Bush Making Big Return To White House
Annette Insdorf: The Central Park Five Premieres in Cannes
Even in death, the late Sen. Edward Kennedy looms large over the future of an issue he championed during his life: national health care reform.
Today's vote for the Massachusetts Senate seat held by the political icon for nearly half a century could determine whether Democrats keep the 60-vote supermajority needed to pass health care legislation.
Less than 60 votes in the Senate would mean that Democrats would lose the ability to hold off Republican delaying tactics to keep the legislation from coming to a vote.
The race between Democrat Attorney Gen. Martha Coakley and Republican state Sen. Scott Brown has been deemed to close to call in the days leading toward today's election.
The fact that the vote is this close, with the entire future of national health care legislation in the balance, is a shock to Democrats in Massachusetts. Kennedy, a liberal icon, held the seat for 47 years, and registered Democrats far outnumber registered Republicans in the Bay State.The loss of the "Kennedy Seat" to a Republican who would likely block health care reform would also represent an ironic and bitter defeat for President Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats, who have made health care reform their top political initiative.
The House and Senate each passed versions of health care legislation late last year. Leaders from each chamber have been working on smoothing out the differences in the bills, so the entire Congress can vote on the legislation later this year.
Comments: (5)
Add a comment
By: Tired of Poor ME attitude on 1/19/2010 2:35PM
Back to the drawing board is the best idea yet with this ill conceived health care bill. Nobody needs a Dictatorship.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: paul on 1/19/2010 3:48PM
Until they get rid of the free ER visits for anyone, there is no way a health care plan can compete. Why would anyone pay for something when they can get it for free?
I'd get behind a plan that paid for basic ER visits and preventative/routine care for everyone, with the option to buy better coverage on an individual basis. There is no way that our government can afford top-notch care for everybody right now with costs and expectations so high. Everybody wants all the million dollar tests and procedures every time they catch a cold. It's not sustainable.
There needs to be a kind of graduated health care plan with basic needs covered for free, and "Cadillac" care options that come at a price.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: alrtr6 on 1/20/2010 11:47AM
Exactly as it should be! Excellent description of how a good health care plan should be Paul!
Report This
By: CHIEF on 1/19/2010 9:32PM
I like that word used by one interesting individual,who made a comment. The word was free,that word ryhms with "FOOL" they both have four letters!!! Nothing is free , sounds like disneyland , wake up and grow up!!!!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: kjjujlkkjo on 2/08/2010 8:28PM
Here is your chance to make the big bucks and enjoy life.
http://salesuper.com/
shows everyone how to become rich.
Go and check out what they have to say.
----------http://salesuper.com/---------
----------http://salesuper.com/---------
Reply to this Comment | Report This