CNN

It doesn’t have the public option, therefore it doesn’t matter.

A lot to people who don't have insurance.

Hey, Jack! I was just wondering why no reporters ever ask John McCain and Joe Leiberman and the like about the public options that are available toTHEM, in regards to health care. Last time I checked McCain was eligible for not only MediCare, but also a government paid for health care system under the Veteran's administration. If he's good enough to get TWO public options, what gives him the right to tell other people who don't qualify for the government-run PUBLIC options that HE recieves that they shouldn't have one. Why doesn't he give up his medicare so that someone who is NOT a millionaire can have it? I'm tired of the Haves in our society telling the Have-Nots that they aren't worth getting the same entitlements. I would like to see a reporter engage some of these senior citizen men in the senate about the fact that they USE a government-run public option, yet are fighting to keep the rest of us from the same benefits. ALL people deserve health care, not just the seniors. Can we get some numbers on how many congress people use a public option? Just curious...

To those of us sitting on pins and needles wondering how much longer we might have to suffer or die prematurely, it matters a great deal. Nothing is perfect. The bill coming out of the House is far from perfect. But . . . we have to start somewhere.

i believe that before it is all over it wont really matter or help the ones who need it most .I do however believe the doctors and lawyers and insurance companies will make out like the bandits that they are .if this bill passes in any form it will be because some corp. will stand to gain financially.

It matters because it passed and set a precedent, Jack. It matters because the voice of millions of Americans were heard, even over the noise of the coins jingled by the insurance and pharmaceutical companies in our legislators' ears. Does that mean that we will get a health care reform bill passed this year? I don't know. I can only hope that enough members of Congress vote for the well-being of their constituents over the bribes of the healthcare industry.

Jack its a BIG step in the right direction

BartonMS 38611

It matters oi life and death to the 20,000 Americans who die each year from preventable deaths due to lack of health insurance. It's of great concern to the 46 million americans who do not have health insurance. And it's the only chance of reducing cost of medical care for the rest of us who have seen insurance premiums increase 10% per year for the last 10 years. If nothing is done, none of us will be able to afford insurance.

Ed
Texas

It matters in that Congress should be embarassed andr ashamed that after months of wrangling, the best they could come up with is a bill that passed by only 5 votes. Health care reform is important - it will whoop around 19% of the economy, impact every person in the country and greatly change the role of government in our lives. Something that big should be passed by a wide margin (like 80%) - not 5 lousy votes that frankly had to be bought by Nancy Pelosi in the waning hours. This is too big for a simple majority and Congress should have known this and acted accordingly.

It matters that the president and congress isnt listen to us most people cant aford to pay for health care.The last thing we need is to spend more money .Know aonder the president doesnt want us to jump to concluding about killer in ft hoods the president is doing the same thing and doesant want you to see it

It does matter as it is the first draft of a final bill. I just hope in the end when a bill is passed and some form of a bill will be passed that it does not favor the insurance or drug industries. Also some form of a public option should be in the final bill without an opt out rule.

it matter's to see what these dems plan to do to senoir citizens the people that made this country safe and proud iwill not vote for a dem again

it could mean the growth or failure of our economy in the future years.

It doesn't matter if the House passed Pelosi's liberal single payer healthcare bill. It will never pass in the Senate in it's current form. Lieberman will allow the Republicans to filibuster thise Socialist attack on America.

It doesn't matter much because it will be eviscerated by he Senate I'm just trying to hang on four more years until my Medicare kicks in. If I get sick before then, I'll just catch a bus to Canada.

Susan
Tuscaloosa AL

Well, its gone halfway, and I believe it is a watered down, powerless health care reform, mandating that we are forced to buy from ins. companies, with no competition and no financial regulation. And the public option might cover 6 million, instead of the entire insurance needing population. But I guess its a start. We can fix it as we go along. However, even this health reform bill probably will be even more watered down before the Senate approves it. Kind of like a lot of time, a lot of effort, with no much result.

In the long run, the final s lkely to be closer to the Senate version, assuming they can get a Bill passed. The negative ads against the Public option have been dilibertly misleading. The Us can move into the 21st centrury of health care joing all othe advanced countries or it can conutinue the status quo – millions not covered, risung preminums and reduced benfits plus arbitrary denials. Those in doubt should talk with someone who has had a major medical probl;em.

It does matter, Jack!! Are you kidding me? Health care is life Jack. And if that Joe Lieberman stands in our way after running on Healthcare reform in his State, and is now flip-flopping, he is done as a senator. One more thing Jack, can you find out how much money Joe has received from the Insurance giants?

Martin
Houston, TX

In baseball terms, it's a bunt. The batter runs quickly to the first base of the Senate which has already promised a double play effort. So all that Legislative time that could have been spent resolving other scoring problems of the game at hand will have been wasted. Meanwhile the season ends. Energy zero, economy, zero.

Since the insurance companies wrote it, it means the cost of healthcare is going to go up and more people will die for corporate profit. We are totally doomed.

Jack,
I wish Pres. Obama would hold a news conferance and tell the
American people why the Republicans are protesting. It has nothing to do with money. They must and will always protect their BELOVED
Insurance companies from any competion!!!!Afer all,where do you think they get their campaign money
Also wouldn't it be nice if everyone had to take a simple l0 question
test bf voting. Simple questions like who is sthe pres. of the United States It would certainlyeliminate all those who never listen to political debate or have a clue whats really going on!!!!!!!
I am an American living in Canada with a great govern.health plan
Bett,Vancouver,B.C.

Unfortunately, Jack, it doesn't matter very much in the grand scheme of things. It mandates coverage without lowering costs, contains a weak public option (contrary to the wishes of most Americans and their doctors), and subsidizes the profits of the health insurance companies that helped cause the problem – plus, it doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of passing in the Senate.

Jack:

It matters a great deal. There are many that need medical attention and do not have access to it. This will pave the way to a healthier America. There are far too many sick among us. That would not be the case if they were able to see a doctor for their afflictions.

Ron Temecula, Ca

We are the only industrialized country without some type of single player system. The Republicans (and defecting Democrats) are arrogant to think that our system is in any way superior. Our system is archaic, and these dinosaurs in Congress aren't going to get us anywhere.

Dear Jack Cafferty,

I am sick and tire of all the so-called Conservatives from the Republican side, the Independent side, and Democratic side saying every teenager, around 20 or so, do not want healthcare. That is a lie. They believe our dreams are to have a job and nothing but a job. That is another lie. I want both parties to think about the people that need help, not about themselves.

I am 28 years old, and I have a healthcare plan. But back in 2000, I graduated from high school; I decided that I wanted to attend a university. Sadly, I didn’t have enough money and I was lay off from my job. To make a long story short, I couldn’t hold onto my healthcare plan at that time.

Luckily, I now have a healthcare plan under the business banner of Wal-Mart; I now have enough money to attend a university. However, I can’t afford to go full time. And I truly don’t think that my job is right for me. That is another story. It’s sad to say we are a rich nation when the number one employer in the United State is a retail store.
My dream is to become an artist, and to sale my paintings so that someday I will earn enough money to buy a nice house. I don’t want a mansion or own five houses like some of our representatives. I just want a house.

Cortez Driskell Jr. from Edmond, Oklhaoma

What matters most is that the people who are elected and paid very well to represent us have failed again. The process taken to get this bill passed in the House reinforces my belief that Congress needs a major overhaul. Perhaps if they had a health plan that most folks have they would know what it is like to pay through the nose for health care if you are lucky enough to even have insurance.

Matt
Rockford

As an idicator of fiscal irreponsibility it shows that the current Congress has flunked basic math. Pelosi is right, this IS just like Social Security and Medicare. Both are federal entitlements that will be broke in a few years. Health care is just a hat trick in spending out of control.

It matters a lot to the people who don't have insurance and can't afford the premiums. I am on Medicare and I have other insurance provided by my husbands former employer so I am pretty well covered. Not everyone is so fortunate. If I have to give up some benefits or pay more so that my children and grandchildren can have coverage then I am more then willing to do so. I want everyone in this country to be able to get medical care when they need it. There have been several events held in my area recently to raise money to help folks pay medical bills. People in this country should not have to depend on spaghetti dinners to pay doctor and hospital bills. We are better then that as a nation and we need to be taking care of our citizens. Don't call it Socialism. Call it what it is. Compassion. And, Yes, it is the moral thing to do. Remember there but for the grace of God could go any of us.

I am 64. I'm going to be on a national health care plan called Medicare in less than a year. The only thing that matters to me is that this bill cuts Medicare payments to doctors which means the rationing will be starting for seniors. We are a huge voting block. If it passes don't expect the Democrates or the President to get re-elected in the next election.

If you are a wealth Member of the Senate or Congress the Health Care Bill means nothing to you. But if you are on the lower end of the Income Scale, but too high for assistance it means a great deal. It also will mean a great deal to Small and Medium Business who can not cut deals to get better insurance for their employees. It will help the States who will be able to negotiage with Drug Companies for Perscription Meds.

In the end it will benefit us all. The overall cost will end up being realized in the savings to Business and to Government. The lower costs for Insurance will help us all.

It doesn't have to matter to the Senate (although it would be nice if the Senate simply agreed to it). What matters is the deal made in Conference Committee, which won't happen until the Senate passes it's bill. As for Stupak and abortion – it becomes pretty irrelevant if there is no insurance exchange.

Jack I wish it did mean something but it doesn't. Spending a trillion dollars to insure 50 million people who supposedly can not afford insurance or will not pay for themselves does little for the rest of us who can. Paying for someone else's insurance is like taking them to raise. It is not fair. What ever happened to paying your own way in life? There are over 12 million illegal aliens in this country that are still going to get healthcare one way or another because by law they can not be denied.

Why is it that the Republicans who many people keep electing in office do not do what we want? Why can't we have lower healthcare? The lone Republican from Louisiana was brave enough to stand up to his fellow Republicans and want to get his state off welfare. Most of the people are on welfare which states cannot afford to keep paying. Universal health care comes from your taxes out of your check in the UK and don't we already pay that way here?

As we all know, everything in Congress gets decided in conference, so lets hope they cut out all the Christmas presents so that the average Joe won't get the usual lump of coal.

If this were a human being and an HMO were involved.... the patient would have been declared brain dead and the plug pulled to reduce the cost of a slow, painful, lingering death.

So.... we have about a year of pain remaining, before we can start pulling the plug on this brain dead congress?

Harry
Millersburg, Ky.

Yes, a heck of a lot. If Pelosia can shove this through Congress over objections of the middleclass then the Republicans, Blue Dogs and Independents will witness the birth of the One Party system or dictatorship.
They haven't allowed for any middleclass Americans to testify before Congress, and the AMA does not represent its constituency. My personal doctors are against it because, no matter was Pelosi claims, they say it will put another layer between me and them. And that who should be deciding my health care, not some dumb- bureaucrat sitting on their - in DC.

All we know about the Health Care Bill is that we don't know anything about it. So........it doesn't matter. But not even Julius Caesar lasted forever. This is Congress last-gasp.

LOOK!
I'm going to be an optimist.... I think over time it will matter – and a LOT.
It took Social Security several years to get to the point that people knew what had happened and probably similarly with passing of Medicare.
So I think if the Democrats can get a version through the Senate, then over time it will be a good thing for the country
Biggest fear of Conservatives is that once the Camel gets his nose under the tent then a lot can start to change – Even if it is hard to comprehend at first..and I think that maxim holds true...But to me the only real way to lick the problem is to expand Medicare for every citizen and get the Insurance industry out of health care.

It won't mean much unless the Democrats in the senate hold firm and push hard to get a bill through the senate. With a few "bluedogs" wavering, and good old Joe threatening to join a filibuster, the prospects don't look good at the moment. I'm afraid a historic opportunity is about to pass us by due to politics as usual in Washington. What a shame.

Jack
It really didnt matter whether or not the house passed the bill because its not gonna pass through the senate. Jack just imagine what happens when you go to the post office and the line is out the door and they have four service desks and there is only one clerk, and its a clerk with a miserable attitude. Is this what we can expect when the federal government takes over our health care ?

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Congress has confirmed next elections PINK SLIPS! Word of advise to all the rest of you that remain in Washington. Americans are ready to hand you, your pink slips as well. Americans will not allow anymore of your schemes nor lies. Sooner than later America will fire every single one of you up there on the hill!
See you on the unemployment line!

To the average American, it's a matter of life and death, even to those that have been scared or duped into the various "chicken little" scenarios. To the average insurance troll, including their GOP and Blue Dog representatives, it's also a matter of life and death, at least as it applies to the current vitual free-for-all monopoly that passes for "free enterprise". Health care shouldn't be a commodity any more than fire, police, military, infrastrucure or any other service that has to do with the welfare of the people. Per the constitution, that IS the responsibilty of the government.

Analogy: When climbing up a flight of stairs that is 12 in number, how important are the first 6 steps? It is an initial posture, a means to an end. It is important because for decades nothing has been done but raise insurance rates. Economy in crisis = overcharge for insurance. Want a stimulus? $6000 per year for every working family? put costs in line with reality not ceo lifestyle

Jack,

I have not liked this process from the start. This bill contains so much good that it needs further inquiry. It also contains so much crap. Broken down into multiple bills, great things could happen for Americans. We Americans have short memories ... at the end of WWII, hardly anyone had health insurance. Now, over 85% are covered. Let's create a series of simple bills on issues of agreement ... we can start with a bill to revoke the anti-trust exemption granted to health insurers. We can follow with a bill that requires insurers to include anyone willing to buy. We can then require that pharmaceutical companies price their products the same ... anywhere in the world. And the list goes on. We don't need comprehensive health care reform; we need to deal with issues 'head on' ... one at a time.

Rick, Medina, OH

In Germany they have private insurance and also regulated insurance and even though they are an insurance company, if they make any money it goes back to that company, because they have no shareholders. Thats means they will not say no, to any surgeries or what ever you need, the money will always stay with the company, if you have shareholders they want to make money. So what we should do, open a company like that and if you want to stay with companies like Aetna or Medical Mutual or what ever their names are, you should know they think first about the board of directors, shareholders ect.ect. than about their clients.

Your question could be broadly applied to the entire Congress. They can pass whatever bill they want. It is up to the Senate to pass a bill with the public option. It has always been down to that last wire. So the Republicans and Joe Lieberman can take their filibuster and shove it! CNN and the other network news organizations, sans Fox News, will most likely cover the progress of this so called filibuster. Then we, the American people, can see for ourselves just how far the Republicans will go to prevent us from getting decent health care coverage for ourselves. Just do it! This is why the ratings are so low for our government. We voted for change and now we, the people, demand it.

Well if it makes it to the conference committee it will likely mean a great deal as the house negotiators and the President's negotiators will be supporting the House legislation. What may come into play is the tendency for the Senate to trump the House in the conference negotiations and the President's apparent unwillingness to do an LBJ number on recalcitrant Senators.

It doesn't matter, the Senate will have to rewrite it to get it to pass. We can only hope they totally throw out many portions of it. They need to work on real health insurance reform, making health insurance affordable and available for all to purchase. Tort reform would also reduce costs, allow insurance companies to cross state lines and compete in every state. Instead of using the common sense approach they want to have a government run option, that we all know would be the beginning of the end for our private coverage.

It matters a lot to those people who do not have the money or the wherewithall to get coverage. It does'nt matter at all for those "fat cats" who are already set.

Only if you're one of the 85% who love their health care insurance (mostly because they haven't used it.) No, I'm not talking about a broken arm or tonsilitis. Insurance companies take care of those things. They shy away from things that are long term and expensive like cancer or aids. If you are one of the millions without insurance who say a prayer every day that they won't get sick or that the pain in their side will go away by itself. If you are one of those who lost their jobs at 50 and are waiting for the next 15 years to go by so they can get a check-up on Medicare.
If you are one of the 45,000 who will die this year because they have no health care, it's kinda important.
People are dieing for health care, Senators. Git 'er done!
Terry DeLoughary
Bark River, Michigan

Let them filibluster. I doubt they can last until January.

Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas

it does matter cause this bill they are shoving at us without reading it has major tax increases and more control of our lives call me crazy but what is the real reason they are shoving it at us a 200 mph

The health care bills are a perfect example of what is wrong with congress. They are not responsible for their actions and have no real accountablility. The funny thing is that if it is that good a deal whay is congress not required to use it. OH thats right they are a special group.

One top Senate Republican, Lindsay Graham of South Carolina, is already declaring the bill "dead in the water."

Jack,

The House bill matter because even for the House bill it was said let's kill Obama agenda. Well, excuse me but Obama agenda is in fact what the American people voted for and they voted for Healthcare reforms to increase access to healthcare for Americans and protect them from discriminations and control their rising costs. They voted for a clear mandate something the Senate has to recognize and pass a healthcare bill!

It matters a lot, especially because it contains the Public Option that the American public consistantly approves of.

We are on the verge of actually doing the peoples' work for once on Capital Hill. If the Republicans don't want to represent our best interests, they can be replaced. If conservative Democrats (those who happen to take millions from the insurance industry, they WILL be replaced.

The House passage is a step in the right direction! The lobbyists who patronize the US Senate are part of the problem! It takes guts to do what is right for America! Stand up for America Senators!

Jack -

It matters alot ... it is one of the most anticipated legislative efforts in the last 50 years. It will either die a horrible death when it needs to be worked with the Senate or it has a chance at passing.

No matter what ... it will be an indication of the effectivenes of our government to show that they can do the job they were voted in for.

Since I am a gambling man ... I offer 50 to 1 on the side that it passes and that our glorious Congress can work together. Any takers out there? Although slim, it probably has the same odds as the Cubs winning the World Series in my lifetime.

Not a whole lot.

I predict that if and when judgment day arrives, the U.S. will STILL be debating health care reform. Teddy Roosevelt tried in 1912, and here we are still talking instead of acting.

Will
Canon City, CO

If you have an incurrable disease (such as I have) and an insurance rate that is skyrocketing (currently $581.74/month), then it is the most important issue of our times. In addition to fighting my disease, I must constantly worry that my coverage will be cancelled ... or better still, that BCBS will decide my life isn't worth the money it cost them.

It only matters to working America. It matters little to nothing to the Senate. The only reason it was passed in the House was to cover Congress' rear when they defeat it in the Senate. They passed it so they will be able to say, "We really worked hard on this bill to get it passed for the people but we just couldn't get enough votes and did our best." Knowing full well it would never happen for real. They knew the importance Americans were putting on reform and they just needed to pacify us once again and move on without acknowledging or accepting blame for not doing anything again. It is a game to them. Nothing has mattered to this Congress for over nine years other than each member's own agenda.

Thom Richer
Negaunee, MI

This bill matters a great deal. This is a rather momentous occasion in that the House has chosen to support the people, instead of support the money, and give us what we actually need. Never before has this sort of thing happened. And I hope the Senate pushes it through.

What matters (and I think you in the media should take note) is how many of this group is left after the 2010 election. Hopefully, you will report this. I and millions of other's are angry about the theft that is Obamacare, about being called horrible names by these liberals, of being demeaned and denigrated for not going along with these thugs, of trying to protect my hard earned money from the dope addicted, non working, non taxpaying, Oprah watching, undereducated, greedy people that the liberals represent. Obama, one and done.

It's a start, but if I could wave a magic wand, I would have Medicare for everyone, regardless of age, and premiums would be raised according to the ability to pay. Private companies could write supplement insurance as they do now.

Health insurance should not be the subject of making money by private companies.

Jack,
Even your negativity does not sway me from the belief that it was very important that Health Care Reform passed. Our country desperately needs it. It is a disgrace that we allow so many die, so many losing everything they have because of medical costs and have politicians that put big business, campaign funding, personal gains over the welfare of the American people. You and the republicans can
continue to ignore this crucial problem but the majority of us
want and support it.What is so sad that many of these states
with republican representation and biggest recipients of health care campaign funding are the states with the highest percentage uninsured.

It doesn't. They are just going through the motions. I don't thin k this bill or any health care bill will get out oif the Senate.

Considering the fact that our elected "representatives" are only looking out for themselves and the hundreds of thousands of dollars given to each member by the medical lobby to dereail health care reform what chance do we citizens have?? Money rules plain and simple. the taxpayer will continue to be stuck with the bill and no reform.

It means nothing. These people are so proud of themselves and for what? If the vote was 400 in favor and 35 against then it would be something that is for the people not just to pass something that won't ever get through the Senate. We know it and what is sad, they know it but still claim victory. Next yers mid terms will be a slaughter for the Republicans.

If for no other reason, the House Bill matters because as we see/hear what is accepted from it or rejected, and by who, it tells us a lot about all the Senators and others involved in the process. My view, from over here...

It matters a lot. Whatever happens in the Senate, and at this point it doesn't look good, the House has taken an historical giant step forward for health care reform.

Hey Jack,

So far your generation has done nothing but destroy the US economy and shift the responsibility to younger generations. It looks like the baby boomers have again managed to rob future generations of wealth, with this health care bill. I wish I could feel good about the bill's passing; but given how it will reward so many people who deserve absolutely nothing from gen X taxpayers...I have to conclude the passing of this bill means the baby boomers are certain to go down in US history as a generation almost entirely comprised of thieves.

Jack,the house bill matters only that it shows far left nuts like Pelosi just don't get the message from the American people.The message being, work on something that matters,like jobs,energy,and the economy,or you Pelosi might just be hunting for a job too!

Probably not much, Jack. I'm beginning to doubt that we will have any health care reform. Common sense and cooperation seem to be a vague memory from the past. Really, we are all growing tired of the exaggerations and bickering. It's time for OUR Congress to accomplish something for the people and concentrate a little less on their political campaign.

Not much ! 5 States where the Democrat Senator has the seat do not want Public Option by 80/20%, thus chances are it is another farce that is going no where. The States are Arkansas, Indiana, Nebraska and two other States that I can't recall now.
There will be some bill in the end – but more or less in the "joke" arena.
Jack C
WA

Jack if politicians lips are moving they are lying. All throughout this health care bill fiasco I have heard one thing over and over again. That one thing is that it is going to save Americans money. Ok. I'll bite. How much money is it going to save Americans? Not one of them can give you an answer. Another BS Fairy Tale from BS politicians to placate the masses into believing that the politicians are doing us another favor.. Thanks but no thanks.

Cafferty

If the House raced in Nascar the vehicle would have 500 wheels and no sterring wheel. Don't get to excited...

How much does the House health care bill even matter?

It matters Jack!

Americans are dying everyday without Health Care.

Jenna
Roseville CA

Is Senator Joe Lieberman representing his wife's best interests or his constituents? Recent polling shows constituents in his home state support a public option. Yet Joe is threatening to kill healthcare reform. Is it because his wife is connected to the heathcare insurance industry?

Jack, other than moving forward, I don't how good the bill is. I've been an advocate of our health insurance system to be a nont for profit operation. Without this (and probably a single payer system) the reform we need doesn't have much of a chance of the real reform. With all the "For Profit" lobyists pressuring Congressional reps fat chance of that happening.

It's sad how our "so called" representatives cannot actually address the problems of "Main Street" the way they should and actually represent that people who vote for them. Looks to me like there needs to be more congressional changes in Washington. That's what I voted for in 2008. Our district of Minnesota did this in 2006. It's disheartening & disgusting to me.

Not very much when you look at the big picture, Jack! Although more progress has been made on health care reform than anytime in the last 100 years, the house bill is not compatible with what might currently pass the senate. I don't look forward to more compromise that will water down health reform even further.

The House Bill matters a lot because it is the first step in actually getting national healthcare. The bought-and-sold Senate might kill it, but without a House bill there would have been no progress at all. This whole affair should show Americans just how bad things have gotten in Washington where so many of their "elected officials" are on the payrolls of large corporations and pay virtually no attention to the needs of their constituents.

This is very important and yes it certainly matters. Something has to be done with an aging population, rising health care costs and 46 million uninsured folks. How can we let 46 million folks go without health insurance? Why is it we spend 2-3 times more on healthcare than any other developed country in the world and are ranked 24th in life expectancy? Is this a system that's working? This may not be a pefect bill but at least it's a start in the right direction.

Dear Jack
The House version is moderately important.
The House Bill is one third of the process. It will be Position One.
The version passed by the Senate will be Position Two.
The Compromise Bill coming out of the Joint Select Committee will be the version that will, if it passes, finally produce some marginal reform of the system.
Then everyone will declare victory and go home to court the voters.

Pablo in Arlington Texas

The House bill matters a lot. After all it is the "peoples house." That is why the Senate needs to be eliminated. The Senate is the "club" of the elite where even a majority cannot conduct business in the interest of the public when a minority disagrees. Often the minority stops the majority. Let's get rid of the Senate.

Obviously the House Health Care Bill matters the most to Pelosi and to what Obama sees as his legacy, which is what the giant rush has always been about.
Just do it, darn it, regardless of the consequences.
Oh for the good ole days and the committee investigating UN-American activities. This Bill would be at the top of their list!

The health care bill does not matter because it does not reduce premiums. It is a welfare bill that will allow people making $33,000 per year or less to receive medicaid. It will give more money to doctors, hospitals and the insurance companies. I hope lieberman pulls the plug on this welfare bill.

Jack...the H
ouse vote shows the issue is moving. I'm sure something remotely resembling this bill might come out of the Senate sometime next summer. In any case, don't put any bets down on what the final bill will look like.
Lexington, KY

I can only hope that someone in the senate comes to their
senses quick....and kills this bill dead as a doornail....

Look at it like this Jack. The way Nancy went about strong arming the folks around her to get what she wanted was something to behold. But if it makes you feel down and deeply depressed just remember that, out there someplace, there's a MR. PELOSI.

Gary H. Boyd, Scottsdale, Arizona

It is a way that the Democrats can buy the vote of the American People, the same way they purchased the vote of older Americans by passing Medicare and Social Security.

The lives of the 30 million uninsured Americans, as well as the hundreds of thousands who are denied basic health care every year because of pre-existing conditions...I'd say this health care bill matters quite a bit. The filibuster group doesn't seem to care for these people...granted those 30 million people make up 10% of America...and those who are denied compose another 5-30%...but hey, they weren't elected to office to represent the people or anything. They were elected to act on their own opinion...if more Americans realized how little our senate cares for us, then I think these senators would be biting their nails a bit harder over next year's elections...

The House bill matters very little. It will go to committee/conference and picked to pieces. They'll have to use computers to add,subtract and divide so much in negotiations. Lindsay Graham can hardly be called someone with a pulse, much less one w/a pulse on the voters.
The Senate will eventually come around. The dissenters know it will pass, they just want to go on record as being opposed when they go to the districts in 2010. And a bill that passes which contains no help until 2013...go to any middle-class business and look around. Three years of waiting won't help them one whit.

Maria
Brunswick,MD

Lou,
It is obvious that the insurance industry is crooked and we need single payer. Whats the debate? If someone robs me I don't defend them so they can do it again and take double during the next break in? We are now simply units designed for consumption for whom the top 1% shall feast.

A bill passed by the House is the first step to a very long process to have new law. Working through this process is a time consuming task, with many snags to overcome.

Jack, Hopefully it sends a loud message to the conservative Democrats in the Senate. America cannot stand several Trillion dollars more of deficit spending, the public option should die in the senate and remain DEAD. Some kind of health care reform is going to pass, the deficit busting public option should not be a part of it.

It matters because whatever the House has in it's approved bill can be considered by the committee that will eventually merge and House and Senate bills for consideration by both chambers. This way, the Senate can dump some of the more liberal provisions to get their version passed without reconciliation (maybe), and add them back in during committee. It just gets them a little closer to the end, where the big fight will happen. They could even dump the public option all together and add it back in again later, just like Baucus did. He just wanted it off his desk.

Health Care Math Lesson Over 222 years ago the parties got together to write the Constitution. The purpose of this bipartisanship was for the People. As for the republicans and democrats that are against this health care plan, mostly because of their own selfish reasons,there is still time to hop on the positive side of the Historical Train. Just look around you and take a count. Yup... its the People, and they've come in the sum of majority. Doesn't this translate to: We The People For The People.

The question that should be asked of every U.S. Senator, why are you unwilling to let your fellow citizen have health care that is comprehensive and affordable? A follow up rhetorical question, is not the greatest responsibility of government the safety of its citizens?

It matters a great deal. I'm not surprised that it was passed, even with a close vote, because the House of Representatives are more in tune to their constituents than the Senate.

It matters very much if you don't have any. At least we know that someone is in our corner. We need the health care passed in the Senate too, If it isn't then that will show who cares about the ordinery people. The ones voting against it are getting paid off by the insurance company's big time. The average person in the house got $470,580 and the average senator got $1,466,406 from Insurance company's. Too bad insurance co. couldn't just lower prices, instead of padding pockets.

Jack,

Let the house's bill be a shot across the Republicans in the Senate's bill killing attempt to filibuster it's healthcare bill that will benefit the country from providing healthcare insurance to millions more of our follow citizens to helping to create and save jobs...

Vinnie Vino
Central Islip, N.Y.

It does matter, because it continues to illustrate the mindless, sheep mentality House Demcrats have and how terrible and toxic Pelosi is for this country. She could care less about Captialism, the founding principles of this country, or the fact she is trying to turn us into the former Soviet Union.

It matters because even if it fails, we as American's have had a look at what our 'lawmakers' do when they are under pressure, and the nobility, or lack there of, while they do it.

You've heard the phrase, 'These Colors Don't Run?' Well, their true colors are showing.

Its all a smoke screen and when it clears the citizens of this country will realize that there never really was a plan to reform health care.
Its all a conspiracy to weed out the poor, and to leech from the middle class to make the rich richer.
Health care has been allowed to evolve into something evil where great profit is made from the sick and dying citizens of this country.
No, it doesn't matter what bill you put out there because there are too many who like the way it is now. Why, because it makes them rich.

It's a start. Since all the Republicans know how to do is ay NO someone has to do something. It's not perfect, but let's go on from here.

The House health care reform bill matters because it is a first step in fixing a broken system. Hopefully, when the Senate finishes its version of the bill (and good luck with Harry Reid at the helm) we will have a bill that is long on real health care industry reform and short on cost to the taxpayers. Simple things like making insurance company collusion illegal and requiring them to offer identical standard coverage packages would provide actual competition for the first time, saving businesses and individuals billions at no cost to the country.

I think it's going to help this economy. For me I don't have any skin in this game I get my health care from the government I'm a retired Vet and I have been in government ran health care all my adult life and it has work well for me and my family. Palin never once have they sent me to the death panel.

It doesn't matter at all. Pelosi is deluded and disingenuous. She knows the senate will kill the bill. This whole charade has been fixed since the first mention of it. Obama gave it away when he took single payer off the table. He has been handing over concessions to the industry by the shovel-full ever since. A health care reform bill that really reforms is not going to happen, and it was never going to happen. What a scam on the America public.

To me personally, it doesn't matter a lot. I get Soc Sec next May and (if Congress doesn't screw it up) Medicare 3 years later. But I do feel for all those who don't have or can't afford health care. I have been writing congressmen left and right, begging them to include the public option.

What really bugs me is that the democrats try to appease the republicans with just about anything they ask for, and they still won't vote in favor of health care. By they way, the republicans complain about the length of the bill, but don't mention that probably HALF of it are amendments that the republicans have asked for. What DO they want???

To the 45,000 Americans that will die for lack of health care, it will mean everything.

It means that this is the furtherest a health bill has went forward. But the bill will be killed in the senate by right wing DEMOCRATS. If a bill does pass the senate it will be watered down so much that even most demorats will not like it. BIg business owns this country so a good health bill will never pass.

It matters alot "Jack", you can't have peanut butter without the jelly. In other words you can't get this economy back on track without better, afforable health care for all. And you can't have Health care reform without a Public Option!!!

The healthcare plan is a gift to the lawyers. The plan doesn't include tort reform. Under the new healthcare plan passed by the House, the lawyers will continue to make a fortune from frivolous lawsuits.

What is wrong with Medicare "E" with some changes for the population under 65.

It matters to those that are sick and/or dying without health Insurance and it matters to those that lose their homes to pay for medical bills and it matters to those that file bankruptcy because of medical bills! I am sick and tired of the Republicans talking about "we the people" as in to say everyone is against the health care reform when clearly there are those that want health care reform passed and for sure if just one Republican was without Insurance and could not afford medical care while he or she was having a heart attack I feel sure they would know it matters, too!!! JustMe in NC

It doesn't matter. Primarily because what the house passed wasn't a health care reform bill. It was a profit protection bill for the private insurance companies. Without a single payer system or robust public option, this bill is worthless and it should be put down like Ol' Yeller as soon as it reaches the senate. The Democrats can always try again later, and maybe next time they won't start with a compromise.

I keep hearing about this public option costing us more money. Well, I am a healthy 48-year-old woman who has no pre-existing conditions. I get my annual mammogram, don't smoke, and basically don't have any health problems. So far, in the last three years my healthcare provider has raised my monthly payment for basic health insurance by one hundred dollars over the last three years. I started paying around $200 per month, then a year later it went up to $298. Now I get a letter saying my monthly premium will be over $370. I'm getting fleeced and I HAVE INSURANCE, and these fools say we don't need health care reform!!

The house care bill matters only in lip service.No one got a chance to read it as promised by Princess Pelosi,to post for 72 hours and being past in the wee hours makes one suspect of what it really contains.The Senat will not rubber stamp it,and will have to change it then back to the house where it will go no where,due to the changes and the cost cutting that the bill has taken.

It doesn't matter to those in Congress that are wholly owned and operated by the Health Care Companies and it doesn't matter much to us chickens that never had it because you can never miss what you never had. All we will do is keep on getting the shaft but now it is not just the health care industry. Congress has joined them.

bad enough we pay the senate so much money and they make money toostop certain things healthcare people need i dont understand who they work for

Jack –

The House health care bill is an irrelevant smoke & mirror payoff to big insurance, pharmceuticals & promises of pork barrel dollars for members in tough reelection districts next year. Pelosi & her leadership know this bill (along with all the earmarks) isn't meant to become law, but is simply a Trojan horse & will be a source of campaign contributions & reelection advertising. Their only concern is their own reelection.

Some change!!!

I don't even understand this bill. The fact that certain things were taken out at the last minute and the American people weren't allowed to view the final bill let's me know that this bill is probably NOT in our best interest. I truly hope it dies in the Senate because it seems like it will do more harm than good.

It is getting to the point anymore that none of this matters.

As long as we are guided by greed and the lust for power, I doubt if anything worth while for the majority of us will ever come to fruition.

As the great Bob Seger sang: "I used her she used me, and neither one cared. We were getting our share" .... The politicians mantra.

Jack,

This matters to everyone except cynics and critics. A House bill means healthcare reform is exactly half way there.
I think the question that you should be asking is, when do you think the Democratic Party is going to endorse someone to run against Joe Lieberman so they actually have a Democratically-voting Senator on their side.

What difference does any of it make? As long as the congressional yahoos are collecting 1/2 to 1 million dollars each from the insurance companies, nothing will get done. I say do AWAY with the lobbyists and let's get on with running the government the way it should be.

As I understand it, the House bill did not address tort reform, or portability even though they took out the funding of abortion, which was included to appease conservative dems. With a mandate that takes away my freedom, this bill is a piece of crap and the fact that it passed in the house doesn't mean sqwat. What comes out of the senate will matter most.

As a Canadian, I can tell you that a government run health care system works, every Canadian who needs care receives care and they do not have to worry about losing their home to do so. If we want additional care like extra dental, semi private rooms etc then we also buy private insurance, our employers give you the option of having the extra insurance or not. Even if you do not have a job or the extra insurance you still are looked after at the hospitals and doctor's offices from a cut finger to cancer you are covered and receive treatment. It is time to wake up America!

What kind of Health Care "reform" forbids women to have their reproductive choices not covered? It's more than outrageous!!! It is unconstitutional. Not that that seems to matter.
By the way – what kind of "pork" is included in the so-called bill passed by the House?

Jack- Yes it matters. With the bill passing the House, Now is time to use the Nuclear Option and get the job done. I say stick it in the Republicans face. The Dems. should not buy into the notion there will be a backlash. We want health reform.

Every step counts. This isnt about two parties, this is about what people need. People need an honest health care system. A system that doesnt profit from the misery of the people. Who can say that they are happy with their health care? are you kidding me?

Hey Jack! How 'bout you talk about all of the millions in kickbacks these clowns are getting from the insurance companies!
Rick Sanchez spoke about that briefly today.
Y'all need to talk about the underhandedness of OUR LEADERS!

Yes, the bill matters. People had to make some hard choices. Now the Senate knows what they will have to deal with and we know what we have to deal with.
My understanding of the Abortion provision is that any woman accepting federal funds cannot buy insurance from a company that covers abortion. So as I am on Medicare I have to research to find extra insurance and make sure it does not cover abortion. Or........ maybe I am wrong. Maybe men who accept federal funding cannot buy insurance from a company that offers coverage for abortion.

The house bill is probably the best indication of how far Americans are willing to go with health care now. There are ways around the filibuster - it is absurd to require a super-majority on divisive but critical issues.

Jim, Craig, CO

Jack,

I'm a teacher, and this just seems to be the governmental equivalent of one of my students turning in an assignment halfway completed for the sake of saying they turned in something.

Stacy in Virginia

Jack: It occurs to me that the Republican party, the party screaming for smaller government and 'less government intrusion', does not object to the government micro-managing the most personal aspect of citizens' personal lives. abortion and gay marriage are two perfect examples.

M.
Oregon

I left a comment about Medicare "E", If the lobbyist were not allowed then this county would be better off.

Dear Jack, I watched the proceedings on C-SPAN Sat. evening from 8pm to the last rap of the gavel by Pelosi. It was the most riviting and eye opening TV ever. Just watching those Republicans continue to spout their lies and ignore the rational facts only enforced my determination that we need Obama's Health Care Bill more than anytime in our history. The Republicans were merely pandering to their 'homeboys' to assure that they get voted in again, and again and again. Those 39 Democrats who voted against the bill are truly Republicans who changed their party affilation to stay in office. Their districts have leaned toward the center or the left and they are just selling their souls to the devil. They are Democrats in name only.

As one of the uninsured, it matters a lot that they have at least gotten something done. But it doesn't matter unless the Senate gets it's head screwed on straight and passes something.

For those like me, unemployed, uninsured and not with the greatest of health, don't give a flying flip of where, who, what, when, or how a plan comes up, just as long as it comes and our suffering is stopped. That's the point that they're missing. It isn't about them, Republican, Democrat or Independent. It is about us.

I think it is important for the healthcare bill to pass. Passing health insurance reform would show that Obama and the Democrats can actually do something with all those votes they got last year.

- Dan P.A.

The fat lady hasn't sung yet.

It looks to me about like this.

{ Party of "Yes we can". Zero. }
{ Party of no. One. }

I remember when the Social Security passed and was going to bankrupt the country. Now look at it, people would starve if it wasn't there. The Republicans are stonewalling this Health Care Bill. I can understnad constructive action on their part but as a voting Republican, if they don;t shape up and get us Health Care Insurance, I for one will never vote for any Republican again.
Jim from New Jersey

from HawaiiIt matters a lot. It is clear that when Republican Senators get a little over a million dollars each from private health insurance companies to vote no, the shabby, dishonest campaign against everything President Obama does, takes on new meaning. Rick Sanchez, a fair, honest host with facts not sarcasm, published those facts today.

Jack, your question should have been " how much did it cost the taxpayers in time,printing, etc. to barely pass a bill that has no chance on becoming law ?"
David, Las Vegas

The President needs to put on some weight, flex a little and muscle this health care reform through. It's painfully obvious Senate republicans and Blue Dog democrats have no interest in doing the peoples will if it does not comport to their political ideology and their #1 issue always...getting re-elected.

The bill pased by the house is a big mistake.
What the credit card companys did to us Raise intrest rates exc.
is what the ins. companys will do to us because of the delay the bill would take effect Polocie screwed us again if it passes as is.

Bill of yardville nj

Mr. Cafferty,

i watched intently the other night as America seemingly voted for universal health care. Then I woke up.

Nothing will ever change in America until politicians start to care about people as the real strength in America. Healthy people are a sign of a healthy society. Right now, America is sick and there's no cure for what ails you. Truth: First, change your government to a parliamentary democracy so that your leader can be challenged by his peers, not propped up by them. Second, remove the words "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" and replace American's with a list of sensible entitlements–like "peace, order and good government..." That's what really matters, isn't it? That's the real problem isn't it? Entitlement. Mine, not yours. Yours, not his...

Here's the truth, we are a people with out representation, Democrats are in a fight with republicans to virtually turn our health care upside down and tax America an un godly amount for a minority of Americans and illegals in America. The republicans want to give us almost next to nothing.Both plans with a huge cost. The truth is we are stuck in the middle of both.When in all actuality if they were to both come together, and forget about campaign finances they could get us a great plan and it would cost us nothing. Democrats as well as republicans are both only thinking of themselves rather than us, who they are there to represent. Jerry/ Iowa

Let them pass this bill of crap, and then pull the plug on Reid & Pelosi.
I would pay more taxes just to see that !!!

Jack it matters a great deal. Its hard enough to survive on unemployment benefits..Try paying a cobra payment on top of everything else.. It cant be done..Of course all that matters to politicians is that they get re elected..

Jack, it means they are finally doing something; something other than insulting each other, and our intelligence, I mean.

Yet again we leave a major decision that will shape our future not to the congressional body that is an accurate and proportionate representation of what Americans want but, to the Senate. Why is it that everytime we see progressive legislation make its way thru endless debating and vetting in the House, it simply dies at the Senate, a group where every Senator has the same amount of power even though the size of their constituency is so greatly varied. With Senators like Lindsey Graham from South Carolina and Mitch McConnel from Kentucky, State's that have far less populations than say California or Texas calling all the shots for the GOP, its a wonder more people aren't scoffing at the ridiculousness of it. Can anyone even tell me why we need a Senate anymore? State's rights seem almost insignificant in relation to how prevelant the power of the Federal Government has been this last Century.

It matters a lot to those that have no hope of health care and the numbers are growing daily. Because we have been robbed by corporate America. Our jobs have left the country the banks have padded fees for loans and the list goes on...And most discouraging is the fact that the corporate world gets a free pass in many areas such as taxes, banking fees and bailouts.

Jack

You are sounding more like Sara Palin every day. Here is a question for you, "Do you believe that health care should be a right of citizenship? Or, is it O.K. if 10's of thousands of people die or are financially ruined each year because they do not have access to health care.

Does it cost money? Damm right it costs money. Another good question for you, "Are we a nation of individuals only or are we a society and as an "evolved" society with responsibilities to all of the citizens.

CNN has never dealt with the moral questions that health care raises. It walks around them, scared to death of what would be found.

Ken Williamson – Atlanta

As a twenty-five year graduate student I believe the house passing this bill to be of great importance. It demonstrates that some people in our government believe universal health care to be a moral imperative and fundamental to the pursuit of happiness. This is a monumental achievement for us as a people and a nation. Keep fighting the good fight Ms. Pelosi.

I'll say this, they've gotten a lot farther than they did in 1994. Back then it didn't even get out of committee.

Most in my family just got notices that there health insurance premiums are going up at least 10%. Something has got to be done about cost and something is better than nothing.

It doesn't matter.
The Senate will vote on their version. When both chambers legislation is in non-concurrence a "committee of conference" will be formed of Senate and House members to finalize one bill for a final vote in both the House and Senate. There is no question the final bill voted out of the conference committee will be very different from the House bill. You can bet there will be intense debate when this happens. It would be very interesting to be a"fly on the wall" when the backroom discussions begin. Oh the sweet deals, the promises, the threats, etc......

Houston, Texas

Cafferty Read between the lines. Republicans can't see beond their pocket books. We the people will decide not you or your Republicens, Well see when they all come up for realection.

Healthcare is of the utmost importance, sir Jack.

However, with all of the accusations by republicans of Dems being Socialist, Nazi, etc. , it makes you wonder if the REAL nazi's of the 1940s fled to America, embedded themselves in various parts of our country, hijacked a political party and systems and planned a massive take over of our country, using teabaggers, birthers, neocons, and any other fringe
group to carry out their deeds.

This word nazi is really being thrown around loosly among the right
wing. It makes you wonder. Maybe we should start checking backgrounds of these wackos. Sounds like a little deportation may be
in order.

Jack, if it passes the Senate, it will be so watered down that if it was a drink in a bar, I wouldn’t even get a buzz.

Do you know how many IT or software professionals that are NOT US citizens nor have green card? Thousands and thousands. These people have medical here in the States from their employment. So, health care bill doesn't really matter if you have WORK. Where are the create/save jobs that the government promises? None. The claimed 650,000 jobs (in truth) are guess-timates and flawed.

How can you trust the government when just like the Bush administration, same lies as Obama.

Jack, Congressman Dennis Kucinich voted against H.R. 3962 because it did not eliminated the "predatory, for-profit insurance system”. The point being-that not all Democrats voted with the Republicans because of the alleged "cost" [if this had been for a war or a bigger prison the Republican would have signed in a heart beat]–but your question is way too early for the final product! By the way–the necessity for healthcare reform is a NO-BRAINER–so why didn't you ask why the American people are having so much trouble getting reform?

It matters Jack. It is a matter of life and death to the millions who do not have health care. I listened to the speeches by the Republicans – so many lies. All my relatives in England would not trade their health care for ours. They have peace of mind never having to worry when they get sick. My parents, sister, cousins, etc. have had operations with no worries about waiting. I have voted for over 50 years and I am disgusted at the Republican party. They show no compassion as long as they have health care. One day they will have to answer when they don't take care of the least among us. If we don't get health care it will be because the insurance companies, with all their money, have won. We have become a laughing stock around the world when most other countries have health care and take care of their citizens. The Republicans speak with one voice "NO" – shame on all of them.

Joan

Jack, the whole thing seemsto have lost its steam ,here it is we are in charge of both parties yet we keep giving in over and over, he seems very weak with his party, he can't even get there support, poeple like Joe Libermam, some one please, no one is out there setting him straight , kick him out of any comity he is on put him out to drift ,even the republicans will not want him or trust him, he wants his 30 peices of silver , from the insurance companys, is it that so many have died over 20,000 death a year from no insurance, we need to put 54 crosses a day on the white house lawn, poeple need to see something to make them think, blue dogs are yellow dogs and should loose there seats since ihe fact is if this does not get passed they all will be looking for work alsothey need no republicans , yet they just give and give to them ,we just might have the wrong president, at least hillar would of been in her party blue doges faces and sent them to the pound, krn

Altho the vote took place Saturday night, we, as many citizens, stayed up late to watch the vote. It is very important in that the house members who voted for the bill finally put the needs and desires of the middle class before their own desires of reaping more campaign donations from the big corporations.

I am so disappointed in the members of the house that decided to vote against the bill, and I certainly hope that all of the politicians running for office next year, or whenever, remind the voters that so -and- so voted against health care for the American people.
It is so disheartening to think that the people of Congress, who were elected to serve the citizens, find it to their advantage to do just the opposite! Let's take the health care away from all of the politicians who voted "no"! After all, if it isn't good enough for us, then they obviously don't need it either!

It doesn't matter at all. Let's face facts, it's too fat. Nobody should even consider passing an 1,100 page bill. I'm all for Health Care reform and I'm convinced we badly need the public option, but this is rediculous!

It matters a lot to me Jack. As I have written before, I have a daughter with hydroencephilitis. I have a good job, but we're near my daughter's lifetime cap, and already had to sell our house. Moreover, she's about to reach the age where she won't be covered under my policy anymore, and there's no chance of buying a policy for her. What kind of a country do we live in? That's all I want to know. What kind of country do we live in?

Its going to matter a lot to those in congress who voted for it. Now come re-election time, the majority of those "yeahs" will be in their polictical fight of their lifes.

When the public servants see themselves as the masters, and feel they have even a choice in whether we, the public, the true masters (in principle at least in a government for the people, by the people... a democracy) should be offered the same benefits they get to sit back and enjoy. As if their service to us means that they no longer have to ever worry about declaring bankruptcty if they have an unexpected heart attack. A true reform of much more than health care needs to take place. The patriot act, in hindsight, probably should have focused on the publics ability to surveil and wiretap our elected officials.

People like elected officials threateneing to filibuster a bill that gives honest hard working Americans the right to the same kind of treatment as their "servants" is a sad statement of the twisted state America has gotten itself into. Our founding fathers looked back at the history of great cultures, and were wise enough to see that their downfall always came when the people in power began to forget who they were in power to serve, and so the constitution was written with very careful intent to avoid the very state of affairs we have today. A dual class society where the gap is only getting bigger and bigger.

Liebermann and Mcain are only lucky that at the moment only 48 million hard working Americans have to decide whether to pay their rent or mortgage, or get the suspicious growth in their throat examined and possibly be forced into bankruptcy.

You would think an intelligent person would recognize that ensuring those people have at LEAST the same benefits that they as elected officals was a top priority. The day may soon come when enough ppl are fed up enough that public servants are stripped of all benefits except a cost of living allowance and security.

When that days comes, at least we could finally trust that the people campaigning to "serve" are doing from a true desire to serve, instead of seeing it as a meal ticket for life and chance to get even more wealthy and pampered. Please, someone with a straight face tell me that John Hancock would stand behind John Mcain and call him anything but an imperial Brit in an AMerican disguise.

Jack, the House passing the Healthcare Bill is one step closer to having Healthcare for all Americans!

45,000 Americans die every year because they do not have healthcare. And MILLIONS are denied coverage because of preexisting conditions. How is this moral? How is this Christian?

IF 45, 000 Americans were dying.... because of terrorist attacks.... the Nation would be up in arms! The Republicans would be demanding we nuke the Middle-East.

However, 45,000 Americans die every year because they do not have healthcare and ......... who cares?

Democrats care! Bravo to the House for passing this Healthcare Bill!

Shameful enough the US Senators let die over 30,000 Americans each year because of lack of Health Insurance . Because it is to expensive .... sure , like the Iraq war .....right? Shame on you Lieberman & Co !

The the health care bill that passed the house would create a huge improvement to our health care system. Everyone will be able to have insurance and the public option can be used to compete with private insurance to help drive down premiums. I have a lack of faith with the bill in the senate because of the strong opposition that is mostly republican. The republicans voted against having social security in the 1930's, voted against medicare, and voted against medicaid. They now have the chance to do that again with the health care bill.

Every one of those blue dog Democrats as well as every idiot Republican who is threatening a fillibuster should immediately lose their current health insurance and we could just all sit back and watch them go crazy trying to get the bill through the senate in record time. I bet it would be on President Obamas desk in record time for his signature if those vultures thought they would be left with no insurance coverage!

The House Bill is just the first step in a long and agonizing process.The Senate will drive everybody nuts,but thats what we call checks and balances. It's the damned wedge issues like abortion and guns that are irrelavent to the principles of a bill. You guys thrive on this stuff and cry wolf or Wolf shouts. I'm glad we have Ed Shultz to stick up for the good guys. Gene

Tucson, AZ – House bills are never even submitted to the Senate. The process is that each chamber produces its own bill independently, then the Conference Committee produces a single bill for both houses from them. That Conference Reprit etiher will or will not be real reform – we sahll see. Mr. Reid has not run out of political pressures to apply – a Committee Chair who betrasy his causcus can be stripped of his gavel. The public is unlikley to support a Senator who voted for his corproate sponsors against his constituents. As for the actual facts, the projected cost of the House bill is a fraction of the expected cost of not pasing reform, because the CBO analysis calls "indeterminate" both the savings from the "ER shift", potentially $594 billion per year, and living will savings, potentially up to $20 trillion over 25 years. The cost argument against this bill is contrary to fact. The socialized medicine argument si contrary to fact. The government control of health care argument is contary to fact. How much will fiction control the outcome? Nobody knows!

As a democrat, this bill is irrelevant. Until the assets are put in place for public health care this bill doesn't mean a thing. Obama needs to quit playing the "pushover" and be a little more like Fidel Castro. And as for the abortion funding, maybe everyone should take some responsibility and be a little more cautious about unwanted pregnancy.

Let there be no doubt the House health care bill means much more than many give it credit for. The vote should be a clear signal to both parties and both houses of congress that the voters want this legistation completed this calendar year.. In my mind I believe the voters have spoken clearly and loudly that this reform is way overdue and they want Congress to respond to the desires of the voters or face the consequences at the neext election. I also think this holds true for members of both political parties and all congressional leaders. We want this effort completed and done as well as possible.

None of this matters.

I will be astonished if the final health care "reform" bills really do a thing to help the American People stay well and not go bankrupt at the same time.

That our country does not have national health care for ALL citizens is a national disgrace!

Jack, It doesn't matter to those in Congress that are wholly owned and operated by the Health Care Companies and it doesn't matter much to us chickens that never had it because you can never miss what you never had. All we will do is keep on getting the shaft but now it is not just the health care industry. Congress has joined them.

It looks like domestic terrorists are not just guys with guns and bombs. If these right-wing "democrats" succeed in filibustering and watering down the public option so that US citizens cannot have the health care that every other citizen of a 21st Century industrialized country can have, then they'll be contributing to more pain and death than anybody who ever shot a gun or or hurled a bomb. Think about it.

It does matter but do you think we can do anything about it? NO!
No matter who we vote for all those crooks up on the HILL care about one thing and one thing only. MONEY! Not the American people.

$900 billion over the next 10 years to fund this 2,000 page mess of mind numbing jargan.

what a joke..

History is in the making and when the healthcare bill goes to the Senate we will see the power of a Vice President within the law.

Why is everyone concerned about HEALTH INSURANCE? It's as if we don't care that you're sick or injured, as long as someone is paying for it. Shouldn't the real goal of health care reform be to make Americans healthier? Let's start programs that will help PREVENT people from getting ill in the first place ... which would also reduce costs! WOW! PREVENTION! How about this plan that requires $0 from taxpayers ...

1) Educate your children about healthy lifestyles and lead by example.
2) Maintain a healthy diet.
3) Maintain a weekly exercise routine.
4) NO SMOKING.
5) Get sufficient sleep.

We want accountability on Wall Street ... we want accountability in Washington ... but we don't want to take responsibility for our own bodies.

Everyone fails to acknowledge the elephant in the room ... AMERICANS ARE NOT LEADING HEALTHY LIVES!

I dont know that it matters a great deal Jack when each Senator recieves $1,466,406. from non other than the Industry that will in all likely hood be affected adversly by any reform....this it what we all should be outraged about....

None if it matters as long as the members of congress keep getting millions of dollars from the insurance and drug companies. With members of congress getting over four hundred thousand dollars each and the SENATORS GETTING OVER ONE MILLION EACH FROM THE INSURANCE AND DRUG COMPANIES THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE JUST GOING TO GET SCREWED. I'LL BET ANYONE OUT THERE THAT A HEALTH REFORM BILL WON'T BE WORTH THE PAPER IT'S WRITTEN ON. IT'S A DAMN SHAME THAT THE PEOPLE WE ELECTED TO CONGRESS ARE SUCH A BUNCH OF SCUM BAGS, THIEVES AND LIARS WHOSE ONLY INTEREST IS LINING THEIR POCKETS WITH MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WHILE WE HAVE PEOPLE DYING FROM LACK OF HEALTH CARE.

It means nothing, It passed with only 4 votes! Those who voted for it will be losers in the next election and the conservatives will control congress just as in 1994!

We will take back our country. All politians should serve 2 terms, 1 term in office and one in prison, just like Chicago does now!

It matters to people without any type of health insurance. You seem to speak out of wealth and entitlement. Those who already have coverage can argue about the finer points. Those of us who dont have any at all will welcome any at all.

IT means a lot for the future of the United States especially since we pay more for less than any other country with health care for everyone. This will break this country as more people aren't able to afford the status quo. If we don't get health care fixed we won't get the economy fixed either.

This bill has to have the Public Option and not the opt out

House bil absolutely doesn't matter at all, only a little more does the Senate vote! The real issue is decided in "Closed Door" meetings of which I and America has no say or knowledge or influence! I need to be able to impeach and remove my congressman and/or Senator now! We also need complete transparency for 7 days to study, analize, and inform our representatives of our deciaion. Also no additional pork or costly additives are allowed! Rustty

It isn't the bill itself that's bad. It's all of the unrelated issues slid under the covers in the bill. That's why Nancy Pelosi refused to show the public what was being voted on.

The bill is 2000 pages before amendments.

They pass laws to simplify credit card agreements. Shame they can't do the same for government legislation.

Jack: I would like to see a list of the 39 House democrats that did not vote for the bill. Their own President's party. They should hang their heads in shame! I am embarassed that this Congress is so ineffective. And they keep getting elected! The Democrats in the House should have coffee with Old Joe Lieberman and his ilk. They are all traitors!

I don't know what to think and plan to let FBI, The Military,and other professionals give us an analysis,everything else is pure speculation and hypothetical. Gene

This passage is very important but we all know that H. RIED do not know what to do and the GOP has bought over some DEMS as the main judas (L) is set to deliver his pledge to undo POT US's domestic agenda at every cost. These senate DEMS will surely lost their re-election bids.

Not at all. This process has become so polluted that no health bill would be better than what is likely to come out of Congress. Which way to Canada?

This bill getting passed was keeping America great! Now if the U. S senate can move as, fast the bill will be on the Pres, Obama Desk by the End of the year and fox bussiness pull that health care cost 74% higher than 8 Year ago some bill needs to become law about profits in health care!

The House Bill should matter as a basis for compromise with the Senate bill when it is passed and when a conference is called. As one who favors the government option, I am saddened by those democrats and former democrat, Joe Lieberman who are not for the government option – it means our voice is not being heard aginst 1.4 million dollars going to Senators from the Health Industry. The House had the courage to give us a bill, but we have Joe Lieberman stabbing it in the back, because he has the Health Insurance Companies paying him off now and when he retires from politics, they will probably give him a pension for life.

Jack–
I'll ask you one: Does healthcare reform matter to Americans? Why don't we want to improve our healthcare system? I can't understand the negativity. We Americans are usually wanting to improve everything. What is really going on in America these days? There's a question I'd like you to ask.

Jack, ask that same question to people who are candidate of diseases, high blood pressure, clogged arteries, bad knees in the morning, and H1N1 viruses!

The resistance to health reform is driving me crazy. Step back out of yourself to see how this country treats it's people (all men are created equal), NOT! When we stand by and allow some of our people to meet an early death or lose everything because we as a nation cannot find a way to provide health care for all, tells me we are not who we like to think we are.

Can you ask the GOP what the word shame means to them? because J. B. (minority leader) showed up with health reform plan that will extend coverave to about 3 million people. this passage is great but is dead on arrival.

Jack; I live in Canada where we enjoy universal health care. Contrary to some opinion's south of the border you won't get many complaint's on our health care system. It's really very simple folk's, TAKE PROFIT OUT OF HEALTH CARE & you've "got r done"