense has become nonsense. Honestly, one wonders if all the political inbreeding that happens in D.C. has led members of the GOP to lose their minds.
5
After years of research, hearings by oh so many committees and expert witnesses in public testimony, the Dems pushed thru the boldest attempt yet to remake healthcare financing in the country's history. After several weeks of closed door meetings, and no public input or public congressional hearings, the repubs will attempt to push thru a comprehensive replacement to support their tax reform agenda. Not really comparable. Should be deep sixed hopefully by the president who would not be nearly as proud of AHCA/Trumpcare and Obama was of the PPACA/Obamacare.
2
The hardest hit in the new healthcare act will be 8,261,800 people and they're represented by just 13 Republican senators: McConnell, Cornyn, Thune, Barrasso, Enzi, Hatch, Cruz, Lee, Cotton, Gardner, Portman and Toomey. These old white men must be so proud of themselves.
9
Talk about Death Panels!
If Trumpcare passes the Senate on the strength of a handful of white Republican men, how can it not be viewed otherwise for the many millions who will probably lose their insurance ? Who knew that the Death Panels would actually be some Republicans meeting behind closed doors ? Who knew that most of the Congressional Republicans, once so "mortified" by death panels, seem so willing to trot it out under a new name? AHCA = Trumpcare = Death Panels.
Plain and simple.
If Trumpcare passes the Senate on the strength of a handful of white Republican men, how can it not be viewed otherwise for the many millions who will probably lose their insurance ? Who knew that the Death Panels would actually be some Republicans meeting behind closed doors ? Who knew that most of the Congressional Republicans, once so "mortified" by death panels, seem so willing to trot it out under a new name? AHCA = Trumpcare = Death Panels.
Plain and simple.
13
Why is this not the biggest headline in the online edition?? This is a highly undemocratic action being perpetrated by Republican national elected officials. Silence serves them. No news IS the news. Don't be complicit.
12
Why not shop for a better deal that works for everyone? I am a Canadian 65 year old self employed business man. Single payer works very well for practically all Canadians. Unless you are empathetically challenged you could change the way you think about it. When the Country uses what every citizen is able to afford through income tax revenue to fund the national healthcare budget, it is possible to supply a care system that first thoroughly and individually triages, then adequately takes care of each patient. Luxury care could also be made available for those who can afford it. Those who choose private care could be allowed an exemption or a tax credit on the health care costs. The Canadian system currently doesn't offer such a tax credit. There is private care available but insurance options are limited. My Doctor who I like and have been seeing for 25 years never sends me a bill. My Meds which are are covered by Blue Cross at $35 a month always cost me no more than $25 each no matter what they are. The system saves money by using generics. I'm told that they are identical to the trademark versions and are a fraction of the cost. All in all, collective use of the funding results in a system that is better for everyone overall.
7
Gersh, you are assuming that there is an honest interest by Republicans in Congress to do the right thing by the American people at large. It is understandable, after all, they are our elected officials.
However, Republicans in Congress are only concerned with shilling for the top 1% of wealthy Americans. Their only goal in this case is to give their puppet-masters the trillion dollar tax cut this bill will include, while sticking it to the average Joes by cutting Medicaid to the tune of $800 billion, gutting health insurance coverage for tens of millions, etc., etc.
However, Republicans in Congress are only concerned with shilling for the top 1% of wealthy Americans. Their only goal in this case is to give their puppet-masters the trillion dollar tax cut this bill will include, while sticking it to the average Joes by cutting Medicaid to the tune of $800 billion, gutting health insurance coverage for tens of millions, etc., etc.
5
Thanks for this Dan. Everyone knows about the 1%. I'm trying to expose the other 99% of folks to these ideas.
As I said "Unless you are empathetically challenged you could change the way you think about it".
As I said "Unless you are empathetically challenged you could change the way you think about it".
2
Just as Obama was pilloried with ObamaCare and lost the majority in both houses of Congress in the mid-terms the same will occur with Trump and the GOP Health Scare proposal. The worse that final bill is for the non-one percent. The more people who lose their health care and lose Medicare and Medicare the worse it will be for the GOP when it sinks in that they solely represent the 1% and everyone else not at all.
It sinks that real people will suffer and die due to Republican actions against the people of our once great nation.
It sinks that real people will suffer and die due to Republican actions against the people of our once great nation.
8
As has been observed before, most economically-disadvantaged GOP voters would rather vote for something that benefits the 1% on the infinitessimal chance they themselves may someday be rich, than vote for anyone or anything that requires them to acknowledge they are poor.
If we confiscated huge portions of people's wealth and gave it to other people in the form of healthcare, the recipients would have more insurance, But that doesn't make it right. And that's exactly what Obamacare did, rather than, for example, increasing the payroll tax so that everyone had skin in the game. Go Mitch - repeal this atrocity.
Maybe more would agree on changes, or even repeal and replace, if we knew what the bill is about. For example, you had an idea to increase payroll taxes. Pretty sure many of the republicans would not agree to that, but at least it's something that can be debated.
What's happening now is a complete absence of ideas, no visibility into what's being put forward, no debating something impacting everyone's accessibility to and affordability of healthcare, which impacts 1/6 of our economy. Also missing is any input from women, minorities, health care and medical organizations, fellow senators, both Democrat and Republican. Not for lack of trying: Mitch and his gang of 12 middle-aged male senators appear to know the answer to all, and on top of opacity in the process, refuse input from valid stakeholders of our country's health.
So, to Mitch and co.: you proceed at your and your party's peril.
What's happening now is a complete absence of ideas, no visibility into what's being put forward, no debating something impacting everyone's accessibility to and affordability of healthcare, which impacts 1/6 of our economy. Also missing is any input from women, minorities, health care and medical organizations, fellow senators, both Democrat and Republican. Not for lack of trying: Mitch and his gang of 12 middle-aged male senators appear to know the answer to all, and on top of opacity in the process, refuse input from valid stakeholders of our country's health.
So, to Mitch and co.: you proceed at your and your party's peril.
8
a 3% tax increase in the wealthiest Americans for Obama's care is in no way a 'huge' confiscation of wealth... and yes, actually, a progressive tax that protects the most vulnerable in our society does make it right.
It's called the social compact that we as American citizens have historically supported. It's one of the things that separated our egalitarian society from so many other caste-based societies around the world. It is in fact our patriotic duty to care for other citizens.
Let's call the AHCA exactly what it is - a putrid tax cut scheme for the wealthiest Americans at the expense of the rest of us, which is being cloaked in a bogus health care package. At least be honest in your greed and selfishness.
It's called the social compact that we as American citizens have historically supported. It's one of the things that separated our egalitarian society from so many other caste-based societies around the world. It is in fact our patriotic duty to care for other citizens.
Let's call the AHCA exactly what it is - a putrid tax cut scheme for the wealthiest Americans at the expense of the rest of us, which is being cloaked in a bogus health care package. At least be honest in your greed and selfishness.
2
To DRS:
You stated "we confiscated huge portions of people's wealth"
The fact is that Obamacare included a supplemental tax only on the investment incomes of families who earned more than $250,000. The tax is only 3.8% - hardly a "huge portion" of their annual income, much less their wealth. The after tax incomes of these families increased 192% since Bush was president. The incomes of the other 99% of Americans only increased 47% during the same time period.
Clearly the wealthy can afford to pay a bit more.
Furthermore, general appropriations funded by all taxpayers pay for a much larger portion of Obamacare than does the 3.8% tax on families earning more than $250,000.
Earnings of $250,000+ define the top 10% of earners.
Even excluding the wealth (i.e., investments) of the top 10%, their inflation-adjusted wages increased 33% from 1979-2014; whereas the inflation-adjusted wages of the bottom 90% of earners increased less than 17% over the same period.
Please read the following information about trends in income for the top 1%, top 10% and the 90%. Then tell us again that the top 10% cannot afford to pay Obamacare taxes. https://inequality.org/facts/income-inequality/
You stated "we confiscated huge portions of people's wealth"
The fact is that Obamacare included a supplemental tax only on the investment incomes of families who earned more than $250,000. The tax is only 3.8% - hardly a "huge portion" of their annual income, much less their wealth. The after tax incomes of these families increased 192% since Bush was president. The incomes of the other 99% of Americans only increased 47% during the same time period.
Clearly the wealthy can afford to pay a bit more.
Furthermore, general appropriations funded by all taxpayers pay for a much larger portion of Obamacare than does the 3.8% tax on families earning more than $250,000.
Earnings of $250,000+ define the top 10% of earners.
Even excluding the wealth (i.e., investments) of the top 10%, their inflation-adjusted wages increased 33% from 1979-2014; whereas the inflation-adjusted wages of the bottom 90% of earners increased less than 17% over the same period.
Please read the following information about trends in income for the top 1%, top 10% and the 90%. Then tell us again that the top 10% cannot afford to pay Obamacare taxes. https://inequality.org/facts/income-inequality/
I hope the Republican Senate passes their version of the AHCA with only superficial changes to the House version, if any. Democrats should drop the parliamentary maneuvering and step aside so the Republicans can make their 8 year old dream a reality. If the country doesn't ultimately reward this supreme act of deception, cruelty, selfishness and greed with a deafening rejection in 2018, maybe it's beyond salvation.
The low income whites who had received so much of the benefits of the ACA but then swept this bunch of frat boys into power need a taste of what they voted for. Bring it on, please!
The low income whites who had received so much of the benefits of the ACA but then swept this bunch of frat boys into power need a taste of what they voted for. Bring it on, please!
2
This whole affair is even more distasteful after we had to listen to 8 years of ceaseless Republican whining and bawling that Obama care was "rammed down our throats" without proper hearings.
I'm not surprised, but I am surprised more media outlets aren't pointing out this rank hypocrisy.
I'm not surprised, but I am surprised more media outlets aren't pointing out this rank hypocrisy.
11
Unless I've been asleep for the past 70 years, which I sincerely doubt, I don't think I've seen government in this country so without an iota of moral consciousness willfully intent on hurting so many of its citizens delivering a tax windfall for some while administering that hurt.
43
You were definitely asleep when Obamacare (what's left of it) passed!
Dont kid yourself both Republicans and Democrats are equally part of the problem.
1
Republicans do it because so they know next election cycle people will have forgotten and they'll get elected again.
I know I am in the minority here, but I say let the GOP pass this bill, and let trump sign it with his customary flourish before the cameras. Look, the simple fact is, as has been readily apparent for years now, that those who continue to vote for these people must feel real pain before anything can change. Reason, facts, harsh language - none of this has or will work to turn the tide of insanity besetting our democracy. Change will require suffering. So, let the GOP implement its tax cuts - both in the form of their healthcare bill, and then tax "reform". Then maybe the people voting repeatedly to cut their own throats will finally see the light, and vote sanely for a change. If that doesn't do it, nothing will. Bring it.
30
I agree whole heartedly. The country is going to have to suffer before people come to their senses. Might as well get it over with as soon as possible.
2
Hear! Hear!
Over the next 20 years, this bill is likely to result in the premature deaths of millions of rural GOP voters whose access to medical care will be limited or removed. You would think the GOP leadership could see this, even if they don't actually value the lives of their constituents. Despite what the GOP continues to claim, the dead don't vote.
Why the secrecy? When Obama asked for health reform, the democrats did not work in secret. There were dozens of open meetings. I recall a televised meeting on health reform with the president and key senators from both parties. It was at this meeting that Obama reminded McCain about who won the election. It was a brutal and drawn out process, with sudden closure with the death of Kennedy and the election of Brown. Can major legislation that is not open ever be good?
13
If they had a great bill they would be bragging about it on every news outlet. The fact that they are trying to keep it a secret implies it must be pretty terrible. I suspect most of the meetings are reviewing focus group reports and how they will be able to best spin this attack on the American people. The Republicans have become the death panel they predicted by supporting tax cuts for the rich paid for with the health and lives of the most vulnerable. Shameful.
26
Hopefully, an Ossoff victory in today's Georgia special congressional election will panic nervous republican incumbents and help the democrats tactical efforts to keep this and other destructive legislation from becoming law. As 2018 will be a midterm election year, the focus of congress will then be "re-election" so this year is make or break for any legislation the GOP wants to pass and today's contest should give the republicans pause.
8
After reading a few comments, it seems most are missing the point here. When has essentially a handful of members of the Senate ever cobbled together such a complicated piece of legislation of such importance or of this magnitude that directly affected millions of people - behind closed doors? Why are the men my state, sent to represent us, being shut out of every facet of the process? Why is the vast majority of its members on both sides of the aisle being kept in the dark – don’t the people they represent get a say in such an important issue as our health care? I don’t care how wonderful a piece of legislation comes out of this – and I do not have my hopes up, given McConnell’s lack of a better plan than the ACA after all of this time – but this is clearly NOT how a democracy works!
I will have questions for my Senators…if you voted for it, do you understand what it was you voted for? Did you read it? Is it truly in the best interest of THE PEOPLE? Answer carefully – your lucrative future in Washington may depend on it.
I will have questions for my Senators…if you voted for it, do you understand what it was you voted for? Did you read it? Is it truly in the best interest of THE PEOPLE? Answer carefully – your lucrative future in Washington may depend on it.
21
Where were you 8 years ago?
Per a recent comment:
" ... [Democrats] passed Obamacare on a straight party line vote and ever since then they have lacked the votes to fix it."
You're looking through the wrong end of the telescope.
On a straight party line vote, Republicans voted AGAINST the ACA, even though, during more than a year in committee, Republicans debated the legislation as it was being shaped. In fact, a number of Republican amendments were accepted and to this day remain in the law.
The casual observer might have concluded that the GOP was engaged, collaboratively working to craft a good law. But when not a single Republican voted for the final bill it became obvious that all along it was a charade to slow roll the process, to keep talking just for the sake of talking.
When you look through the CORRECT end of the telescope you see that it's not that Democrats lack the votes to fix the ACA, the problem is that rather than fix it and help the American people, Republicans REFUSE to fix it.
For some eight years now the GOP has done nothing but malign the ACA, gut it with obstructing laws, and toothlessly vote to repeal it.
Now they sit in a shuttered room, hatch a regressive tax giveaway, and plan to pass it off as Obamacare replacement.
Sad!
Even some enlightened Republicans understand that.
" ... [Democrats] passed Obamacare on a straight party line vote and ever since then they have lacked the votes to fix it."
You're looking through the wrong end of the telescope.
On a straight party line vote, Republicans voted AGAINST the ACA, even though, during more than a year in committee, Republicans debated the legislation as it was being shaped. In fact, a number of Republican amendments were accepted and to this day remain in the law.
The casual observer might have concluded that the GOP was engaged, collaboratively working to craft a good law. But when not a single Republican voted for the final bill it became obvious that all along it was a charade to slow roll the process, to keep talking just for the sake of talking.
When you look through the CORRECT end of the telescope you see that it's not that Democrats lack the votes to fix the ACA, the problem is that rather than fix it and help the American people, Republicans REFUSE to fix it.
For some eight years now the GOP has done nothing but malign the ACA, gut it with obstructing laws, and toothlessly vote to repeal it.
Now they sit in a shuttered room, hatch a regressive tax giveaway, and plan to pass it off as Obamacare replacement.
Sad!
Even some enlightened Republicans understand that.
19
Let it pass. Too many working class American voters still struggle to understand that the Republican party does not represent their interests. Let them find out the hard way. It's the only way they will learn.
10
If the GOP were proud of their bill, they would not hide its contents. If Trump had nothing to hide, he would not fight an investigation.
The GOP: Party of Shame.
They're all hiding something. Why?
The GOP: Party of Shame.
They're all hiding something. Why?
13
Republicans keep badmouthing the CBO but wasn't the CBO overly optimistic about ACA?
AHCA must be REALLY bad if they don't want the CBO to review it before it gets passed.
Which despite months of bipartisan ACA meetings is supposedly totally ok because Nancy Pelosi is quoted saying something stupid once. If that is the standard we use now, Ryan has said enough stupid things for the Republicans to be locked out of negotiations for millennia.
AHCA must be REALLY bad if they don't want the CBO to review it before it gets passed.
Which despite months of bipartisan ACA meetings is supposedly totally ok because Nancy Pelosi is quoted saying something stupid once. If that is the standard we use now, Ryan has said enough stupid things for the Republicans to be locked out of negotiations for millennia.
6
Pelosi's statement wasn't stupid. Republicans just misquote and deliberately misunderstand / misrepresent what she said.
CBO's report on ACA was mildly over-optimistic, but not catastrophically so. Considering the unknowns--especially subsequent GOP pushback and sabotage--they actually did pretty well.
1
They think the CBO is part of the "deep state" of GOP lore, a hotbed of Obama holdouts intent on sabotaging their plans by revealing its actual costs to those who will have to pay for them.
How can you vote on something you have not had the time to read or research??? I hope we have some Republicans left with common sense. This is something that affects millions of people, millions of families. It should not be decided and voted on in silence and with blindfolds on.
9
Sadly, this is standard operating procedure in the House and Senate. Staffers are expected to do the reading and brief those for whom we vote. And how easy is it for a staffer to tell his or her boss something they don't want to hear?
If Mitch McConnell really wanted a vote on the AHCA before Congress goes on recess, he would have opened up the books to let everyone see and debate the legislation. Nobody in congress who has even a scintilla of responsibility should think of voting for legislation they haven't been given the chance to read.
.
I just hope there are enough responsible, moderate Republicans left to vote McConnell's AHCA down so it can actually be read and debated. The Democrats can try to pull out all the stops to run out the clock - and I hope they succeed. But if they don't it will fall to those moderate Republicans to do what's right.
.
I just hope there are enough responsible, moderate Republicans left to vote McConnell's AHCA down so it can actually be read and debated. The Democrats can try to pull out all the stops to run out the clock - and I hope they succeed. But if they don't it will fall to those moderate Republicans to do what's right.
18
" But if they don't it will fall to those moderate Republicans to do what's right."
A "moderate Republican you say? I have yet to see one of those
A "moderate Republican you say? I have yet to see one of those
If this bill passes, and I fear it will, Democrats must spend the next year and half reminding the voters what a disaster the Republicans are. If they are unable to make that case, then we deserve the leaders we get.
7
Many Republicans only seem concerned about doing away with the ACA because it was an Obama-era win. They are willfully blind as to how repealing it will impact the lives of those who now rely on it. I hope they all end up voted out of office as a result. I find Mitch McConnell's behavior repugnant. Being unwilling to meet with groups who have the best interest of patients in mind is full-blown cowardice. McConnell is taking a page right out of Trump's playbook in that regard. Don't listen to anyone else's opinion or experience, you may actually learn something.
23
What will it take for Republican voters and Trump supporters to understand they are being conned by McConnell and Ryan? It was appalling enough that Republicans in Congress refused to even hold hearings for President Obama's nomination for the Supreme Court with a year left on his presidency. Now, they are meeting behind closed doors to pass legislation on the health care of Americans because it is so draconian they know nobody would support it. When will the United States restore the principles upon which it was founded? I think the answer lies in the 2018 elections. Please, Democrats, vote!
12
Stand by for a distracting world or national event. It will come within the next week or so and serve to lay cover for the Republicans to jam the health care bill though the Senate. Wonder why Syria and North Korea are heating up?
This administration is adept at one thing: providing a "shiny object" for the press and public to chase after and then quietly, largely uncovered by the press, continue the dismantling of the "administrative state" and the further unchecked transfer of wealth in this country.
This administration is adept at one thing: providing a "shiny object" for the press and public to chase after and then quietly, largely uncovered by the press, continue the dismantling of the "administrative state" and the further unchecked transfer of wealth in this country.
15
@Crossing Overhead wrote (below):
"Dems need to get out of the way or the Repubs will make it worse for them out of spite."
Huh? The RepubliCants have acted out of spite for the past decade, demonizing Pres Obama and obstructing anything that he or the Dems attempted to do. They can't "make it worse" any more than they've already made it.
Besides, running the govt shouldn't be about "making it worse" for the other party! Rather, governing SHOULD be about making things better for ALL of the PEOPLE of this country. Therein lies the problem.
Meanwhile, @TMK wrote:
"Blame the Democrats for this sorry state of affairs. All they have on offer, more than six months after their election loss, is token obstructionism."
Huh? The RepubliCants loss to Pres Obama TWICE. Yet all they did during his 8 years was obstruct everything. For 8 years, they promised a "better replacement" for the ACA; and they had 8 years to design it. It was all lies: they never had a plan; never even attempted to draft one.
It's time to forcefully call out the lies, and shoot down the false equivalences. The Dems aren't perfect angels; but the RepubliCants deserve the blame for the destruction of healthcare in our country. (And indeed, for the overall destruction of civil political discourse in our country.)
"Dems need to get out of the way or the Repubs will make it worse for them out of spite."
Huh? The RepubliCants have acted out of spite for the past decade, demonizing Pres Obama and obstructing anything that he or the Dems attempted to do. They can't "make it worse" any more than they've already made it.
Besides, running the govt shouldn't be about "making it worse" for the other party! Rather, governing SHOULD be about making things better for ALL of the PEOPLE of this country. Therein lies the problem.
Meanwhile, @TMK wrote:
"Blame the Democrats for this sorry state of affairs. All they have on offer, more than six months after their election loss, is token obstructionism."
Huh? The RepubliCants loss to Pres Obama TWICE. Yet all they did during his 8 years was obstruct everything. For 8 years, they promised a "better replacement" for the ACA; and they had 8 years to design it. It was all lies: they never had a plan; never even attempted to draft one.
It's time to forcefully call out the lies, and shoot down the false equivalences. The Dems aren't perfect angels; but the RepubliCants deserve the blame for the destruction of healthcare in our country. (And indeed, for the overall destruction of civil political discourse in our country.)
11
I have been watching, and have contacted my Republican Senators to vote no on the AHCA. The Senate deliberative process is broken on this bill.
6
To those who commented on the muted democratic response - the voters responsible for this, and those who failed to show up need to confront the awful reality of their choices.
6
The Trumpcare Bill is being written by the historically lowest achievers in American history.
The Republicans will never impeach the president, because his compulsive lying Syndrome is not covered by their health bill.
The Republicans will never impeach the president, because his compulsive lying Syndrome is not covered by their health bill.
8
Call it what it is a ta break for the rich and a boning for the poor. Definitely not health "care".
6
"Gum up the works" is a really unfortunate metaphor for the Democrats courageous and desperate attempt to save 23 million Americans from losing healthcare. It's the GOP that's unplugging all the ACA's life support systems.
25
No you are wrong. The cbo predicts over ten years 23 million young people will choose not to sign up for healthcare because the obama mandate to buy will end.
No one is having insurance ripped away
No one is having insurance ripped away
2
Schumer has tried to gum up everything Trump from the get-go...starting with obstructing the seating of every one of Trump's cabinet nominees in January, andobstructing Trump's administrationas it has begun its work.
Why do you not know that the 23 M 1)is a CBO figure estimate...that same CBO which was so far off in its Obamacare projections, and 2) that at least 8M of that 23M would be people who would VOLUNTARILY choose not to be insured. Further, no one is "losing heath CARE." It is an insurance bill...and Obamacare insurance now is not good, not satisfactory, has many plans with such high deductibles that people are essentially uninsured except for catastrophic.
There is nothing corageous whatsoever about the Democrats' obstruction of all things Trump or Republican.
Why do you not know that the 23 M 1)is a CBO figure estimate...that same CBO which was so far off in its Obamacare projections, and 2) that at least 8M of that 23M would be people who would VOLUNTARILY choose not to be insured. Further, no one is "losing heath CARE." It is an insurance bill...and Obamacare insurance now is not good, not satisfactory, has many plans with such high deductibles that people are essentially uninsured except for catastrophic.
There is nothing corageous whatsoever about the Democrats' obstruction of all things Trump or Republican.
1
Shoe's on the other foot now, ain't it? I only hope you've got seven more years of obstreperousness to look forward to, to equal that of the callous and cowardly McConnell Republicans. Enjoy!
Dems need to get out of the way or the Repubs will make it worse for them out of spite.
GOP needs to let Obamacare crash and burn all by itself.
Then point to democrats that prevented a fix
Then point to democrats that prevented a fix
3
Yes , Democrats are impeding that great Republican "fix," which will give a tax cut of close to $1 trillion to the 1% while the elderly are thrown off Medicaid, the working poor are thrown off their health insurance by the 10s of millions, etc. etc.
9
4th of July recess? August recess? Do these people ever work?!? Yet one more reason why the country moves backwards instead of forward.
18
Recesses are actually a good thing, it allows politicians to go home and speak with constituents. Without them, they would be in DC all the time, forgetting about why they were actually elected. So one might say they need more recesses.
1
Is the DNC stupid? Why are they not running Harry and Louise style ads? Surely they have the money. The benefits would extend far beyond just saving Obamacare.
13
LOL Haven't you figured this out yet? The DNC doesn't work for the people or even democrats. It works for donors, in particular financial sector donors. Insurance companies are part of the financial sector.
It didn't strike you as odd the DNC (HRC) came out against single-payer? WHY? It doesn't suit insurance companies.
It didn't strike you as odd the DNC (HRC) came out against single-payer? WHY? It doesn't suit insurance companies.
The Democrats are pushing a chain. If they stall the health care bill while exchanges are shutting down and people are going without insurance they are only hurting themselves and the people who voted for them. They cannot stop the vote so let it go and see where it takes us. Remember when the Democrats voted in Obamacare Nancy P. said you have to vote on it too see what is in in. I guess history does repeat itself.
1
Please familiarize yourself with what Nancy Pelosi actually said rather than relying on sound bites. The bill was discussed publicly for over a year and the Republican had the chance to amend it.
3
Get you facts straight. The ACA was written with months of open debate on TV. She meant the bill as passed. You could have watched the debate over ACA for months. Moreover McConnel, a bigoted Republican tool, vowed to block everything Obama proposed.
2
"Nothing is more important than empathy for another human being's suffering". Audrey Hepburn. We all know this is not what the Republican Party thinks or practices. It is all about wealth, power, and elitism. "We the people" ....more like "We the special".
The Republican bill is a massive tax cut for the rich. Stop calling it "health care" legislation.
20
When hospitals and ERs are flooded with patients who need treatment, we will all pay the price, except for the wealthy who do not care as long as they get richer, and the poor suffer more.
2
We have to be civil.
We are better than them.
We go high.
They are killing our planet.
Taking away our children's future.
We had better wake up people.
We are better than them.
We go high.
They are killing our planet.
Taking away our children's future.
We had better wake up people.
7
Back when Obama was president the NYimes wrote stories about his opposition in congress only they weren't characterized as "running out the clock". They are characterized as "obstructionist". The irony-ometer is getting a real work out all throughout the pages of the liberal newspapers. Hypocrites and agitprop manufacturers for the loony left-wing elite.
1
The theoretical framework for health care coverage is what's really at stake here. Instead of making improvements or perhaps even deliberate sabotaging of Obamacare, still must face the reality of how human health is defined in the greater social, business, and legal settings. The money delivery system is first and foremost on the line. In our system there is that strong current of the individual to sink or swim: in all areas of our lives. The "free market" will sort out everything is fine if everyone has the exact same amount of money. But people have vast differences in wealth, and health. So how does the market solve the individual's costs and needs over the large groups in terms of economics? Doesn't seem possible that any kind of free market scheme could cover all these bases.
So legally the government and courts have to devise what social and business can't do. They can't put money into the heathcare pot in sufficient numbers to cover everyone's health needs. So the pool must be everyone. That gets us to that definition. One side says it's a right, the other side wants to call it a privilege. Many want to blame people for being in poor health to begin with, smoking, overeating, risk taking, and any number of lifestyles become someone's angry rant against it. It's still not addressing the big questions. But making laws in the dark will only help the blind.
So legally the government and courts have to devise what social and business can't do. They can't put money into the heathcare pot in sufficient numbers to cover everyone's health needs. So the pool must be everyone. That gets us to that definition. One side says it's a right, the other side wants to call it a privilege. Many want to blame people for being in poor health to begin with, smoking, overeating, risk taking, and any number of lifestyles become someone's angry rant against it. It's still not addressing the big questions. But making laws in the dark will only help the blind.
1
Welcome to the greatest democracy in the world. Make America sick again.
3
Go, Chuck, go!
4
If these thirteen Republican Senators do find their sleazy way to ramming through this criminal bill, they will spend the rest of their lives looking over their shoulders for a lynch mob. Everyone knows who they are, and their victims will be multitudes.
10
This is going to be a train wreck. After an initial celebration over having fulfilled a “promise,” the reality of Trumpcare will gradually start kicking in: probably millions dropped from Medicaid over the next few years, health plans that cover less, and insurance companies in charge again. And the goal isn’t to give Americans a greater sense of security as they face their health issues. It’s to cobble something together and get the issue out of the way so Republicans can move on to what they really care about, tax reform, which will favor the wealthy at the expense of the middle- and working-class, and the poor.
Sometimes I wonder why I care. I's on Medicare now, got my supplemental plan at a reasonable price, have avoided major health issues (knock on wood), so feel like I’m in a safe zone for the time being. But I do care. I know a portion of the GOP base, some of which will be most negatively affected, will be joining in the celebration. I presume they’re cheering the repeal of Obamacare, which had its problems but was fixable. But they’re getting so much less in return, and it will hit them directly in very real ways.
I care because this secret bill writing strikes me as undemocratic, and politicians shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it. And as Americans, we should think about each other’s welfare. If we don’t, we’re not a country. We’re just a bunch of people occupying a chunk of land where it’s every man for himself. I refuse to go down that route.
Sometimes I wonder why I care. I's on Medicare now, got my supplemental plan at a reasonable price, have avoided major health issues (knock on wood), so feel like I’m in a safe zone for the time being. But I do care. I know a portion of the GOP base, some of which will be most negatively affected, will be joining in the celebration. I presume they’re cheering the repeal of Obamacare, which had its problems but was fixable. But they’re getting so much less in return, and it will hit them directly in very real ways.
I care because this secret bill writing strikes me as undemocratic, and politicians shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it. And as Americans, we should think about each other’s welfare. If we don’t, we’re not a country. We’re just a bunch of people occupying a chunk of land where it’s every man for himself. I refuse to go down that route.
14
Democrats need to fight like they never fought before on this one. Is anyone listening? Even if it means fighting dirty, this is about peoples' health, their very existence. Republicans acted so high and mighty during the ACA debate. Now they're behaving as though the underhanded, anti-democratic back room dealing their engaged in is simply fine. No problem. I hope Democrats show this bunch to be the fascist cowards they are.
The republicans want to enact a "Right to Die Bill" ,by denying those with prior conditions ,the elderly, and children the preventive health care provided by Obama care!The potential loss of health insurance for 23 million Americans is a mean ,cruel hearless display of republican values,and for what,an 800billion dollar tax cut for wealthy !
4
Really? They poor and their kids get free healthcare. Before Aca and after. It's the middle class that's hit hard.
1
Quick! Send cartons of gum to the Democrats. So to review, the Republicans
will force health care legislation void of constituent input? Really, really sick.
will force health care legislation void of constituent input? Really, really sick.
2
Wow! TEN WHOLE HOURS!
Was that a joke or was the Majority Lead drunk?
Was that a joke or was the Majority Lead drunk?
So the Democrats want the collapse. The last insurer just pulled out of my county, and the Democratic Party's message is "drop dead." I hope the Democrats don't expect to win Klickitat County, WA anytime soon.
3
I'll bet you and your county gave up on the dems long ago. The only party who has ever stood up for the middle class is the party of HRC. Republicanns have been savaging the middle class for 40 years, while the good folk of Klickitat County sent the back to congress to administer more pain, year after year, I'll bet.
The Republicans are having difficulty in reaching an agreement as to how many Americans to kill off and how quickly. Some more vulnerable Senators favor a gradual approach, killing more Americans later rather than sooner. Others want to hurry up with it and get on to the real prize: the biggest tax cuts ever for the wealthiest Americans. Why do we continue to call it a Health Care Bill? it is a Tax Cut Bill paid for with health care cuts. I cannot believe this is happening, but it is, isn't it?
6
Its all Democrats have left. They have no ideas. No solutions for people. The party of resistance is the party of no one. Self centered people worried more about how you say something than what you do and what you mean.
2
Why? The key to governing is to do something positive. The ACA, I guess, could be amended. To do that Democrats need to propose something positive. Come to the table. Otherwise, please just shut up. The present law is a failure. Of course this just begs the question: should government just stay out of the whole thing?
2
The Republicans are committed to soaking the poor and driving them into disease and demise so they can give more money to billionaires. They deny that mortality is a pre-existing condition.
And their faux Christianity will not earn them a place in heaven.
It is tragic that Democrats have lost a sense of the poor and the working classes and let Republican bluster win out so far.
It is madness all around.
And their faux Christianity will not earn them a place in heaven.
It is tragic that Democrats have lost a sense of the poor and the working classes and let Republican bluster win out so far.
It is madness all around.
2
This bill, in whatever form it emerges, should properly be called the American Wealth Care Bill because it aims to enrich the rich at the expense of the poor. Claiming that it somehow fixes the inadequacies of the ACA is the height of sophistry. Remember the Republican claims of death panels? Here comes a death bill.
7
Frankly, although it'd require sinking to a level of callous indifference to the suffering of millions that we have come to expect primarily from the GOP, the best thing the Democrats can do from a partisan perspective is to put up a fight but let GOP ultimately pass Trumpcare, then force every single Republican defend Trumpcare (and the ensuing loss of healthcare coverage for millions) in the 2018 midterm elections.
3
Senate Republicans are once again swindling taxpayers! They are NOT performing their jobs responsibly. Democrats were accused of ramming the ACA through & FORCING it on the American people. No such thing happened. Republicans refused to participate. They pretty much refused to participate in anything dems tried to do because of their hatred of Obama.
What Republican senators are doing is dishonorable, deceitful, and designed to protect the wealthy. Make no mistake about this. Republicans NEVER have the average American's best interest at heart.
They know darned well what their health bill will do to those at the bottom of the income ladder. They are dismantling Medicaid and eliminating subsidies. Why? Because they DO NOT CARE about what happens to some people. They only care about the wealthy who will receive a HUGE tax break.
Income inequality & new technology have risen to levels where it is necessary to cull the herd. Technology has reduced the number of workers needed causing many to become, or who will become, a burden on government programs. Proof? Manuchin said it all when he said that it was time to think about the tax payer instead of those in need. Killing the ACA will disproportionately affect women, minorities, unemployed in addition to all of us with multiple serious health problems. They've spent decades gerrymandering us & restricting voting rights. The wealthy have now taken over. Get out there and fight! The life of someone you know depends on it!
What Republican senators are doing is dishonorable, deceitful, and designed to protect the wealthy. Make no mistake about this. Republicans NEVER have the average American's best interest at heart.
They know darned well what their health bill will do to those at the bottom of the income ladder. They are dismantling Medicaid and eliminating subsidies. Why? Because they DO NOT CARE about what happens to some people. They only care about the wealthy who will receive a HUGE tax break.
Income inequality & new technology have risen to levels where it is necessary to cull the herd. Technology has reduced the number of workers needed causing many to become, or who will become, a burden on government programs. Proof? Manuchin said it all when he said that it was time to think about the tax payer instead of those in need. Killing the ACA will disproportionately affect women, minorities, unemployed in addition to all of us with multiple serious health problems. They've spent decades gerrymandering us & restricting voting rights. The wealthy have now taken over. Get out there and fight! The life of someone you know depends on it!
Thousands of American lives are at stake! Millions of American men, women, and children's health and economic well being are at stake!
If good Democrats won't fight for them, who will?
If good Democrats won't fight for them, who will?
4
Who wrote that headline? It's not the Democrats who are gumming up the works. It's Mitch McConnell -- who may well be one of the nastiest politicians we've seen in the Senate in a long while.
Dems need to scream LOUDLY on this so that, as I predict, Ryan & Co will continue to
1) insist the Dems refused to cooperate in its creation
2) insist it improves X and Y, when it clearly doesn't, or analysis shows it is hidden.
Dems also need to shout that the harm caused by this bill are designed to take effect AFTER the next elections so that the Dems will be blamed.
Really, Dems, there's a war going on and you keep playing softball.
1) insist the Dems refused to cooperate in its creation
2) insist it improves X and Y, when it clearly doesn't, or analysis shows it is hidden.
Dems also need to shout that the harm caused by this bill are designed to take effect AFTER the next elections so that the Dems will be blamed.
Really, Dems, there's a war going on and you keep playing softball.
The Republicans ARE NOT pro-life if they are willing to condemn millions to suffering and god knows how many to early death due to the HUGE tax cut they want to give to the super rich on the sick beds and graves of the working poor.
3
My first reaction to this vow by the Dems is: "What took you so long?"
What have you been thinking? That if you play by the rules of decorum that the Republicans would play nice? Or, does your real agenda fall more in line with the Republicans? Or perhaps you're just clueless as to what has been happening for decades to average Americans. Because you seem to not understand that the majority of Americans have no one who is fighting for them. If you don't understand that, you deserve to fade into historical insignificance.
However, if you've finally awoken from your slumber, what you need to do is fight with every bare knuckle tactic you can muster, and turn the Republican tactics back on them. Refuse to cooperate. Resist. Obstruct. Do not give the Republicans ANYTHING, even if you think you would get some small gain in return, because whatever you might get, helps them to win, which means that you lose. You need to realize that if you lose your soul, saving your face is meaningless.
What have you been thinking? That if you play by the rules of decorum that the Republicans would play nice? Or, does your real agenda fall more in line with the Republicans? Or perhaps you're just clueless as to what has been happening for decades to average Americans. Because you seem to not understand that the majority of Americans have no one who is fighting for them. If you don't understand that, you deserve to fade into historical insignificance.
However, if you've finally awoken from your slumber, what you need to do is fight with every bare knuckle tactic you can muster, and turn the Republican tactics back on them. Refuse to cooperate. Resist. Obstruct. Do not give the Republicans ANYTHING, even if you think you would get some small gain in return, because whatever you might get, helps them to win, which means that you lose. You need to realize that if you lose your soul, saving your face is meaningless.
4
As a Type 1 Diabetic, my only hope now is that Republicans get run out on a rail in 2018. They added over 100 Amendments to what was initially proposed as a Public Option and then put on their Green Eggs and Ham Act; I can't believe they are still in office after what they have pulled at our expense. This GOP is a disgrace to our country.
4
One would hope that the voters would punish Republicans at the polls for participating in this undemocratic effort to pass the bill. But the way the American public has been voting lately, that is probably too much to hope for. Someday the Repubs may go to far, but stealing a Supreme Court seat and now passing secret legislation do not seem to have done the trick. Scary to think about what it might take to wake up the voting public.
2
How can anyone not see how greedy and evil the GOP are?
It never ceases to amaze me to see people vote against their own interests. I certainly hope the Deems can fight this bill and derail it from its destructive course.
It never ceases to amaze me to see people vote against their own interests. I certainly hope the Deems can fight this bill and derail it from its destructive course.
4
Two quotes come to mind:
"“This bill is going nowhere fast in the United States Senate,” the Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer of New York.
"“This bill is going nowhere fast in the United States Senate,” the Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer of New York.
Where are all of those protest marches that we were told by Michael Moore and Rachel Maddow would be happening almost every day of the Trump presidency?
We had all of those marches tight after Trump was elected, then they started dwindling and now it seems like the Democrats are already punched out and giving up.
Is anyone aware of a SINGLE rally of significance to show opposition to this bill and how it is being crafted?
I view this as typical Democratic behavior: lots of street theater, snark, assurances that things will be different in 20xx, GOP better watch out, we're 'a comin' fur ya and so one.
And the GOP just keeps moving the nation ever more rightward.
We had all of those marches tight after Trump was elected, then they started dwindling and now it seems like the Democrats are already punched out and giving up.
Is anyone aware of a SINGLE rally of significance to show opposition to this bill and how it is being crafted?
I view this as typical Democratic behavior: lots of street theater, snark, assurances that things will be different in 20xx, GOP better watch out, we're 'a comin' fur ya and so one.
And the GOP just keeps moving the nation ever more rightward.
1
How did we ever arrive at this point, whereby the richest country in the history of the world cannot afford to take care of its citizens by providing a viable healthcare program? How many more times must we mention that every other Western democracy has some form of universal healthcare? Are we incapable of devising a workable system? President Obama made a valiant try, only to discover that the only thing the Republicans wanted to do was tear it down.
We have to be better than this.
We have to be better than this.
4
Reiterating why the US needs a viable, sustained 3rd party that commands 10-15% of the electorate, ensuring that no one ideology can (and in this case, one that did not even win the popular vote) unilaterally dictate policy.
1
2Utah,2Texas,2Wyoming,1 Kentucky,1South Dakota,1Tenn,1Arkansas,1Colorado,1Ohio,1Penn senators decide healthcare.
Total Population of those states represented:64,765,956
Total Population of states not represented: 258,361,557
Total Population of Wyoming: 585,501 and yet both senators are on this Committee.
Please help me understand
Total Population of those states represented:64,765,956
Total Population of states not represented: 258,361,557
Total Population of Wyoming: 585,501 and yet both senators are on this Committee.
Please help me understand
Senator Barrasso nails the problem. "Every Republican is trying to get to yes," to pass a bill, rather than trying to craft legislation that helps people. When passing the bill becomes more important than what the bill does, it can only bode ill for people in need, which is nearly all of us who are not independently wealthy.
3
I have obama care and it's awful. I have to pray my husband or I don't get ill and have a 6700.00 medical bill. On top of paying 14,000.00 year premiums. No drug benefits If you make over 60,000.00 for two people no subsidies. The people who are partially or totally subsidized love it of course.
1
If Senate Republicans pass this bill, Jacky Rosen is the next John Ossoff.
2
The Dems should let the health care bill pass. Let the idiots in the GOP commit political suicide with what has to be the dumbest legislative ploy in American history, then the Democrats can ride to the rescue of the American people yet again. The Republicans in Congress are such idiots that I keep thinking of that line from "All the President's Men," when Deep Throat has his climactic meeting with Woodward and says, "You have to remember...these are not smart guys."
11
Mitch McConnell has to be the biggest failure as a Senate Leader of any party in the last 100 years.
Mitch McConnell's most famous quote in my lifetime has been the recording of him saying, it was his duty to obstruct anything proposed by the new incoming President Obama in 2008, to make him a failure as President; that is all anyone needs to know about Mitch McConnell and his strange idea regarding public service.
I can only say that Mitch McConnell didn't make President Obama a failed President, in fact President Obama was a popular and successful President, especially when you consider that he has to deal with the likes of Mitch McConnell who presided over the most Dysfunctional Obstructionist Do Nothing Republican Congress in my lifetime.
In fact, Mitch McConnell's only success and what he has shown himself to be really good at, is doing nothing, I can't think of a more worthless individual that has spent his life sucking up the taxpayers largess in a government office and not doing anything worthwhile for the American people, this farce he is now trying cobble together for Trump-care is just the latest example of Mitch McConnell's incompetence.
Mitch McConnell is a true embarrassment to public service.
Mitch McConnell's most famous quote in my lifetime has been the recording of him saying, it was his duty to obstruct anything proposed by the new incoming President Obama in 2008, to make him a failure as President; that is all anyone needs to know about Mitch McConnell and his strange idea regarding public service.
I can only say that Mitch McConnell didn't make President Obama a failed President, in fact President Obama was a popular and successful President, especially when you consider that he has to deal with the likes of Mitch McConnell who presided over the most Dysfunctional Obstructionist Do Nothing Republican Congress in my lifetime.
In fact, Mitch McConnell's only success and what he has shown himself to be really good at, is doing nothing, I can't think of a more worthless individual that has spent his life sucking up the taxpayers largess in a government office and not doing anything worthwhile for the American people, this farce he is now trying cobble together for Trump-care is just the latest example of Mitch McConnell's incompetence.
Mitch McConnell is a true embarrassment to public service.
26
The Democrats seem determined to demonstrate how impotant they are. Least we forget they passed Obamacare on a straight party line vote and ever since then they have lacked the votes to fix it.
1
Solution Michael? Take away Medicaid from seniors and throw 20+ million off off insurance? For what, a massive tax cut for the 1%?
Please, Democrats, do all you can. We simply need to fix the problems with "Obama care" and make sure its name changes to show the fixes. No need to start all over, again. What the Republicans are doing is not responsible or representative of constituents' best interests.
4
I don't see how the Senate is gonna come up with anything that can get enough Yay votes in the House given the stark differences in what House Republicans want. Someone enlighten me, please.
They will make just enough concessions to "moderate" Senators and MOCs to get their support. In the end the hard-right "Freedom Caucus," Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, et al. will vote for it.
Because unlike the Sanders/left-wing of the Democratic Party, the hard right knows when it is time to make a ruckus and push the Republican Party, and when it is time to close ranks and take a political "victory."
Because unlike the Sanders/left-wing of the Democratic Party, the hard right knows when it is time to make a ruckus and push the Republican Party, and when it is time to close ranks and take a political "victory."
Not once in this article did the writers mention the basic fact that this bill is a giant tax cut for the most wealthy at the expense of health care for the working poor
17
It's mot just working poor people. Insurance costs will explode for anyone with s pre-existing condition or who is old but not old enough for Medicare. Of course this won't happen until after the next Congressional election. Don't let the get away with it. Throw them out.
1
No, it's a tax cut for anyone that pays taxes
And it lowers pre pmiums for all except some pre existing nightmare cases that should pay mor.
Does your teenage son pay more for ar insurance than your teenager daughter?yes. Why. Statistically boys use the insurance more. Same thing here
And it lowers pre pmiums for all except some pre existing nightmare cases that should pay mor.
Does your teenage son pay more for ar insurance than your teenager daughter?yes. Why. Statistically boys use the insurance more. Same thing here
It is a tax cut, mainly for the extremely wealthy, but it is not a healthcare bill. It is GOP indifference and ignorance. It is lack of a plan, failure to help the people that elected them, and a partisan ploy.
Enjoy your $2 tax break and your lack of health care.
Enjoy your $2 tax break and your lack of health care.
This is not a health-care bill. This is a budget reduction bill aimed at cutting government expenses in an effort to pare down a growing deficit. This bill has nothing to do with helping to deliver costly health care to the uninsured, the elderly, women, families and the non-group insurance market.
The bill is nothing more than step one of a budget and tax reform package slated to begin afterward as the next Congressional agenda item.
If you're unemployed, under-employed, not on a large company or group insurance plan, or can't afford an out-of-pocket health insurance company's premium, you're on your own. Good luck.
Let's get real and stop using the word "health" to describe anything to do with what McConnell and company are crafting.
The bill is nothing more than step one of a budget and tax reform package slated to begin afterward as the next Congressional agenda item.
If you're unemployed, under-employed, not on a large company or group insurance plan, or can't afford an out-of-pocket health insurance company's premium, you're on your own. Good luck.
Let's get real and stop using the word "health" to describe anything to do with what McConnell and company are crafting.
66
I can think of many things that avoid the light. Cock roaches, mold, and mildew are a few things that come to mind. None of these are healthy to have around. Since the Republicans are working so hard to hide their so called health care reform from the light of public scrutiny, it's obvious they know that this bill is as toxic to the health of the nation as mold and mildew are to the health of my household.
14
America is going to become a country of "transient or partisan laws" because laws passed by a Dem-controlled Congress will be repealed and replaced the next time the Republicans have a congressional majority and control the presidency (or have a veto-proof majority), and vice versa. This means that if the Senate repeals and replaces Obamacare with TrumpScare as appears likely, the Dems will simply turn around the next time they control both the Congress and the presidency (or have a veto-proof majority), and summarily get rid of TrumpScare and replace it with Dem-POTUS-Name-care...or better yet, a single-payer system!
5
Very true. The sad thing is that the Republicans are going to be hurting many of their own voters. The ACA helps a lot of people; people who haven't had insurance for years were able to get it under the ACA.
3
Even though it will negatively affect me and people I know -- forcing us to cling to salaried jobs that we could pass on to others, just for health insurance -- I'm to the point where I want the Repubs to pass their bill in all its evil glory, so that their constituents will get the full measure of suffering they deserve.
Forcing people to live the consequences of their votes and their dismal, cruel ideology is the only way we have a shot at changing things. Probably not in my lifetime (I'm 54) but someday.
Forcing people to live the consequences of their votes and their dismal, cruel ideology is the only way we have a shot at changing things. Probably not in my lifetime (I'm 54) but someday.
20
Republicans are using a very undemocratic approach to passing a replacement bill for Obamacare. Someone must slow them down and force them to be more transparent. Americans have a right to review a bill, have their representatives review it and have legislative input and read a CBO report on the bill before it gets to the floor of the Senate.
If their bill can't stand up to the light of day, it should not be passed.
If their bill can't stand up to the light of day, it should not be passed.
10
When you add up GOP Gerrymandering, the Obsolete Electoral College and Citizens United, we find ourselves in a deeply disturbing quagmire. This story is just a symptom of what is really happening: The majority has lost its voice. We do not live in a democracy anymore.
Let's dispense with the fiction that Republican "moderates" may scuttle the bill. As always, they will make hesitant noises, then find a way to go along with the leadership. There are no moderates in a party that enforces rigid ideological discipline in all things. Expecting moderates to put the brakes on GOP extremism is like hoping that this time, Lucy won't pull away the football before Charlie Brown can kick it.
Republicans could care less about giving Americans affordable decent healthcare. They are looking for ways to give their wealthy donors tax cuts. They should be ashamed. The ACA was/is not perfect, but at least it gave coverage to many more Americans that never had it before. Lets either fix it or go to Single Payer like every other civilized country.
I hope it's the worst health care bill in history, i hope its mean and leads to misery, and let it pass. Sickness does not pick and choose between Republicans and Democrats. Let it be as toxic as possible, a love canal of a health bill. The republicans will own the misery, and though the battle be lost the war in the end will be won. This is the grim handmaid that will birth Universal health care in America.
Unfortunately, regardless of what the democrats attempt to do, unless some republicans stand up for the common man, we, the people will suffer and won't realize their loss until it is far too late.
Money and power seem to be the driving force for this administration and its minions included.
Money and power seem to be the driving force for this administration and its minions included.
As far as I know, the ACA already allows states to improve it, and even to install a single payer system. All they had to do was to show that it would indeed cover more Americans, increase quality, and/or lower costs.
And that's one more reason why Trumpcare is such a shame.
Trump promised to cover even more Americans than Obamacare, at even lower costs, and to do so, he didn't need a GOP majority in DC, he could have easily worked with Dems and moderate Republicans in order to keep his campaign promise.
Instead, he chose to forget about his promises and let Republicans bought by the insurance industry to continue to spread their lies about the ACA, and now propose what is indeed a "mean mean mean" bill, doing the exact opposite of what Trump promised to do on HC.
And because of the many lies already spread for years by the GOP about the ACA, which Republican voter will see it as a problem when they read that this is being done "behind closed doors", and without consulting the other party etc. ...?
Not a lot, probably, as this is what they already - and totally inaccurately - believe about Obamacare, so all they'll need to hear is that it "repeals and replaces" it with something "great" and so much better, for them to support Trumpcare and not even realize what it means.
There's only one solution here: all of us should talk to as many conservatives as possible, in order to engage in real, respectful debates, and try to get them informed ... that's "democracy" too ...!
And that's one more reason why Trumpcare is such a shame.
Trump promised to cover even more Americans than Obamacare, at even lower costs, and to do so, he didn't need a GOP majority in DC, he could have easily worked with Dems and moderate Republicans in order to keep his campaign promise.
Instead, he chose to forget about his promises and let Republicans bought by the insurance industry to continue to spread their lies about the ACA, and now propose what is indeed a "mean mean mean" bill, doing the exact opposite of what Trump promised to do on HC.
And because of the many lies already spread for years by the GOP about the ACA, which Republican voter will see it as a problem when they read that this is being done "behind closed doors", and without consulting the other party etc. ...?
Not a lot, probably, as this is what they already - and totally inaccurately - believe about Obamacare, so all they'll need to hear is that it "repeals and replaces" it with something "great" and so much better, for them to support Trumpcare and not even realize what it means.
There's only one solution here: all of us should talk to as many conservatives as possible, in order to engage in real, respectful debates, and try to get them informed ... that's "democracy" too ...!
The bottom line is the Democrats have no alternative to the Republican Bill. Instead of complaining give the public alternatives. Write a Technical Correction Act for the ACA. By doing this the public would be able to compare and make serious decisions come the next election. The same should be done with a new tax law and immigration bill. Show the country that Democrats are the party of compassion and caring. You can't complain without a proposal.
8
Great comment Marc.
I generally try to give the press the benefit of the doubt in health legislation coverage, but I now question if it understands the central issue. Not once in this story is Medicaid mentioned--but Medicaid and its status as an entitlement is THE story, and you can be sure the GOP knows it. For starters, the majority of Obamacare patients are on Medicaid, not in the subsidized Obamacare exchanges. Yet the coverage is largely about the exchanges and their fate. Here's what I want to know. Will Medicaid become block-grants to the states rather than an opened-ended entitlement in which the Feds and the states split the cost and accommodate all who qualify? If it's the former, Medicaid over time will weaken with truly grave results for multi-millions of Americans. This story is merely the latest example of coverage that fails to grasp and report this central issue.
8
Wrong strategy -- put the names, photos and contact information for those 13 old guys on every single one of your websites. Remind everyone who to hold responsible for the coming loss of coverage, bankruptcy and decline in the care of the old and disabled. If the plan is so good, everyone who votes for it should be the 'pilot' group to assess it's effectiveness and implementation. Their coverage, as paid by the taxpayers, should be immediately revoked. They will have 'access to coverage' in the market including being subject to rejection for any preexisting condition. They can pay out of their own pocket. The pilot can run for five years and at the end of which we can evaluate the cost savings.
13
This is a huge example of why the special election in Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District is so important. Republicans in Georgia have an opportunity to help break their party's partisan fever that has left health care and 17% of our economy on the precipice of a descent into chaos, hurting millions of Americans.
How was this even allowed to happen? How can one party, regardless of the fact that they hold a (slim) majority, completely hijack the writing of a piece of legislation as important as this, let alone any piece of legislation? Do these officials need to be reminded that they work for the American people, or do they just not care?
This secrecy is not limited to Congress. The White House has begun to limit the number of press briefings as well as the access of all but a few handpicked members of the media. The White House Doesn't even release the visitors logs anymore.
An article similar to this appeared this morning in another major national newspaper. In addition to the Senate healthcare bill, it addressed the secrecy that increasingly pervades the government in Washington. A directive issued by the Justice Department instructed agencies not to comply with requests for information from "most" members of Congress. A May 1st opinion by the Office of Legal Counsel said the Executive branch doesn't need to respond to similar requests unless they come from committee chairmen or legislators participating in a full committee or subcommittee.
We are slowly watching DJT and his Republican lackies lead us towards a totalitarian state of government. What will it take to stop this?
This secrecy is not limited to Congress. The White House has begun to limit the number of press briefings as well as the access of all but a few handpicked members of the media. The White House Doesn't even release the visitors logs anymore.
An article similar to this appeared this morning in another major national newspaper. In addition to the Senate healthcare bill, it addressed the secrecy that increasingly pervades the government in Washington. A directive issued by the Justice Department instructed agencies not to comply with requests for information from "most" members of Congress. A May 1st opinion by the Office of Legal Counsel said the Executive branch doesn't need to respond to similar requests unless they come from committee chairmen or legislators participating in a full committee or subcommittee.
We are slowly watching DJT and his Republican lackies lead us towards a totalitarian state of government. What will it take to stop this?
Any bill will no longer be a secret once it is passed and implemented. It will
become clear then whether it gives help to those who need it most. A perverse thought: Let the heartless Republicans pass it and find themselves run out of town in 2020.
become clear then whether it gives help to those who need it most. A perverse thought: Let the heartless Republicans pass it and find themselves run out of town in 2020.
Thirteen (13) rich white guys working feverishly to give their Republican patron
class friends a huge tax break. Make no mistake ,this bill ( Trump-Ryan-McConnell ) is all about taking care of the Republican sugar daddies, and not at all about providing Americans with affordable health care. The secret process is secret for a reason. If the general public had an opportunity to see what damage the 13 rich white guys are planning to coverage for the elderly, for the people with preexisting conditions and the people who rely on Medicaid, the hue and cry against the Republican party would be seismic.
class friends a huge tax break. Make no mistake ,this bill ( Trump-Ryan-McConnell ) is all about taking care of the Republican sugar daddies, and not at all about providing Americans with affordable health care. The secret process is secret for a reason. If the general public had an opportunity to see what damage the 13 rich white guys are planning to coverage for the elderly, for the people with preexisting conditions and the people who rely on Medicaid, the hue and cry against the Republican party would be seismic.
1
It is so frustrating to see this. Politicians need to truly care about being transparent with legislation, especially really impactful legislation, and include more than enough time for debate, public scrutiny and votes.
Here's the advice I gave to my two Senators from Maryland, Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin:
Gentlemen, let's face the reality: we in American politics are facing a low level Civil War, mostly a non-shooting war. The differences between the two parties on the values and methodologies, means and ends over health care is one stark reminder. Others could be easily summoned on the role of government, debt and deficit issues, and the failure of capitalism to supply anything close to the needed level of jobs. According to sources I read, which will never be heard on CNN, we're about 20 million jobs short.
Therefore, given these realities, and recent past Republican behavior on fiscal matters, refusal to even hear the candidates for the open Supreme Court case, do whatever you have to prevent their terrible yet secret bill on "health care" from ever passing.
Tens of millions of lives dependent on stopping it. That's no exaggeration. It feels like the 1850's to me. And Lincoln and the North were wise to let the South take the first drastic measures - secession - and firing on Ft. Sumpter. I hope it never comes to that but I don't know how the gaps can be bridged through existing channels. Perhaps a crisis like 1929-1933 will sweep out the old and make room for a new New Deal...for those who need it most, in red rural America and our old urban ghettos.
Have I missed offending anyone?
Gentlemen, let's face the reality: we in American politics are facing a low level Civil War, mostly a non-shooting war. The differences between the two parties on the values and methodologies, means and ends over health care is one stark reminder. Others could be easily summoned on the role of government, debt and deficit issues, and the failure of capitalism to supply anything close to the needed level of jobs. According to sources I read, which will never be heard on CNN, we're about 20 million jobs short.
Therefore, given these realities, and recent past Republican behavior on fiscal matters, refusal to even hear the candidates for the open Supreme Court case, do whatever you have to prevent their terrible yet secret bill on "health care" from ever passing.
Tens of millions of lives dependent on stopping it. That's no exaggeration. It feels like the 1850's to me. And Lincoln and the North were wise to let the South take the first drastic measures - secession - and firing on Ft. Sumpter. I hope it never comes to that but I don't know how the gaps can be bridged through existing channels. Perhaps a crisis like 1929-1933 will sweep out the old and make room for a new New Deal...for those who need it most, in red rural America and our old urban ghettos.
Have I missed offending anyone?
35
Its not about coverage or limiting cost increases to health care. Its about ending the ACA with as little political damage as possible.
This is not a health care bill. It is a bill to give a huge tax cut to very rich people. This is what Dems need to say.
26
This is the second time Republicans have rushed the health care bill forward in order to avoid public comment. If you can't face your constituents before passing the law, you probably shouldn't pass the law. Save yourself the embarrassment and let it die in committee. Better yet, let the AHCA die on the floor so America can see why Republicans are so afraid of responsibility. The sausage grinder is churning but the Senate is working with rotten meat.
79
Republican Leader Mitch Antoinette, acting like the billionaire his wife is, appears happy with his Health Care Plan. But, oh no, the American People are not ready for that...his Plan. Oh, and I can't stomach what we're cooking'-up for "hem"! But, as he says to us: "Let them eat cake!"
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
9
We need a single payer system, we need a system where health care is not tied to one's workplace. Living in Silicon Valley, I can see how the demise or shattering of the ACA will affect budding entrepreneurs, people who want to become consultants and others whose jobs will not provide healthcare or adequate health care.
Republicans are stifling growth and innovation. They claim to support both but do the complete opposite. Now many people who work at large orgs and want to do their own start up will have to stay in their org and do their start up or find less than adequate health care on the open market.
Republicans have disdain for the American worker. Unless you are rich, white, and male, they just don't give a crap about you.
Republicans are stifling growth and innovation. They claim to support both but do the complete opposite. Now many people who work at large orgs and want to do their own start up will have to stay in their org and do their start up or find less than adequate health care on the open market.
Republicans have disdain for the American worker. Unless you are rich, white, and male, they just don't give a crap about you.
8
The Republicans are hell bent on sacrificing the ability to offer good health care to the people who voted for them and Trump because they wanted to believe that positive change could happen. Much like the Trump presidency which, to date, has been a complete embarrassment, the Republican party should be allowed to do what it wants. They will anyway. When the people who voted for these guys start losing their health care and get truly angry, they will vote these folks out. Let Mitch McConnell sit back in Kentucky sipping on a mint julep and dreaming about what he could have done instead of the pain and death his bill will bring. Trump and this Republican Congress, especially the spineless Paul Ryan (lest we ever forget "He's new to this...") will go down in the history books as the breakpoint in Republican politics ushering in a new group who really care about their constituents instead of their own pocketbooks. Don't get me started on the Bernie "wing" of the Dems.
2
McConnell and his tribe of do-nothings have a strong resemblance to the Taliban, tear down any edifice that the people love and erect some hologram of truth and service with smoke and mirrors behind closed doors. It is amazing to watch almost every republican representative sucking up to stupid. Just tragically amazing.
7
Are Republican senators all bleating sheep? Who would terminate programs that now stanch the bleeding of millions of citizens? They will have blood on their hands. Shakespeare on a large scale.
4
Folks, let’s not be confused here. This was always their plan. It was never supposed to be better, cheaper, etc........ That was just Republican misdirection (aka, Lie) so you would help support their power grab. It was always going to be a big tax cut for the rich and a big cut to the social welfare net for those in need of it. If people took the time to understand the Republican platform, they would have seen things just a bit clearer, but they didn't. Hence, the Newest-Greatest-Everyone is going to love it-Trump Healthcare Act. Ringling Bros. never came close to the entertainment value these Congressional Clowns bring to fore.
11
A lot of us would love to see the Democrats step up and tell us "we know the ACA has flaws and here is what we propose, let's keep it, tweak it" and offer solutions to refine the ACA.
Right now we're only seeing a lot of grumbling while they hope that Trumpcare hands them the House in 2018. I'll venture a loud and strong alternative presented to the American people timed to coincide with the Senate rollout of Trumpcare will dramatically increase Democratic chances at retaking the House next year.
Right now we're only seeing a lot of grumbling while they hope that Trumpcare hands them the House in 2018. I'll venture a loud and strong alternative presented to the American people timed to coincide with the Senate rollout of Trumpcare will dramatically increase Democratic chances at retaking the House next year.
2
Actually, the dems have already said that. Have you not been listening?
5
I'm listening.
Where is a detailed plan including provider and pharma reform, answers to questions about sustaining long term Medicaid assistance, solutions to enhance carrier competition?
Why aren't Pelosi and Schumer blasting out a major plan to save the ACA?
Where is a detailed plan including provider and pharma reform, answers to questions about sustaining long term Medicaid assistance, solutions to enhance carrier competition?
Why aren't Pelosi and Schumer blasting out a major plan to save the ACA?
Why not be secretive! Democrats VERY STRONGLY endorse that!
"You must pass it before you read it" said it all.
Democrats prove once again how slimy they are.
"You must pass it before you read it" said it all.
Democrats prove once again how slimy they are.
2
Well that's not actually what she said. And, taken in context, it's pretty obvious that Speaker Pelosi was simply acknowledging the fact any legislation of this size was going to have consequences which couldn't be predicted until it had actually been in place for awhile. What she didn't do was draft the legislation in secret, refuse to hold public hearings on it, and try to ram the legislation through before anyone actually had a chance to read it. What we have hear is a typical -- and extremely slimy -- example of the Trumpian/GOP tactics of deliberate, out-of-context misquotes and false equivalencies.
If Republicans were really interested in "governing" the country rather than just exploiting it, they would stop relying on misquotes, alternate facts and false equivalencies, and actually engage in reasoned, logical debate.
I won't hold my breath!
If Republicans were really interested in "governing" the country rather than just exploiting it, they would stop relying on misquotes, alternate facts and false equivalencies, and actually engage in reasoned, logical debate.
I won't hold my breath!
You may recall — but no, it's obvious that you don't — that leading up to the passage of the ACA it was debated and amended in committee for MORE THAN 12 MOMTHS. And, if you are nostalgic for those long ago days, you can go to the C-SPAN archives and watch them all over again.
The famous quote that you referred to applied only to the final and relatively minor changes that immediately preceded the bill's passage. The bulk of the bill's final content (maybe 95% ?) had been available to read for months.
There is no valid comparison between the transparency and debate of the ACA and the opaque skullduggery currently underway with the latest incarnation of Trump(don't)care.
The famous quote that you referred to applied only to the final and relatively minor changes that immediately preceded the bill's passage. The bulk of the bill's final content (maybe 95% ?) had been available to read for months.
There is no valid comparison between the transparency and debate of the ACA and the opaque skullduggery currently underway with the latest incarnation of Trump(don't)care.
That talking point is false all the way around. The ACA bill was written openly, available even on the web for reading by the public, had more than 100 republican-offered amendments, and was debated for months. And Pelosi's quote is, as usual, completely taken out of context. The context was that the bill should be passed so people can see the benefits (what's in it) instead of simply listening to the fear-mongering of the republicans.
The slime is all from the republican side with their rampant hypocrisy and lies.
The slime is all from the republican side with their rampant hypocrisy and lies.
It seems like a fool's errand if McConnell believes a quick vote next week with no hearings and little debate will "spare Republicans from constituent pressure over the Fourth of July recess."
If the bill passes, constituents will become aware of its contents. Unless it miraculously corrects the deficiencies of the House bill and doesn't contain any of the horrors rumored to be in it, constituents will then be angry at both the content and how it was rushed through.
The GOP has painted themselves into a corner. They spent the last eight years lying to paint the ACA as a bogeyman. Now their base expects them to slay a fictional dragon, and all their flailing about is only going to hurt their constituents and themselves.
If the bill passes, constituents will become aware of its contents. Unless it miraculously corrects the deficiencies of the House bill and doesn't contain any of the horrors rumored to be in it, constituents will then be angry at both the content and how it was rushed through.
The GOP has painted themselves into a corner. They spent the last eight years lying to paint the ACA as a bogeyman. Now their base expects them to slay a fictional dragon, and all their flailing about is only going to hurt their constituents and themselves.
91
From the corner into which Republicans have painted themselves, the anger of the Republican "base" and donors is apparently considered more of a threat than a voter backlash from millions of people who will lose their health insurance.
For seven years they've kept their loyal "base" inflamed with incessant lies about Obamacare and Obama. They've promised them that if they get control, they'll end the socialist horror of Obamacare as the first step of undoing every socialist abomination the Kenyan Muslim [Black] usurper has inflicted on the country. They won't stop until Obama has been completely eradicated from the history books.
If they don't make good on the fiction-based promises they've been making for so long, they risk losses in primaries as even more conservative opponents appeal to Republican voters in gerrymandered districts, aided by wealthy donors who were promised large tax cuts funded by ACA repeal. Republicans presumably believe a voter backlash can be neutralized through propaganda, gerrymandering, voter suppression, and possibly help from friends in Moscow. But the loss of their own "base" from failing to demolish Obamacare is the real threat to their jobs.
Thus, Republicans must do whatever they can to satisfy their "base" and donors. The millions of people who must suffer and die to make that happen are expendable and irrelevant. As are democracy and the rule of law. For Republicans, their jobs, their party, and their donors are all that matter.
For seven years they've kept their loyal "base" inflamed with incessant lies about Obamacare and Obama. They've promised them that if they get control, they'll end the socialist horror of Obamacare as the first step of undoing every socialist abomination the Kenyan Muslim [Black] usurper has inflicted on the country. They won't stop until Obama has been completely eradicated from the history books.
If they don't make good on the fiction-based promises they've been making for so long, they risk losses in primaries as even more conservative opponents appeal to Republican voters in gerrymandered districts, aided by wealthy donors who were promised large tax cuts funded by ACA repeal. Republicans presumably believe a voter backlash can be neutralized through propaganda, gerrymandering, voter suppression, and possibly help from friends in Moscow. But the loss of their own "base" from failing to demolish Obamacare is the real threat to their jobs.
Thus, Republicans must do whatever they can to satisfy their "base" and donors. The millions of people who must suffer and die to make that happen are expendable and irrelevant. As are democracy and the rule of law. For Republicans, their jobs, their party, and their donors are all that matter.
25
I applaud the Senate Democrats for attempting to delay a vote on the health care legislation. But something says this may very well pass and then back to the House for further revisions and then they may pass “something” for the President to sign.
Trump had a big victory celebration in the Rose Garden when the House passed their heinous AHCA bill. But just a few days ago he says it’s “mean”. My guess is since the “fake news”, pun intended, blasted the hell out of the House bill and pointed out the hurtful features, that it finally got back to Trump in some fashion and then he started to understand the negative consequences that may result.
The media should do all it can to dissect this Senate health care plan, if it passes, pointing out every flaw and negative in clear lay terms. Place it on the front pages and evening news day in and day out. The President can tweet and the Republican Congress can scream all they want about the “fake news” media. But the people will know who is being truthful.
In the words of Joe Friday. “Just the facts, ma'am".
Trump had a big victory celebration in the Rose Garden when the House passed their heinous AHCA bill. But just a few days ago he says it’s “mean”. My guess is since the “fake news”, pun intended, blasted the hell out of the House bill and pointed out the hurtful features, that it finally got back to Trump in some fashion and then he started to understand the negative consequences that may result.
The media should do all it can to dissect this Senate health care plan, if it passes, pointing out every flaw and negative in clear lay terms. Place it on the front pages and evening news day in and day out. The President can tweet and the Republican Congress can scream all they want about the “fake news” media. But the people will know who is being truthful.
In the words of Joe Friday. “Just the facts, ma'am".
15
Dems wouldn't know facts if they came up and bit them.
The ACA act has flaws. What if the Democrats had taken the lead in proposing legislation to reform the ACA, pursued conversations in public forums like town hall meetings, and generally taken the lead in providing an alternative option to the AHCA instead of/in addition to opposing the Republican bill?
13
They have, but Republicans have controlled the floor of the House and Senate for many years and have blocked all attempts to repair the bill
Here are some good ideas, which would be law by now if Democrats had prevailed in 2016
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/health-care/
Here are some good ideas, which would be law by now if Democrats had prevailed in 2016
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/health-care/
7
Your suggestion is forthright and a coalition building concept.
All you failed to note was that this is exactly the process the REPUBLICANS have followed, gotten elected and now have a mandate to fix.
All you failed to note was that this is exactly the process the REPUBLICANS have followed, gotten elected and now have a mandate to fix.
They would get no media coverage of their efforts, and certainly no time of day from the Senate "leadership". Just as they are now.
Democrats are not "gumming up the works". For goodness sake, who wrote this headline?
Democrats are demanding that what is arguably the most important piece of legislation in our nation be discussed in public and not created by a tiny group of politicians in a back room.
Democrats are demanding that what is arguably the most important piece of legislation in our nation be discussed in public and not created by a tiny group of politicians in a back room.
54
Corrupt to the core. Just look where McConnell gets his money from.
This is the health care of our nation's people, and we're supposed to trust this tiny group to meet in secret and come up with something that's not selfish and evil?
This is the health care of our nation's people, and we're supposed to trust this tiny group to meet in secret and come up with something that's not selfish and evil?
It goes against everything I value about human interactions and tolerance, but increasingly, I feel that I am very close to turning my back on accepting any form of compromise with the Republican party. Making sure that all people of the US have affordable health care no matter what income level should, in my opinion, be a core value and responsibility of the Federal government. Capitalism should butt out of some things, and this is at the top of the list.
The goals of Republicans for a long time have been to dismantle what they like to call "entitlements", and their other targets are Medicaid and Social Security, although they will need to undermine the latter in hidden ways. These long-range attacks on our social safety net, the genetic blindness to addressing how to minimize human effects on climate change that has become a characteristic of the GOP, and the high proportion of GOP supporters who tolerate or advocate racist, bigoted, and sexist views have alienated me and countless others on the left, not that we do not also share some of the blame in these areas.
The difference is that Democrats support the safety net, advocate for environmental issues (although this was strangely minimized in Clinton's campaigning), and embrace diversity and tolerance as policy. Republicans are now openly beholden to wealthy interests and regurgitate the same old discredited tax-cutting policies while cutting services. With exceptions, there is no moral core despite their rhetoric.
The goals of Republicans for a long time have been to dismantle what they like to call "entitlements", and their other targets are Medicaid and Social Security, although they will need to undermine the latter in hidden ways. These long-range attacks on our social safety net, the genetic blindness to addressing how to minimize human effects on climate change that has become a characteristic of the GOP, and the high proportion of GOP supporters who tolerate or advocate racist, bigoted, and sexist views have alienated me and countless others on the left, not that we do not also share some of the blame in these areas.
The difference is that Democrats support the safety net, advocate for environmental issues (although this was strangely minimized in Clinton's campaigning), and embrace diversity and tolerance as policy. Republicans are now openly beholden to wealthy interests and regurgitate the same old discredited tax-cutting policies while cutting services. With exceptions, there is no moral core despite their rhetoric.
19
David, the Tea Party controlled Republicans alienate plenty of us who are center right. Their mantra of tax cuts, tax cuts, tax cuts, skewed to the affluent, while cutting or privatizing "entitlements" like Medicare, Social Security and Medicaid, to pay for the tax cuts, is hardly fiscally responsible in many ways. For the current crop of Republicans, common sense is a value they lack.
1
I applaud the Democratic leadership for using any and all legislative tools available to a minority party to preserve democracy and represent their own constituents in this life-or-death struggle for timely and adequate medical care. Democrats are literally fighting for many of their constituents lives, not just their pocketbooks. They are fighting to relieve the physical and emotional suffering of sick people and their loved ones. Meanwhile, Republicans are fighting for their anti-government, pro-capitalist conservative ideology that has no concern for the pain and lives of any whose work pays them little, who lose their jobs and health insurance through no fault of their own, or run out of their life savings before their lives end in a nursing home. Any bill they come up with will be a statement of that ideology. Yes, to greed and profits and no to sick people who aren't rich. Not just Democrats in Congress but all of us who are truly "pro-life" need to stand up and fight.
14
"Senate Democrats Try to Gum Up Works Over Affordable Care Act Repeal"?
A Modest Proposal: Why don't the Democrats try to run on THEIR values (affordable healthcare for all people, not ignoring some 20+ million people) and STOP always running against the right-wing and from a defensive posture?
Helped the nation out of the (Republican-created) almost-Great Repression II of 2008, the Great Depression of the 1930s, World War 2, the original Voting Rights Act, the original Medicare act, etc, etc...
A Modest Proposal: Why don't the Democrats try to run on THEIR values (affordable healthcare for all people, not ignoring some 20+ million people) and STOP always running against the right-wing and from a defensive posture?
Helped the nation out of the (Republican-created) almost-Great Repression II of 2008, the Great Depression of the 1930s, World War 2, the original Voting Rights Act, the original Medicare act, etc, etc...
4
Where are the Statesmen? Who are the Sophists?
The medical care Senate bill will affect all of us-including the old, the sick, the poor and the vulnerable. The prospects are clear. We will live with the choices we made when we voted for those who represent us. Congratulations!
The medical care Senate bill will affect all of us-including the old, the sick, the poor and the vulnerable. The prospects are clear. We will live with the choices we made when we voted for those who represent us. Congratulations!
6
The Republican party has met the bottom. I think. This total secrecy on a matter that concerns every American, but mostly seriously the 23 million who just got health insurance for the first time and will now lose it. The ACA is not perfect, but it helps millions of people keep their health and avoid bankruptcies.
YOu can be sure that mom/grandma/grandpa will lose their Medicaid and be unable to pay their nursing home bills. What happens then? If the state doesn't kick in, these will be coming home to you, for you to provide 244 hour skilled nursing.
People will be able to buy cheap plans with huge co-pays and deductibles with very little assistance from the government. If you make $30,000 a year, pay $500 a month for insurance, and have a $10,000 co-pay, that leaves you and your family with less than half your earnings to live on. ($14,000) If you also pay $750 a month in rent, you are down to $427 a month for everythign else.
Think about it. Then call your Senators.
YOu can be sure that mom/grandma/grandpa will lose their Medicaid and be unable to pay their nursing home bills. What happens then? If the state doesn't kick in, these will be coming home to you, for you to provide 244 hour skilled nursing.
People will be able to buy cheap plans with huge co-pays and deductibles with very little assistance from the government. If you make $30,000 a year, pay $500 a month for insurance, and have a $10,000 co-pay, that leaves you and your family with less than half your earnings to live on. ($14,000) If you also pay $750 a month in rent, you are down to $427 a month for everythign else.
Think about it. Then call your Senators.
What are they trying to hide that is so secretive the health care bill should be shared with everyone regardless of party affiliation after all this will be effecting MANY AMERICANS.
The CBO should be looking at this to see how many more Americans will be out of healthcare.
The only thing the GOP is looking for is a win for the Crockett president we have every had in history and this president is so jealous of the accomplishments the Obama legacy has as a president that's what they are doing this for and the second reason is to appease Ryan's health care bill so that he is appeased since poor little Ryan has been working on the fake health care bill since he went into office.
Are these voters who voted for this president going to like it when they find out they will lose their health care. I called my representatives on both sides republican and democrats to stop this bill from going thru the people of this country should be able to see this bill.
This president has stopped any news media from being in camera and only allow a pencil and pad at the briefings shame on this. Shame all you congressmen and senators of the republican side who are also acting like dictators we have a right to the health care bill viewing and discussions as we have a right to hear what is said in the beefing room in Washington DC White House. Come the primaries in 2018 we will vote out all those who said yes to the dictators health care bill.
The CBO should be looking at this to see how many more Americans will be out of healthcare.
The only thing the GOP is looking for is a win for the Crockett president we have every had in history and this president is so jealous of the accomplishments the Obama legacy has as a president that's what they are doing this for and the second reason is to appease Ryan's health care bill so that he is appeased since poor little Ryan has been working on the fake health care bill since he went into office.
Are these voters who voted for this president going to like it when they find out they will lose their health care. I called my representatives on both sides republican and democrats to stop this bill from going thru the people of this country should be able to see this bill.
This president has stopped any news media from being in camera and only allow a pencil and pad at the briefings shame on this. Shame all you congressmen and senators of the republican side who are also acting like dictators we have a right to the health care bill viewing and discussions as we have a right to hear what is said in the beefing room in Washington DC White House. Come the primaries in 2018 we will vote out all those who said yes to the dictators health care bill.
2
The overhanging question is, does Mitch McConnell have any vulnerable pressure points? I don't see any.
5
Republican have been running on repealing Obamacare and have made great strides in elections. Americans do not want the federal governemnt involved in healthcare, they want to go back to the days before Obamacare. Elections have consequences, and one of the consequences of this last one is that Obamacare be eliminated. The Democrats tried, so give them credit; but Americans don't want it.
3
Actually, it appears that Republican legislators are going way out on a limb. Fifty-six percent of voters disapprove of the GOP bill, while only 17% support it. Among Republicans, only 41% support the House bill. Fifty-eight percent of Independents disapprove of the AHCA. Forty-six percent of voters say they will be less likely to vote for their Congressional representative if they vote to approve the GOP plan. Let's keep in mind, also, that Trump got just 25.1% of the total vote against 25.6% for Clinton, while about 48% did not vote at all. Republicans do not have a mandate to rip away the Affordable Care Act. My references are from thehill.com.
2
Totally flies in the face of FACTS that even Repubs who voted for Trump have benefited from the ACA.
3
So much for "the American people" eh, Mitch?
11
Senators will work even less and slower than they normally do?
Only Democrats can achieve that feat!
Only Democrats can achieve that feat!
2
So you live on a different planet where Republicans work hard every day for the lowliest citizen and are awash with brilliant ideas that will benefit the majority and not just the richest members of their society?
2
The ACA was rammed though without people reading it, done by reconciliation, and along the strictest partisan line. And the democrats do not like.... the same thing being done now????
Just because you disagree with something does not mean that you are right.
Just because you disagree with something does not mean that you are right.
2
Even putting aside the inaccuracies in your first paragraph and taking it at face value, are you then asserting that two wrongs make a right?
Oh, and your last sentence could easily apply to ACA, also known as Obamacare: just because you disagree with ACA does not mean that you're right.
Oh, and your last sentence could easily apply to ACA, also known as Obamacare: just because you disagree with ACA does not mean that you're right.
2
The ACA, originally a Republican plan, and several times amended via Republican suggestions, was debated for 25 weeks!
This is your definition of "rammed through?
This is your definition of "rammed through?
People who didn't read the ACA chose not to read it -- the draft legislation was available well before the vote. Not exactly the same thing as not making the legislation available at all.
How do you expect reasonable people to take GOP policies seriously when they insist on basing their arguments on such obvious false equivalencies?
How do you expect reasonable people to take GOP policies seriously when they insist on basing their arguments on such obvious false equivalencies?
1
"...to slow work in the Senate to a crawl..."
It's been at a crawl ever since the GOP got the majority. I don't believe we'll ever have an answer as to why their alternative to the ACA wasn't ready to go in 2015.
It's been at a crawl ever since the GOP got the majority. I don't believe we'll ever have an answer as to why their alternative to the ACA wasn't ready to go in 2015.
What's next, a secretly approved bill for all citizens to pay their taxes directly to the GOP? These people are crooks, sick crooks.
2
If passed, this is REPUBLICARE. the name should be shouted repeatedly.
3
moti sen, I'm with you here regarding the morally bankrupt Republican senators. But, just FYI, you can't gerrymander the Senate, since it's a whole state. What you can do, if you're a Republican, is to take dark money (as you described) and indulge in dirty campaign tricks. But the most effective tactic used by Republicans is simply to lie, lie, lie.
1
New York Times: Please give the ACA repeal more attention on your front pages. Forget Russia for the coming week.
4
If ever there was a time to stall, this is it. I'm old enough to remember basketball before a time clock, 24 second, 35 second, 30 second, whatever. Occasionally, usually in high school, there would be an 8-5 game, or some such score. Hold the ball, hold the damn ball, Dems, securely, with extended elbows.
1
This episode, even more so than holding Obama's supreme court seat hostage, is undeniable evidence of the cancer metastasizing in our democracy.
Bills, all bills, should be written, debated, and moved through appropriate committees with public hearings. These are hallmarks of healthy democracies, ones that are for and by the people.
This process? This is where democracy goes to die.
Bills, all bills, should be written, debated, and moved through appropriate committees with public hearings. These are hallmarks of healthy democracies, ones that are for and by the people.
This process? This is where democracy goes to die.
218
Oh, John. Your assessment is all too eloquent. Thank-you. In a few simple words, you have expressed exactly how I feel about about this travesty of an Administration and its Congressional cohorts. A metastasizing cancer in a dying democracy.
1
Absolutely agree. This process is far from normal, and a sea change in the way Congress develops legislation. If the GOP is allowed to succeed with this approach, we'll see it again and again.
Calling to mind the motto on the other major "fake news" publication, the Washington Post: "Democracy Dies in Darkness". We need the free press more than ever, NYT; keep at it.
Far from being a done deal, it looks like unbridgeable disagreements over the provision of health insurance will lead to the break-up of the United States at some point in the 2020s. There are some disturbing parallels with the debates over slavery that preceded the Civil War. In both cases, reactionaries believe that the profitability of private-sector enterprises should take precedence over considerations of what is decent and moral.
Personally, I cannot comprehend the mentality of a non-wealthy person who hates government so much that s/he is willing to blindly trust executives at private sector, for-profit health insurance companies. Those people in America make more money in a year than Lebron James (look it up) and simply DO NOT CARE about the welfare of their own customers, i.e. policyholders. To them, policyholders are a source of revenue extraction and nothing more.
To me, for-profit health insurance companies are no more reputable or trustworthy than for-profit "universities" like Phoenix and DeVry. If your own child or niece/nephew announced their intention to attend a for-profit "university" wouldn't you do everything in your power to dissuade them from going down that disastrous path? If so, why be content and satisfied with entities like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare?
McConnell feels emboldened to do what he's doing because far too many Americans buy into the nonsense that health insurance is a "product" that businesses have the right to profit from.
Personally, I cannot comprehend the mentality of a non-wealthy person who hates government so much that s/he is willing to blindly trust executives at private sector, for-profit health insurance companies. Those people in America make more money in a year than Lebron James (look it up) and simply DO NOT CARE about the welfare of their own customers, i.e. policyholders. To them, policyholders are a source of revenue extraction and nothing more.
To me, for-profit health insurance companies are no more reputable or trustworthy than for-profit "universities" like Phoenix and DeVry. If your own child or niece/nephew announced their intention to attend a for-profit "university" wouldn't you do everything in your power to dissuade them from going down that disastrous path? If so, why be content and satisfied with entities like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare?
McConnell feels emboldened to do what he's doing because far too many Americans buy into the nonsense that health insurance is a "product" that businesses have the right to profit from.
17
It's sad that the Republican's did not learn the lessons of the Democrats failure when in control. So history repeats itself. Again. Both sides are beyond puerile and all should be stripped of their positions.
3
This is hardly childish. It is a travesty.
1
That is the textbook example of "false equivalence," i.e. "both sides do it." This is a very popular stance in the mainstream media, particularly CNN; however, it is untrue. Democrats were VERY reasonable about the Affordable Care Act, allowing Republican input to the tune of 175 amendments.
3
Your comment highlights exactly the point I am making. No doubt a Democrat, you find no fault with your party. Exactly what the problem is, neither side accepts responsibility. It's not that both parties do it, it's that both are wrong in doing it. The Republicans are repeating the same mistakes that the Democrats made which led to the situation we are in. The Democrat's scorched earth policy is now the Republican's scorched earth policy. Nothing can be done about what happened under the previous administration. Water under the bridge. Up to this point the current administration will produce the same results. Maybe if they realize the same thing will happen with the next 2-3 election cycles, except in reverse, they might avert disaster.
But it's unlikely. As we have seen on both sides, the party machinery is unrelenting and unforgiving. The only reason Trump won the nomination is that the Republicans did not have the same corrupt super delegate system at the Democrats. The only hope is that, because of Trump, more non-politicians will step up to the plate. That is what really needs to happen.
But it's unlikely. As we have seen on both sides, the party machinery is unrelenting and unforgiving. The only reason Trump won the nomination is that the Republicans did not have the same corrupt super delegate system at the Democrats. The only hope is that, because of Trump, more non-politicians will step up to the plate. That is what really needs to happen.
They should let the Repubs finalize their mess & return home to hear what their constituents think of losing their health insurance. Why not just allow the public/employers to buy into Medicare.
5
Republicans are no longer holding town hall meetings.
Fixing healthcare would be relatively simple if we got insurance companies out of the way and opened Medicare to cover everyone—a one-payor system, paid by income tax.
Insurance companies carry many of our Congresspeople in their pockets, spending money that could/should be spent on their clients' healthcare on lobbying (termed "bribing" in the vernacular), instead. Insurance companies receive untold amounts of welfare from the government (eg: supplemental Medicare insurance), get bargain reductions in costs from healthcare institutions that individuals do not get, practice pre-existing-condition wizardry, and revise their policies to pull the rug out from under clients who have contracted with them whenever they find that an included benefit is cutting into their profits. All-in-all much of their business practice is immoral and unethical.
The concept of insurance was meant to be a good-faith gamble on both sides: people pay premiums to remain healthy and if/when their health is in jeopardy, the insurance company pays out. As with auto insurance, those who do not have to use it are fortunate, but it's there for them when needed. Those unfortunate enough to need to use it, receive the services they need. All benefit if you keep the greed factor out of it.
As it currently stands, insurers cover the healthy while the government covers the sick (Medicaid/Medicare). Any fool can see the problem is imbalance—put everyone in the same boat and the hole is plugged.
Insurance companies carry many of our Congresspeople in their pockets, spending money that could/should be spent on their clients' healthcare on lobbying (termed "bribing" in the vernacular), instead. Insurance companies receive untold amounts of welfare from the government (eg: supplemental Medicare insurance), get bargain reductions in costs from healthcare institutions that individuals do not get, practice pre-existing-condition wizardry, and revise their policies to pull the rug out from under clients who have contracted with them whenever they find that an included benefit is cutting into their profits. All-in-all much of their business practice is immoral and unethical.
The concept of insurance was meant to be a good-faith gamble on both sides: people pay premiums to remain healthy and if/when their health is in jeopardy, the insurance company pays out. As with auto insurance, those who do not have to use it are fortunate, but it's there for them when needed. Those unfortunate enough to need to use it, receive the services they need. All benefit if you keep the greed factor out of it.
As it currently stands, insurers cover the healthy while the government covers the sick (Medicaid/Medicare). Any fool can see the problem is imbalance—put everyone in the same boat and the hole is plugged.
When is the text version of this bill going to be given to the full senate? I would suggest that the minute this piece of legislation comes out that it goes viral on the internet. The link to the bill needs to go viral.
One of the big stories coming out of this mess will be how the web works to channel opinion. All of these Republican congressmen have Facebook pages. They cannot block voters by zip like they can with letters and their web sites. If McConnell is trying to hide you can find him on Facebook.
One of the big stories coming out of this mess will be how the web works to channel opinion. All of these Republican congressmen have Facebook pages. They cannot block voters by zip like they can with letters and their web sites. If McConnell is trying to hide you can find him on Facebook.
2
Hey Folks, Remember that this bill is not really about health care. It's to free up the ACA tax money so that Republicans can pass their big tax cut plan later. Without the health care money the tax plan won't be revenue neutral. McConnell and Ryan are selling their major tax cut plan to Repubs now and will accept any twists and turns in the health care stuff to get there.
8
I believe it was Senator Merkley who yesterday on the Rachel Maddow show pleaded with the viewers to start making noise, admitting that although the Democrats in the Senate are trying their best to stall this inevitable vote, they have little power without us, the voters.
Initially I thought that I was too exhausted and too powerless to continue fighting the ruthlessness of McConnell, Ryan, and the rest of their self-serving followers. But then I realized that is what they are counting on. I believe they are trying to wear us down, the majority of Americans, including many Republicans, who want to keep much of the ACA.
Now is the time for us to say there is more of us than you, not only to the GOP led Congress but also to the special interest groups to which they serve, CEO's of health insurance companies and drug companies.
Finally, as a retired RN, it is time for our doctors and nurses - and hospitals - to step up to the plate. We in the health profession have an obligation and responsibility to all Americans, no matter their socio-economic status, to treat, to heal. We in the health profession, if we remain silent, are no better than the Republican sycophants in the Senate and the House.
Initially I thought that I was too exhausted and too powerless to continue fighting the ruthlessness of McConnell, Ryan, and the rest of their self-serving followers. But then I realized that is what they are counting on. I believe they are trying to wear us down, the majority of Americans, including many Republicans, who want to keep much of the ACA.
Now is the time for us to say there is more of us than you, not only to the GOP led Congress but also to the special interest groups to which they serve, CEO's of health insurance companies and drug companies.
Finally, as a retired RN, it is time for our doctors and nurses - and hospitals - to step up to the plate. We in the health profession have an obligation and responsibility to all Americans, no matter their socio-economic status, to treat, to heal. We in the health profession, if we remain silent, are no better than the Republican sycophants in the Senate and the House.
18
The Senate GOP version of the ACA repeal/replace/ destroy/hide from the public bill will pass the Senate because the GOP senators do not want to be seen as weak after promising to do away with ACA, even though the ACA has been modestly successful in making healthcare available and affordable to millions of Americans who never had health insurance coverage before. Party loyalty rules today over doing the right thing. Get rid of ACA now and deal with the fallout later. After all, the mid term elections are a long time off in the politics of the moment times we live in now. The Senate Dems do not have the votes or any effective procedural shenanigans that they can pull off to keep the bill from passing and then clearing a GOP controlled conference committee. They will will worry about the serious problems created by the new law only when absolutely necessary. All done in secret, with no hearings, no public input or input from the key health industry parties that wil be left with the remnants of this piece of sausage. Not quite what the founding fathers and all the previous Congresses had in mine on such an mportant piece of legislation with such a huge financial impact on our economy, and huge personal consequences for the millions of people who will be directly affected by it. What a travesty.
6
The 13 GOP Senators who are selling us out got a measly $90M in campaign funds from fossil fuels. Surely we can crowdfund more than $90M in a few hours.
Lets get this bidding war started! Buy us some GOP Senators! Now!
https://www.gofundme.com/
Lets get this bidding war started! Buy us some GOP Senators! Now!
https://www.gofundme.com/
4
Single Payer. (emphasis on period)
3
As long as you are willing to pay 75% of your pay in taxes to fund the 200 million Americans who have no money. Fine. Oh and "period."
1
It's interesting how Republicans love openness and transparency when they're the minority party in Congress.
4
The health care debate is a perfect example of how inadequate our politicians are.
The first question in rewriting the Health Care Bill should be what can we as a country afford. (yes, the world is unfair)
The second should be how can we deliver it to the people in the best manner possible.
Politics should be thrown out the window or at the very least should go on holiday when discussing this bill.
Obama Care is not the answer and either is the Republican Health Care Bill. I think everyone can agree on that. This should be the starting point. Now let's move forward.
The first question in rewriting the Health Care Bill should be what can we as a country afford. (yes, the world is unfair)
The second should be how can we deliver it to the people in the best manner possible.
Politics should be thrown out the window or at the very least should go on holiday when discussing this bill.
Obama Care is not the answer and either is the Republican Health Care Bill. I think everyone can agree on that. This should be the starting point. Now let's move forward.
The Dems and healthcare advocates should run ads everyday for a week with sound bites from rep senators about the ACA in 2009 and the need for debate
Over 100 amendments by opponents were accepted and added to the ACA
Over 100 amendments by opponents were accepted and added to the ACA
"The notion that we are not meeting with people is ridiculous" is the kind of rhetoric that, while not overtly advocating violence, introduces a dismissive tone to the conversation. It would be far more productive to offer a list of those groups with whom you have met; among other more professional and productive ways to respond in this situation.
19
There is no reason to be secretive about the Health Care bill. Not only should members have ample time to study it, but experts from a wide range of backgrounds should be able to comment on it. The Republicans already made a mistake by limiting the group, assigned to develop the bill, to white males of higher than average incomes. They should make the bill known before their July 4th break, take testimony when they get back and then listen to their district constituency, not their financial backers. The mistakes they make could impact a workers ability to succeed, and could result in American deaths. With so many senior Americans relying on medicaid support in long term health care facilities, the House proposal to cut medicaid would only result in tragedy.
The Democrats should do everything they can to make sure any changes result in a better health care plan not a better tax cut plan. They should proceed to force the Republican plan out into the open. I expect some are thinking of Nancy Pelosi's often misquoted and even more often misinterpreted comment, “we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of the controversy.” She wasn't talking about hiding what was in the bill, she was referring to the reality that people better understand laws when they are enacted and they can feel their impact.
The Democrats should do everything they can to make sure any changes result in a better health care plan not a better tax cut plan. They should proceed to force the Republican plan out into the open. I expect some are thinking of Nancy Pelosi's often misquoted and even more often misinterpreted comment, “we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of the controversy.” She wasn't talking about hiding what was in the bill, she was referring to the reality that people better understand laws when they are enacted and they can feel their impact.
8
The GOP is not working on this bill. The entire reason for secrecy is to prevent as many eyes as possible to land on the wretched mess. At the last moment they will slam it down the senate's throat and force a vote. There are no efforts to build a respectable bill, there are only tactics to win.
10
Let it pass. It will take a while for people to realize exactly what it is that they voted into office, but this bill could be the end of GOP dominance for at least a generation or two.
7
The correct response from the republicans is to cancel an August recess. Congress should stay in Washington and keep on working on healthcare. It is broken. ACA is broken. They should stick around and work on fixing it. If it is slow - so be it.
12
If the Republicans are so confident on what they are proposing then why aren't they being transparent on how they plan to impact Americans? For those who say the Democrats need to propose an alternative, two points, first Obamacare is already law, secondly, an alternative to what the Republicans propose? How is that possible the senate Republicans have not shared that with Democrats? Finally, how can you Republicans be fine with not knowing what that alternative is? Incredible logic. Remember the Fox News mantra about how Obamacare was shoved down the Republicans' throats, yet in this instance Republican voters are fine with this total news blackout? Hilarious.
8
For seven years and almost 60 votes to kill the ACA the GOP has consistently proclaimed that it had a better plan. If they had such a great plan why do they even need to meet in secret. Just roll it out. What is obvious is that the party of "NO!" was just that. Oppose and make outrageous claims to gin up the base. If they really had a better plan, why meet in secret. After all, if it was wonderful wouldn't they want immediate credit? (This is party that thrives on adulation). The takeaway: the GOP, like the proverbial emperor, has no clothes and the nakedness of their arguments will be there for all of us to see when they try to ram harmful legislation through to give the wealthy yet another tax break.
22
Just like our healthcare system, I guess you never know what the bill will be until you get out of the hospital, or in this case, GOP's secret behind closed door meetings. The public, your constituents, deserve to understand what's going to be in the bill so that we are able to provide feedback. We are not your subjects, this is not a monarchy, in America, we the People of the United States get to be involved in the process. The GOP, now more than ever, stand for Greed Over People.
12
And meanwhile, while they're all futzing around and playing politics, the big pharma-created opioid addiction crisis is getting more and more out of control daily, and health insurances costs/lack of coverage issues are stressing out the American people. If the end product feeds more into the pockets of the greedy health insurance conglomerates and pharmaceutical industries, at the cost to the people, I hope those who created this mess are are prepared for the backlash and shaming.
Has anyone really gotten through to Trump supporters in their 50s and early 60s with the news that their costs will rise astronomically? Or do most of them get coverage through their spouses' jobs?
Has anyone really gotten through to Ryan and McConnell what this bill will do to small businesses, a constituency they seem to have totally dismissed?
Has anyone really gotten through to Ryan and McConnell what this bill will do to small businesses, a constituency they seem to have totally dismissed?
6
When the Trumpkins in their 50s and 60s (who'll suffer the most under Trumpcare) find out the hard way who and what they voted for, it'll be a character-building life experience for them.
The Republicans are going to need Democratic votes to raise the Debt Ceiling shortly. It seems to me that they should play that card.
5
I'm extremely disappointed in the AARP -- they announced their opposition weeks ago, but failed to do anything meaningful about it, like sponsoring educational town halls around the country, ad campaigns and the like. This $1.5 million ad campaign they are sponsoring with a couple of other organizations is pathetic.
The "World's Greatest Deliberative Body" should be renamed the "World's Greatest Poseurs." Deliberation is a euphemism for "spin," propaganda, and deadlock between monied interests. Congress is a black hole into which vast sums of money, stripped from the middle and lower classes, is funneled into the pockets of the 1%, via the obscure Tax Code, legislative loopholes or grants of patents or monopolies. Question: Why are anonymous shell corporations even allowed to do business in America? There is more transparency in the National People's Congress than in our health care debate. I question even the need for a "Congress" when they can pass laws secretly. At least China is cracking down on government corruption. Here it is institutional. Money is "free speech," "constituents" are "lobbyists," and Congressmen spend most of every day working the campaign finance phones. When a country can deny people health care (kill them) and deny them the right to self-medicate (opioids), then a civil war becomes a real possibility.
4
Thank you, Senate Democrats for this effort to stop this tax cut for the 1% hoarders of wealth. Sadly, it's Old Testament time in America.
5
Republicans not on the "committee" should be screaming, not planning on voting YES just because the GOP wrote it. All Senators' jobs are to understand what they are voting for. It's called your oath of office, to represent us, your voters. End of story. There should not be ABLE to be a rushed vote, on anything.
4
I am astonished by the behavior of GOP Senators who can't get themselves to say, "something this important requires further detail & debate." Imagine the same blank-check for national defense or infrastructure. Considering the high percentage of GDP health services represent, caving into threats of retribution is incredulous for a sitting United States Senator.
Most amazingly, this vote will have a dramatic affect on those that are the core supporters of the GOP, more than defense and infrastructure would. The betrayal to this base is inconceivable and for what? "A win?" The ability to say "We did something even though it was the way-off wrong." The right to stand in front of cameras to say that "I, your Senate representative, took a stand even though none of us had ample time to fully study the effects of this."
The sad truth is that anyone who is going to vote "Yeah" on this or any Bill in the next two weeks has shown their only true interest. JOB PRESERVATION!
If you are United States Senator and care more about our Union than your own job, you would never agree to a shot-gun vote on anything of this magnitude. And you would be in your right to do so both politically, morally, and most important of all, patriotically. And you never know, voters in your state might even applaud you for this.
But if job preservation is what is most on your mind, I already know how you will vote and so do your constituents.
Most amazingly, this vote will have a dramatic affect on those that are the core supporters of the GOP, more than defense and infrastructure would. The betrayal to this base is inconceivable and for what? "A win?" The ability to say "We did something even though it was the way-off wrong." The right to stand in front of cameras to say that "I, your Senate representative, took a stand even though none of us had ample time to fully study the effects of this."
The sad truth is that anyone who is going to vote "Yeah" on this or any Bill in the next two weeks has shown their only true interest. JOB PRESERVATION!
If you are United States Senator and care more about our Union than your own job, you would never agree to a shot-gun vote on anything of this magnitude. And you would be in your right to do so both politically, morally, and most important of all, patriotically. And you never know, voters in your state might even applaud you for this.
But if job preservation is what is most on your mind, I already know how you will vote and so do your constituents.
4
Every time I read a story about the Republicans using "special rules" to avoid a filibuster and pass a bill with 51 votes, I wonder:
"Why couldn't Democrats have done that in 2009, to pass real universal health care?"
"Why couldn't Democrats have done that in 2009, to pass real universal health care?"
3
Because the Democrats needed Joe Lieberman's vote to pass anything, and he wasn't going to go along with that as long as he represented giant Hartford, CT-based insurance companies.
When you covertly plan and scheme you open yourself to an array of nefarious speculations. This pack of elected officials no longer deserve the titles, Of congressmen , nor the rights afforded them. Even constituents of your own party have tried to shame you out of this practice. But as you continue on not giving credence to any of the raised voices , in your dictionary party comes before country and you will not hear the young , elderly, hard working ,people of this country. So let's see what a country of uninsured millions, and just the few wealthy tax-free citizens looks like. Remember you get full credit for the mess. When all Is said and done you'll have to put on your big boy pants and own it all!
2
Democrat gestures: the unceasing, pointless acts that keep on giving nothing of real value to We The People. Sigh.
In these dark times, one must ration one's outrage. Nevertheless, I cannot suppress my outrage that Mitch McConnell and the GOP have chosen secrecy and stealth as the only means to achieve passage of a draconian attack on the poor disguised as healthcare. No hearings? No open debate? No wonder since the GOP wants to do their dirty work behind closed doors. Cowards one and all.
6
Kudos to those fearless Republicans for making sure no women get to weigh in on health care. What do they know about it? Let these white men continue to make health care decisions. It's worked so well up to now...
Democrats should pair this strategy with very public statements about why they're doing it and how bad the AHCA would be for the country. Right now, they should direct their messaging to maximize the political damage this ill-thought-out bill will do to Republicans. They should be running ads in Arizona and Nevada to spook Flake and Heller.
12
Much as Jon Ossoff is preferable to the alternative, and much as he's trying to win a heavily Republican district, I hope that the DNC does not see him as the template for Democratic candidates it pushes in all districts. He is not just "not for" single payer, he opposes it. And he opposes tax increases for everyone, including the wealthiest. He sounds like a Democrat who would let the Republican health care bill slip by.
5
OK, but there will probably always be a few districts in which you're really going to either have to choose to let it go Republican or to elect moderate Democrats. A wealthy Atlanta suburb is probably going to be one of them.
4
There is no question that if we only run far left candidates we will not increase the Democratic members of either house. He may support bills that we might not like but he could also support other Democratic actions that a Republican never would. Don't forget the most important vote a member makes is the first vote of the session, who should be majority leader.
2
If you turn your nose up at candidates like Ossoff, you can kiss all your dreams of single-payer goodbye, because the Democrats will never be able to reverse the gerrymandering, or overcome the geographic disadvantages they face for winning the Senate and the House.
1
Obstruction of the expected Republican bill is definitely warranted. But don't do it without also presenting an attractive progressive alternative. Democrats can't just be the new party of no if they want to gain voters.
12
Yes, they cannot be the new party of no on the block. Present us with alternatives, something tangible to compare to what the GOP is trying to pass. Then we can have a real discussion.
3
What are you missing here? The Republicans are preparing a bill IN SECRET. The Democrats (and many Republicans who are not among the thirteen hiding in a backroom writing the bill) would LOVE to see it and offer comments, suggestions and “progressive alternatives” to it. They CAN’T, because those who are writing it are hiding it.
6
Kudos to the Democrats for standing up to this Republican manufactured travesty of a "healthcare" bill. Taking away healthcare and increasing its costs (yes, it will!) does nothing for the American people, who, it should be recalled, did not vote by majority for Republicans.
8
If Americans stand for this, we deserve what we get.
Altering something that directly impacts 1/6 of the economy, and by extension, pretty much all citizens - doing it behind closed doors with no input from the other party or even citizens, ignoring a CBO - if we don't hold them accountable then we've given over power to a few.
Altering something that directly impacts 1/6 of the economy, and by extension, pretty much all citizens - doing it behind closed doors with no input from the other party or even citizens, ignoring a CBO - if we don't hold them accountable then we've given over power to a few.
39
It's not that we "stand for this", for heaven's sake. We citizens are unable to stop Senate Republicans from creating and voting on a terrible healthcare bill, despite our endless calls to our Senators. We don't have any actual say. And no, we citizens don't deserve to get screwed over by Republicans either.
1
They are trying to take health care from their own constituents to fund a huge tax cut for the rich. Let's call it what it is - a tax cut. Of course they have to cower in fear behind closed doors. Worse case scenario - they do it and all the fake news in the world won't be able to cover the fact they went into hiding and took their constituents' medical care. Then we'll be rid of the bunch of them.
31
By not opposing this travesty of a bill, the healthcare industry has now definitively shown that it is not concerned with the welfare of its customers. When the pendulum swings soon, and the damage done by the Republicans is reversed, the opportunity for regrets will arrive, in addition to the public option, and much, much more.
23
Why bother trying to keep this ridiculous piece of legislation that simply does not work? Premiums have skyrocketed to the point where they are absurd. Case in point, my premiums have gone from $500 per month, to, with the latest increase $2000! Do these people think this is sustainable? It is insane. By the way, the coverage isn't all that great either. Obamacare has been a nightmare from the start, and continues worse. Holding on to a loser law just to protect your friend's legacy is not what you were elected to do. Cuomo says he is going to keep Obamacare elements in NY. Is he going to control these insane premiums too, or just let NY'ers suffer for the sake of the party?
3
The ACA Is definitely flawed. But are you completely unaware that the Republican Bill will make things much worse?
4
Obamacare absolutely need fixes, but if the senate bill is anywhere close to the house bill, things will get worse not better. Also, I'm sorry Obamacare has not helped you, but it has helped many people who have sick family members, especially those with disabled kids and people with cancer, who no longer had to worry about lifetime caps for treatments. So again, I agree, Obamacare is not perfect, but instead of fixing the issues with it, sounds like they will just hurt the most vulnerable in our country. That is not right. Republicans and Democrats need to come together to come up with something better together, but right now GOP is hiding behind closed doors.
5
They can't get any worse for me.
In 2017 there is only one acceptable health bill and this is it:
You know how the government pays to provide us with universal necessities like cops, education, libraries, road construction and repair, fire departments, snow removal, defense, garbage removal and the like? That's what we need in regard to medical care to make sure that everyone in the country is covered. Just like with the other services it should be paid for using the taxes which we pay.
The ACA was flawed from its inception in that everyone is not covered because people are permitted to opt out by paying a fine which is less expensive than enrolling. What sense does that make?
Go to whatever doctor you want to go to, you pay a deductible to cut down on frivolous medical visits, and the medical providers get paid according to a reasonable government schedule that is tailored to region. Medical providers who do not want to accept what the government is paying can do so by posting a notice in their offices to that effect. You either pay the difference or go elsewhere.
The government funds this and the insurance companies run it for the government. Just like with FEMA and flood insurance.
And that's the end of it. Welcome to the 21st Century!
If it makes the prez feel any better we can call it "Trumpcare".
Anything less than this is no good and antiquated.
You know how the government pays to provide us with universal necessities like cops, education, libraries, road construction and repair, fire departments, snow removal, defense, garbage removal and the like? That's what we need in regard to medical care to make sure that everyone in the country is covered. Just like with the other services it should be paid for using the taxes which we pay.
The ACA was flawed from its inception in that everyone is not covered because people are permitted to opt out by paying a fine which is less expensive than enrolling. What sense does that make?
Go to whatever doctor you want to go to, you pay a deductible to cut down on frivolous medical visits, and the medical providers get paid according to a reasonable government schedule that is tailored to region. Medical providers who do not want to accept what the government is paying can do so by posting a notice in their offices to that effect. You either pay the difference or go elsewhere.
The government funds this and the insurance companies run it for the government. Just like with FEMA and flood insurance.
And that's the end of it. Welcome to the 21st Century!
If it makes the prez feel any better we can call it "Trumpcare".
Anything less than this is no good and antiquated.
10
Well said. Government is always going to collect taxes and spend the money on something; the only question is what does the average citizen get. And nothing is more important than healthcare.
"and the medical providers get paid according to a reasonable government schedule that is tailored to region"
I think part of the problem is that there is no reasonable government schedule, Mike. So the health marketplace is one in which procedure prices are sometimes propped up by unwitting bureaucrats, and drug prices are propped up by pharma lobbyists working against USG volume medication discounts.
It took HHS admin staff a long time to realize that dialysis is not such a complicated procedure, that a cataract operation takes only 15 minutes, and that AI or foreign radiologists perform as well as wealthy North American radiologists in reading simple chest x-rays.
Ever increasing healthcare costs are not addressed in O'Bamacare. For the program to be sustainable, we have two choices: cut payments for current services or cut the range of services offered. Actually, I'm in favor of a very basic package offered free to all, with employers choosing to add extra coverage for expensive medications and procedures. But that's only because I don't think that it is realistic at this time to expect the Senate and House to endorse USG volume discounts for meds, decreased compensation for radiologists, anesthesiologists and some other specialists, and refusal to cover bone marrow transplants, CABG in patients over 80 and other high cost/low marginal benefit procedures.
the problem is not simply that the mean spirited GOP doesn't want to pay a reasonable amount for universal care.
I think part of the problem is that there is no reasonable government schedule, Mike. So the health marketplace is one in which procedure prices are sometimes propped up by unwitting bureaucrats, and drug prices are propped up by pharma lobbyists working against USG volume medication discounts.
It took HHS admin staff a long time to realize that dialysis is not such a complicated procedure, that a cataract operation takes only 15 minutes, and that AI or foreign radiologists perform as well as wealthy North American radiologists in reading simple chest x-rays.
Ever increasing healthcare costs are not addressed in O'Bamacare. For the program to be sustainable, we have two choices: cut payments for current services or cut the range of services offered. Actually, I'm in favor of a very basic package offered free to all, with employers choosing to add extra coverage for expensive medications and procedures. But that's only because I don't think that it is realistic at this time to expect the Senate and House to endorse USG volume discounts for meds, decreased compensation for radiologists, anesthesiologists and some other specialists, and refusal to cover bone marrow transplants, CABG in patients over 80 and other high cost/low marginal benefit procedures.
the problem is not simply that the mean spirited GOP doesn't want to pay a reasonable amount for universal care.
Contact your Senators! Let them know how you feel on this matter.
4
I'm not optimistic that the democrats know how to be effective. As much as I despise Mitch McConnell, he's outsmarted the democrats at every turn.
5
Even Trump in all his infinite stupidity realizes that this bill is draconian and cruel. This is a deathcare bill, not a healthcare bill. Obama gave millions of Americans a gift, asking for nothing in return and how did they repay him? By voting for the Birther in Chief.
16
Excellent way to put it. Hard to feel sorry for the blighters. Their children and grandchildren, yes, them not a wit. Let's move on to all the old Boomer (of whom l'm one) men and women who voted for Trump. Let's take their Medicare while we're at it. Those miserable old men and women make me most sick. They are horrible people.
I realise that Americans have difficulty grasping the notion of 'single payer national heathcare.' Most of you are hung up on the costs of government run healthcare for everyone; a doctor in Canada makes half the income of a doctor in the U.S.. Healthcare in Canada is expensive but we spend far less than America on healthcare. We spend (as of 2014) 8.9% of GDP on healthcare compared to America which (as of 2014) spends 13.1% of GDP.
Yes, it is true. Our single payer government provided healthcare costs less than your (so called) free enterprise system. If America adopted a system like ours, or the U.K, or Australia, you would have more money for defence.
Yes, it is true. Our single payer government provided healthcare costs less than your (so called) free enterprise system. If America adopted a system like ours, or the U.K, or Australia, you would have more money for defence.
14
Here here is an idea, instead of being the same obstructionists you complained loudly about when it was Republicans, jump in and offer help, a better idea or something of value. The American voters are watching.
2
The current ACA is far better for more citizens than anything we have been allowed to see from the Republicans so why repeal it ( except for the fact that it is really about repealing the Medicare tax on investment income)? Just repair it.
If you don't like that how about single payer modeled on Medicaid ( not Medicare) or any of the other successful single payer models used in other Western countries?
If you don't like that then how about proposing your own plan out in the open with public hearings and open discussion and dissent?
If you don't like that how about single payer modeled on Medicaid ( not Medicare) or any of the other successful single payer models used in other Western countries?
If you don't like that then how about proposing your own plan out in the open with public hearings and open discussion and dissent?
2
The Democratic party has offered. Senator Warren has made public appeals to McConnell to be a part of the discussion. if this is a great idea, why the secret, behind closed doors, meetings? You are correct. The American people are watching. The Republicans own "Contract with the American People" promised this wouldn't happen. and here we are.
4
I don't think they can "jump in and offer help". They weren't invited. This bill is being written behind closed doors in secrecy. No Democrats allowed. I hope the American voters are watching and understanding that this Stealth Care bill is really a way to take health care away from over twenty some million Americans to give billions to mostly the richest Americans
8
How quickly Democrats forget the Nancy Pelosi " Just pass the ACA bill and read it later" debacle or maybe they realize that they hoodwinked the electorate with jobs and assets when they passed to the ACA by themselves and are afraid that the revisions may not be to their liking? This is the penultimate example of hypocrisy!
2
That's partisan equivocation. The ACA debates and amendment process were held publicly and over a long period of time, in ways that made it harder to pass an ambitious bill. Republicans are pulling a bait-and-switch with the House bill, re-writing it in secret in the Senate. Democrats initially tried to court moderate Republicans on the ACA, while Republicans shut Democrats entirely out of the negotiation and amendment processes of this bill.
Also, that's not what "penultimate" means.
Also, that's not what "penultimate" means.
12
The ACA took a year, and hundreds of hearings, committee, floor debates, etc.
This thing is being written in secret and rushed to vote before the CBO can even score it.
Get real.
This thing is being written in secret and rushed to vote before the CBO can even score it.
Get real.
4
If Mitch McConnell is successful in corralling enough Senate votes to pass a version of the AHCA that remotely resembles HR 1628, with all its dire outcomes as scored by the CBO, he will forever be known as Mr. Chairman of the biggest Death Panel ever convened. The perceived failures of Obamacare will pale in comparison to the misery he will have created.
5
"Gumming up the works" and "procedural slowdowns" are not political strategy. They are signs of a massive failure of a real communication strategy between the Dems and the American people.
3
Disagree. When the Republicans refuse to allow the American people to see this amazing, wonderful, magnificent act then it would be the Republicans who have a communication problem with we the people. The Democratic party and many of the Republican Senators just want a chance to look the whole thing over.
Health care coverage for potentially millions of people hangs in the balance, and their best hope is that one of our two major parties can "gum up [the] works" while the other party works feverishly in secret. Oy vey.
2
Knock yourselves out, my fellow Democrats! I hope you can accomplish your goal, but I am prepared to find a way to fight the Republicans after they pass this hideous, treacherous, inhumane, un-American bill. It's hard to believe that Republicans don't see the risk they are taking by continuing this intensely anti-social behavior.
5
We´re past the dark days of mystery meat in the meat packing industry and now know the ingredients on every package of sausage, yet... this so-called Healthcare bill is akin to scrapple in the pre-USDA era. It´s gonna make us sick.
Why aren't the Democrats demanding single payer/Medicare for all? What a bunch of losers.
6
Exactly. Unfortunately the average citizen who wants universal health care like every other civilized country is represented by the gang that couldn't shoot straight; forever bringing tea and cookies to street fights.
It isn't that simple. Both Nevada and California have proposed state plans that are single payer. The big question is how to finance the plan. For California the cost would be double the state budget. There are ideas about how to manage these financing hurdles. The proposal is new so it needs lots of work.
There are also questions about how to transition millions of people into this kind of program. Getting fifty states to agree on any kind of Federally run program might also be difficult. People like Medicare but think single payer is socialist. Starting with the states and transitioning to a Federal program may be the most workable plan.
I would love to see single payer. However, as someone who worked in the med industry...and it is an industry...I want something that is efficient. A horse with a broken leg isn't any more useful than a dead horse.
There are also questions about how to transition millions of people into this kind of program. Getting fifty states to agree on any kind of Federally run program might also be difficult. People like Medicare but think single payer is socialist. Starting with the states and transitioning to a Federal program may be the most workable plan.
I would love to see single payer. However, as someone who worked in the med industry...and it is an industry...I want something that is efficient. A horse with a broken leg isn't any more useful than a dead horse.
2
Llewis writes "People like Medicare but think single payer is socialist."
OK then, Medicare for all as I wrote earlier.
OK then, Medicare for all as I wrote earlier.
1
Truth and consequences time. Will democrats show the unbridled obstructionist verve we saw the last six years with republicans? If they don't then my friend with brain cancer will simply die not because of a terrorist attach from without but within. I am NOT worried about ISIS or al qaeda or any of the other middle eastern boogey men our home grown, perfidious overlords conjure up to make us fearful and compliant. I do fear republicans. They are a direct and dire threat to my constitutional right of 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'
37
My premiums are expected to rise to $1000 a month in 2018 (up 50% in 2 years) in NYS and no one cares. While the "dreamers" and new immigrants get a free ride, middle class Americans who work all the time are getting killed by Obamacare rate increases. Something has to change very quickly.
3
What free ride do the Dreamers get? They don't qualify for ACA subsidies and new immigrants are excluded, by statute, from receiving means-tested public benefits for the first 5 years of their legal resident status, and potentially longer under the affidavit of support. Its terrible that health care premiums are set to rise so steeply - but that has NOTHING to do with Dreamers and new immigrants - perhaps the hardest working people in this country.
It will change, and you won't like the change.
2
What bunk. But nothing unusual for Democrats; with them it is always do as I say, not as I do. Remember when Nancy Pelosi (with Obama's blessing) shut Republicans out of any input into the Obamacare "negotiations" back in 2009? No Republican input was allowed by the majority Democrat Congress. Now the Democrats are wailing and whining about lack of input on fixing the mess that is Obamacare today. The hypocrisy is astounding, but not unexpected.
2
Even if this was 100% true, two wrongs don't make a right. The Republicans have said over and over that they were the better party and above such childishness. Time has shown that to be yet another lie.
3
Nope. The GOP made over 100 changes to the ACA.
6
The ACA took a year, and hundreds of hearings, committee, floor debates, etc. With very ample opportunity for input from Republicans, who instead decided they just wanted to obstruct, even if the bill was based on what originally was a conservative plan!
This thing is being written in secret and rushed to vote before the CBO can even score it.
Get real.
This thing is being written in secret and rushed to vote before the CBO can even score it.
Get real.
"Oh look. The democrats trying to push us republicans around and impede proper health care from existing. Typical." - A Republican, probably
1
And neither side will do what ought to be done: get the health insurance industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the hospitals and other facilities to stop charging premium rates in order to overpay their CEOs. It's easier to blame the patients for their lifestyles, for wanting name brand medications, for demanding too much attention when a name cannot be put to what the problem is. Oh, and let's not forget that advertising takes quite a bit of money as well. All that research that some pharmaceutical companies claim they are doing is market research, not drug research. They had to figure out how to get as many patients as possible asking their doctors for the latest and greatest.
As a patient I resent being told that I'm the problem. We all should resent that. We should resent being told that if we can't afford the cost of the medication the pharmaceutical company will give us a break. We should resent having to do a wallet biopsy before we go to the doctor or each time we need treatment. What we have in America is not a health care system. It's a wealth care system and the wealth that's being cared for and nurtured isn't ours: it's that of the CEOs of all these companies.
A health care system wouldn't leave so many of us worrying about how to pay for our care.
As a patient I resent being told that I'm the problem. We all should resent that. We should resent being told that if we can't afford the cost of the medication the pharmaceutical company will give us a break. We should resent having to do a wallet biopsy before we go to the doctor or each time we need treatment. What we have in America is not a health care system. It's a wealth care system and the wealth that's being cared for and nurtured isn't ours: it's that of the CEOs of all these companies.
A health care system wouldn't leave so many of us worrying about how to pay for our care.
56
Nice letter, and great line "...wallet biopsy."
Thanks.
Thanks.
Speaking of advertising for pharmaceuticals, this is quite enlightening:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5jnn1AIt7Q
It's one reason your meds are so bloody expensive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5jnn1AIt7Q
It's one reason your meds are so bloody expensive.
1
Exactly.
Where is it written that pharma and insurance company mid-level managers -- who do nothing but push paper all day -- have to get $1+M / year compensation?
Ask the AMA:
If Cuba can build medical schools and put clinics in every community, why can't the US??
Where is it written that pharma and insurance company mid-level managers -- who do nothing but push paper all day -- have to get $1+M / year compensation?
Ask the AMA:
If Cuba can build medical schools and put clinics in every community, why can't the US??
Check the federal records and you will learn that the health care industry is the largest political campaign contributor to Speaker Mitch McConnell.
Where do you think McConnell loyalties lie? Does anyone think McConnell is at all interested in drafting a health care bill that will benefit the American people?
The people of Kentucky should ditch Mitch.
Where do you think McConnell loyalties lie? Does anyone think McConnell is at all interested in drafting a health care bill that will benefit the American people?
The people of Kentucky should ditch Mitch.
143
the healthcare industry is not against Obamacare. Funding these Republicans will be a mistake for that industry just as voting for these Republicans, and Trump, will have been a mistake for the regular people of Kentucky and Ohio, etc.
1
There are many of us who are trying to get rid of him, believe me!
Check the federal records and you will learn that the health care industry was the largest political campaign contributor to former US Democrat Senator Max Baucus, whom Obama picked to draft and shepherd the Obamacare legislation through Congress. Where do you think Baucus and Obama's loyalties lay? Did anyone think that under those circumstances that Baucus and Obama were at all interested in drafting a health care bill that would truly benefit the American people, rather than benefit the health care industry? He who pays the piper calls the tune. This verity doesn't change from one Administration to the next.
1
How do Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan sleep at night?
Seriously, what horrible representatives of the people.
Seriously, what horrible representatives of the people.
251
Look at who the tax cuts in this "healthcare" bill will go to and you'll find who is paying-off McConnell and Ryan to stick-it-to: the sick, the elderly, the poorly educated and mis-informed, and disenfranchised.
It is sickening the way Ryan and McConnell lie to the public and the way talking heads on Fox entertainment channel echo their lies.
It is sickening the way Ryan and McConnell lie to the public and the way talking heads on Fox entertainment channel echo their lies.
2
"How do Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan sleep at night?"
In adjoining coffins, after feasting on a poor person
In adjoining coffins, after feasting on a poor person
1
Vampires don't need much sleep. ;)
Whatever the Republicans craft, we can be sure that they will eliminate the increased tax on the wealthy that helps to support the ACA and prolongs the viability of Medicare. In short, whatever they produce will be a tax bill rather than health care improvement (about which Republicans aren't really concerned). Only then can they go ahead with a tax reform that amounts to welfare for the wealthy and corporations.
Republicans will then claim that they have provided "increased access" for all (read: no health care but the ability to buy good health coverage at enormous rates or inferior coverage at lesser rates—insurance that doesn't cover a lot). One way or the other, the middle class will lose, seniors (even Medicare seniors) will lose, the working poor will lose, and in the end we'll all lose. Our emergency rooms will again be overcrowded with sicker people who couldn't afford preventative care. And health care in this country will decline in quality while increasing in cost.
Republicans will then claim that they have provided "increased access" for all (read: no health care but the ability to buy good health coverage at enormous rates or inferior coverage at lesser rates—insurance that doesn't cover a lot). One way or the other, the middle class will lose, seniors (even Medicare seniors) will lose, the working poor will lose, and in the end we'll all lose. Our emergency rooms will again be overcrowded with sicker people who couldn't afford preventative care. And health care in this country will decline in quality while increasing in cost.
45
I find the secrecy claims farcical. I still remember Ms. Pelosi saying they had to pass the bill (ACA) so we could find out what was in it. We were still discovering flaws in the ACA long after it became law and no Republicans voted for it. Both parties do this stuff because neither has the guts to admit to the voters that health care is too big to fit into a legislative Spandex suit. Something will wind up sticking out. When either party is in power, they go low to finish up legislation. It gives cover to those finding themselves challenged for re-election. Legislative minorities don't get some form of accommodation just because they are in that status. It's up to the minorities to find majority members with which to collaborate.
4
It was all done in public with over 200 hours of public meetings and with the input of dozens and dozens of patient and health advocate groups, which included doctors, nurses and insurers and numerous other organizations. That's not an alternative fact
16
Maybe you missed this: "The opaque process playing out now has drawn criticism not only from Democrats, but also from some Republican senators.
“I think it’s much better to have committee consideration of bills, public hearings and to have a full debate,” Ms. Collins told The Portland Press Herald on Friday. “That’s the process for most well-considered legislation.”"
And as reported even earlier in the article, "Before Congress adopted the Affordable Care Act, Democrats held numerous public hearings, and the Senate debated the measure on the floor for 25 days."
“I think it’s much better to have committee consideration of bills, public hearings and to have a full debate,” Ms. Collins told The Portland Press Herald on Friday. “That’s the process for most well-considered legislation.”"
And as reported even earlier in the article, "Before Congress adopted the Affordable Care Act, Democrats held numerous public hearings, and the Senate debated the measure on the floor for 25 days."
"I still remember Ms. Pelosi saying they had to pass the bill (ACA) so we could find out what was in it."
Not this tired talking point again. The 2010 ACA bill was big and complex because the challenges it dealt with were big and complex. It was very long, but available for everyone to read, all stakeholders were involved in crafting it, many Republican amendments were included in it, and there were many hearings, and lots of debate. Pelosi was talking about the public perception of the bill, i.e. the fact that once the false propaganda against it died down, the real solutions in the bill would become apparent to the majority (as they have now, proving her correct).
Not this tired talking point again. The 2010 ACA bill was big and complex because the challenges it dealt with were big and complex. It was very long, but available for everyone to read, all stakeholders were involved in crafting it, many Republican amendments were included in it, and there were many hearings, and lots of debate. Pelosi was talking about the public perception of the bill, i.e. the fact that once the false propaganda against it died down, the real solutions in the bill would become apparent to the majority (as they have now, proving her correct).
"Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last have you no sense of decency?" These words were addressed to Sen. Joe McCarthy by John Welch during the 1954 McCarthy Army hearings. I remember watching them being spoken on television as nine year old. They echo in my 71 year old ears today and could well be addressed to Sen. Mitch McConnell and the other Republican Senate leaders.
Apparently, the Republican Senate leadership views their Democrat colleagues as mere window dressing to provide the illusion of democracy. It reminds me of how the Roman Senate maintained all the appearances of legitimacy while in effect rubber-stamping the creation of the new Roman Empire under Augustus. Have they no shame? Who will be the next Augustus?
Apparently, the Republican Senate leadership views their Democrat colleagues as mere window dressing to provide the illusion of democracy. It reminds me of how the Roman Senate maintained all the appearances of legitimacy while in effect rubber-stamping the creation of the new Roman Empire under Augustus. Have they no shame? Who will be the next Augustus?
91
It does remind one of 2008 when the shoe was on the other foot.
2
Not really. The ACA was passed with for more consideration and transparency. The GOP sure lied effectively about it, though.
6
From Senator Cotton of Arkansas: “So it went through very public hearings and took testimony, developed fact based foundation of knowledge, President Obama traveled around the country, held town halls and spoke to a joint session of Congress,” the senator added. “I am not saying we needed 14 months to do this, but I think a more careful and deliberate approach, which we now have time to do because we are going to have to revisit healthcare anyway,
2
This is not a health care bill. It is a gigantic tax cut bill with almost all the money going to a few people, and financed by eliminating health insurance for millions of Americans.
Why don't the Democrats challenge the tax cuts?
Why don't the Democrats challenge the tax cuts?
84
Is it because they are beholden to the same moneyed interests?
Follow the money.
Follow the money.
2
I know some theories, but I am still baffled as to how does it happen that we are depending on 3 people, 3 Republicans, to stop this country from falling into a chasm in which health care will be more costly, serve fewer people and get worse results. And that ios just health care...
117
The same way that a single Senate vote caused the failing monstrosity of ACA to be inflicted upon the country. The era of bipartisanship & consensus ended years ago unfortunately.
Don't even begin to hope that Collins, Murkowski, Paul and Lee will all break ranks. At best only two might, with the ones voting nay being the winners (or losers) of a behind-closed-doors arm wrestling or straw-drawing contest. Pence will be the winning vote. It's a safe bet that Republican Senators are not fielding constituent phone calls concerning this issue. And they continue to declare they listen to and work for us?
48
Democratic voices are too muted.
They should be yelling at the top of their lungs to communicate the Republicans outrageous behavior and their despicable "health care" (really tax cut) bill to the American people.
They should be yelling at the top of their lungs to communicate the Republicans outrageous behavior and their despicable "health care" (really tax cut) bill to the American people.
192
I imagine that a question being asked is, Would passage of the bill help or hurt Democratic prospects in the 2018 Senate and House races?
When something logical like you're asking for doesn't happen, most intellectually curious people ask themselves, "Why is this easily doable thing not happening?" In this instance, the question you should be asking yourself is "WHY are the Democrats, my elected representatives, NOT yelling at the tops of their lungs to communicate the Republicans' outrageous behavior and calling them out for their despicable health care?" I have an answer for you, an explanation for the Democrats' collective silence, for their collective acquiescence to the Republican outrages, but I don't think you'll like it. Bottom Line: You’ve asked an important question in your comment. Now, take it seriously, and demand a serious answer from your Democrat representatives in the US House and US Senate. You have a phone, right?
I think it's likely that the bill will spread out its enactment, with the exception of tax cuts for high earners, over the course of 4 years, thus allowing the GOP to claim a legislative victory but not doing a darn thing to help anyone with skyrocketing healthcare costs.
1
Thank you Democratic Senators for doing everything you can to oppose the lunatic Senate Republicans. They aren't right in the head, and the only reason most of them are in office is gerrymandering and Dark Money.
99
And let's thank the few Republican Senators who may be holding out for a bill that actually helps the American people. This bill cannot be blocked without their opposition to it.
ummm...how are senate races gerrymandered? They're elected in a state-wide election--there are no districts.
Obviously, they're all (R & D alike) beholden to their contributions, but gerrymandering has nothing to do with the Senate.
Obviously, they're all (R & D alike) beholden to their contributions, but gerrymandering has nothing to do with the Senate.
A significant quibble. Calling this plan Trumpcare is disingenuous at best. The president has already declared that healthcare is very complicated and beyond his understanding. Let's, instead, refer to this plan as what it is: Republicare. "Obamacare" was a nod to a president invested heavily in the design and passage of the signal healthcare legislation still in force.
For many, Obamacare is a demonstration that benefits can be provided to those in need of health insurance. To others, it is a nightmare of cataclysmic effect. Republicare is a testament to it's party's supporters "mean" spiritedness and greed. Trump doesn't have a clue, so refer the plan for what it is, a Republican Party demonstration of their values with tens of millions losing coverage while the 1% collect their bonuses.
For many, Obamacare is a demonstration that benefits can be provided to those in need of health insurance. To others, it is a nightmare of cataclysmic effect. Republicare is a testament to it's party's supporters "mean" spiritedness and greed. Trump doesn't have a clue, so refer the plan for what it is, a Republican Party demonstration of their values with tens of millions losing coverage while the 1% collect their bonuses.
132
Or, call it Wealth-Care, since preserving wealth seems to be its focus.
We need a constitutional amendment that allow a minority, say 25% of the members, of either the House or the Senate to force a vote. This could apply to any matter, procedural or otherwise. For example, the Senate could be forced to vote on whether to hold public hearings on the under-construction health care bill. Or it could be forced to consider amendments. By forcing votes, it allows citizens to hold their legislators accountable for having made a decision. It will force them to explain voting against hearings. Secrecy has no place in a truly democratic Congress. Allowing the party in charge to dictate the rules is not representative government.
19
I am a big supporter of the ACA, but I don't like this approach. Elections have consequences - good or bad depending on your perspective. If all we do is procedurally block things we don't like that would otherwise pass, governing will never actually happen, and we will stagnate in a world that is changing. The ends cant justify the means.
6
Is there a third party? These two jokes of representation benefit no one but themselves. How sad it is that these two sides cannot sit down and have a conversation on what is best for the country, the people and the companies that are involved in providing healthcare.
When I was young my mother locked me and my sister in a room when we couldn't work out a particular problem and not let us out until our issue had a mutual understanding and solution. Maybe we should treat the house and senate and the children they appear and lock them in a room until they arrive at a solution. And if they miss a congressional holiday or three stuck in DC, so be it.
When I was young my mother locked me and my sister in a room when we couldn't work out a particular problem and not let us out until our issue had a mutual understanding and solution. Maybe we should treat the house and senate and the children they appear and lock them in a room until they arrive at a solution. And if they miss a congressional holiday or three stuck in DC, so be it.
7
It is simply incorrect that both parties are responsible for this mess. Democrats provided new healthcare to 20 million Americans with the ACA and the GOP has been frothing ever since to take it away. The GOP has zero interest in providing healthcare to anyone. Their only interest is robbing the poor and middle class to pay the rich. End of story.
18
RG,
You're wrong. The Dems screwed over the Republicans as often as they could when in power and now are giving it back at 'em again. The dems will do the same once they are in power again.
I promise. Read some history and you'll find in the past 30 years neither party has accomplished much of anything good except wars, class divide and self interests. This is why Trump won. We are sick and tired of politics as usual. Schumer iis McConnell from another state. He's been as much of a jerk as McConnell has.
You're wrong. The Dems screwed over the Republicans as often as they could when in power and now are giving it back at 'em again. The dems will do the same once they are in power again.
I promise. Read some history and you'll find in the past 30 years neither party has accomplished much of anything good except wars, class divide and self interests. This is why Trump won. We are sick and tired of politics as usual. Schumer iis McConnell from another state. He's been as much of a jerk as McConnell has.
Thieves work in the dark! This is not Trump-- the GOP is morally bankrupt and should go home
68
I believe that ever since McConnell was able to deny President Obama the ability to fill a Supreme court seat he feels he is above the law. The deal with the republican so called healthcare bill is just another way McConnell can thumb his nose at the democrats and Americans who will be affected.
220
The GOP should be renamed the POH, Party Of Hypocrisy. When McConnell and the GOP were in the minority they railed against the Dems and cried out for regular order as if the future of the republic depended on debate, deliberation and consensus. Now no method is too irregular to advance the GOP agenda.
8
Perhaps I am just cynical about the Senate and Speaker Mitch McConnell, but does anyone else wonder how many lobbyists have been involved with the drafting of this health care bill?
91
What are the Republicans hiding? Is their bill that bad? Because if it was so good they'd be shouting it from the rooftops.
135
Representatives of The United States Congress secretly crafting cunning laws that deliberately punish the once trusting American population is, in a nut shell, unconstitutional on it's ugly face. Today I am ashamed.
57
Let's not limit the embarrassment to today.
4
The closed doors and the secrecy is appalling and America will suffer for it. There are so many people's lives at stake here . . . what are the Republicans thinking?
47
They are thinking about their campaign contributions.
1