Chances of health care reform if it doesn't pass this year?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has raised serious doubts about the future of health care reform by saying he can't promise a health care bill will pass this year: "We're not going to be bound by any timelines."
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/04/art.reid.jpg caption="Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) spoke at a news conference on Capitol Hill yesterday in DC. Reid discussed efforts to pass health care reform legislation."]
The words were barely out of Reid's mouth before his office issued a statement saying their goals remain unchanged and they want to get health reform done this year - and send a bill to President Obama by Christmas.
You suppose the White House wasn't happy with Reid's initial assessment? Delay on health care is probably just about the last thing the president wants. First, it brings back memories of President Clinton's failed attempt at reform. And it means other legislative priorities - the energy bill, immigration, regulation of Wall Street, etc. - will remain on the back burner.
Plus - and this is a big one - once 2010 rolls around, all 435 members of the House along with one-third of the Senate will be up for re-election. Good luck getting these lawmakers to commit to a controversial health care bill ahead of the midterms.
Meanwhile – the Associated Press reports that the House health care bill, which is headed for a vote soon, would cost $1.2 trillion or more over a decade. See, the Democrats have added on billions in additional spending.
After saying $900 billion was the limit on what he wanted to spend for health care reform - I wonder if President Obama would sign one that costs $1.2 trillion... just so he could claim victory.
Here’s my question to you: What happens to the chances of health care reform if it doesn't pass this year?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Jay from Flemingsburg, Kentucky writes:
If health care is delayed into next year, it is dead in my opinion. I am a life-long Democrat and I want to add that if the Democrats do not get it done with a public option, they are dead.
David from Newport, Oregon writes:
Reid and Pelosi are the reason nothing is getting accomplished. They will be the reason the Democrats lose in the next election. Both need to be replaced by their party. It isn't that the Democrats have poor ideas, they simply have poor leadership.
Judy from Tempe, Arizona writes:
I sincerely doubt health care reform will ever pass. The Republicans are sticking to their "Don't get sick and if you do, die quickly" health care plan and the Democrats couldn't work with each other to put out a fire.
Zack writes:
Health care reform is doomed and the insurance companies will be the big winners. Soon no one will have any health care unless they are rich.
Loren from Chicago writes:
If we're lucky, dead in the water. President Obama committed a fatal error in not putting his name on any of the proposals in Congress, leaving it up to the special interest groups to float their own bills and to Congress to sort through the mess.
Morris from New Jersey writes:
Not very likely. While many Democrats insist yesterday’s vote was on local issues, their heads are in the sand. People like me voted Republican because we don’t trust the Democratic leadership. A health care plan with 2,000 pages and not a soul knows what's inside? Who in their right mind would vote for a politician who votes for something he or she has not even read.
Ben from New Mexico writes:
They played this one off so well! I thought for a while they were serious about health care reform. Now I'm laughing with them.
Tommy writes:
A delay would be President Obama's second worst nightmare. His first is the health care bill itself. See ya in November 2010.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
It doesn't matter if health care does or doesn't ever pass ... what matters is who's fault it is if it does or doesn't pass ... right? Or am I missing something?
If not this year, it'll be a long time. Democrats are never going to get a better chance than right now for a long, long time. Republicans will never do it. The moderate democrats against it are screwed when they run again anyway. Moderate democrats and some independents may vote for them in the midterm, but they'll lose anyway because the rest of the democrats will not vote for them again. If they vote for the health care bill, it'll be the other way around. Either way, they're going to lose. They may as well vote for it and have SOMETHING to show for the time they've been there, and not just be a bunch of waffling retards.
The question should be, "How can we start helping people, and stop frightening them?" The answer is in getting people into healthy living, with medical support less dependent on government, not more.
Jack – Well last time I checked you need the Senate, House and President to work together to get the job done. Not say anyone has more power than the other, but President Obama needs to come off some polical capital to get this done. He need to stand up and say you are either with us or against us. Everyone needs to stop worring about the next election and get to work. Campaining for 2010 or 2012 does not solve our current problems. People need jobs, good healthcare and job security. Get to work and quit worring about your next election and do your job.
I hope they take their time to do this right instead of rushing something through. If they don't and Obama signs something just to sign it he might as well start writing about his only term in office. He hasn't lived up to his word yet and I don't forsee a path for him to actually do that.
Let's hope Obama has enough sense to do the right thing instead of just doing something to do it, which is the status quo. I would be really surprised if they did take the time.
I hope that, we do get a health care reform bill passed, if we don't it want be any bodys fault but the powers that be, in Washington, DC.
I am so tired of these people in congress, and the senate, not doing anything but giving us the tax payers, and voters nothing but lip services, do these people in the house and senate live in their own little world apart from the rest of us??? We do not have health care at our finger tips, like they do, we have to struggle to pay the bills, and have to pay for insurance our selves. We the tax payers do not live in the lap of Washington DC like they do. These people make me sick.
I wish I lived in Canada, where the tax payers and voters, can get health care, with out going broke for a visit to hospital, and doctors office.
Some one please listen to Our President, he is the only one who care a tinkers dam, about any of this.
Phyllis from Flowood, Ms.
Look, health care, however important, is nothing compared to getting people back to work. Once working I believe American citizens will embrace universal health care. But I suggest you start by
1. Allowing heathcare providers to compete across state lines.
2. Require no pre existing condition exclusions
3. Allow portable healthcare from job to job.
4. Tort reform – cap financial judgements against doctors. But take away their licenses at the same time after 3 judgements.
There's more but at least start somewhere. The longest journey begins with a first small step.
So if it doesn't pass this year then its chances are in danger?
I think this just demonstrates what our "public servants" in congress value above all. It was "good" for the American people, unless of course it risks my chances of election.
Well, I guess they will vote for what the majority of their voters want.
And this seems to put Health reform in danger of not passing?
What does that say?
Hmm....
Well Jack I'm not sure the President will sign a bill if it contains a lot of pork which it sort of sounds like at this point. I'm curious why Senator Reid isn't counting on congress to finish it's work before the holiday break. Does he think that most members will start thinking about the holiday and not the country? or is it just the same ol' politics of waiting to see if 2010 will bring a change in the direction of what the american people will be thinking since it doesn't take much for us to move on to something else...we're easily distracted...
Jack, I have never in my life seen such a bunch of loons in charge as we have now in the democratic majority. If this thing slips into next year, fuggedaboutit and these individuals will lose their majority because the American people will lose confidence in them and the President.
Brooklyn, New York
it will be lost for another decade and so the democrats will lose for another twenty years. we may see another bush in office be cause the public"s memory is so short and we will be in the same pickle jar that we are in now.
The problem Jack, is that health care economics run counter to normal free market ideas. The more insurance companies there are, the higher health care costs are for everyone, not less. If Congress is really serious about reducing health care costs, they should be focusing on price controls, not on creating an insurance company that by virtue of it's size will lead to everyone on private insurance getting screwed over on cost.
No more delay. Waiting longer is only going to help the opposition. The democrats must unite and get HC to pass or else.
Jack,
There are too many problems with the current health care bills that it is unlikely any of them will be passed, and that is good for the American people. Isn't it amazing how the Democratic leaders keep changing their stories? First the Speaker bragged about how the bill was going to cost less than $900B, now she is saying it doesn't matter how much it costs because it is good for the people. If it is good for the people then why doesn't she want to be put under the same plan?
America cannot survive by listening to the lies of the Democrats. This bil needs to fail and thankfully it will.
Healthcare should pass this year for two reasons, first it's been debated long enough, and secondly, there are other reforms much needed, that are on the back burner. Also, though the house bill is 1.2 trillion, it is not the official bill. Cost will be dropped once the senate, and house bill is combined.
Seriously, as an American, I am ashamed at times to say I am. To think that one of the greatest countries in the world is afraid of a little socialism to give everyone a chance to have Health Care is really pathetic. My goodness, just because you accept it doesn't make you Russia or Communist. Think about it !
it has become a political issue instead of a health care issue, nothing will be reformed if everything gets politicized and the small man is trampled.
My answer to your question:
Ok so whats more important passing a health care bill before the end of the year at any cost just to make the White House happy with a sense of victory or passing a bill that has been carefully looked over and at a cost that works for us Americans who I don't care what anybody says IS PAYING FOR IT ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.
Give me a break this tax and spend bull we are getting has got to stop!!!
Not very likely... While many Democrats insist yesterdays vote was on local issues their heads are in the sand. People like my self voted Republican because we dont trust the Democratic leadership. A healthcare plan with 2,000 pages and not a soul knows what's inside? Who in their right mind would vote for a politican who votes for something he or she has not even read.
I suspect many Democrats will insist in more transparency and delay rather than vote just to satisfy Obama or Harry Reid. Those who do not insist on delay and go along with this farce do so at their own political peril.
I have been a registered Democrat since I was eligible to vote (I am now 32) and have yet to vote for a single Republican in any local, state, or national election. If the Congress, with its overwhelming Democratic majorities, cannot muster the courage and wherewithal to pass the bills on health care, climate change, immigration, and other pressing issues, then what's the point of being a loyal Democrat? If the Democrats can't bring the change they promised, then why not vote Republican? At least my taxes will be lower.
The chance to pass soon, none. The small victory is getting it/keeping it on the table. More and More employers are changing their 2010 private care, the public option will be more respected as time "passes."
Nothing has ever been wrong with an option... I'd rather have to choose between pizza and a burger, than pizza and nothing.
We'll see how healthy the nay-sayer's doubt is when the time comes.
If health care reform does not pass this year it will show that big money and lobbyist are more important than the American people and who care if they go bankrupt because of a health problem. It would also prove that if you throw enough lies against the wall some will stick.
Viviane, Palm Coast, FL
This health care bill is a flop. It will hurt the 300 Million that currently has health care while giving the 10 million who will never have it on their own a free ride. It will also destroy the health care that the 20 million would have had that do not have it now.
I'm afraid that "if not this year", then not till another activist president.
Healthcrare reform is doomed and the insurance companies will be the big winners. Soon no one will have any healtcare unless they are rich.
We'll see health care reform the same day we see a college football playoff. Obama should lower his sights. Getting that one accomplished would boost his re-election bid 10 times more than health care anyway.
Oklahoma City, OK
this patient is slowly bleeding to death. a delayed vote will put it in ICU and if it drags onto next year, may as well be ready to fill in the TOD. the fatal blow to this bill was delivered when the president did not take the initiative to take charge of it and passed the responsibility to ms. pelosi and mr. reid. that decision ensured that this bill arrive almost DOA at the steps of capitol hill.
If they don't get it passed this year it will only bloat more in order to give Democratic candidates things to help them get elected in the midterms next year. Considering that it is already bloated and expensive, I guess the best thing for the country is to get it passed this year.
Dead and good ridance.
Maybe Mr. Reid is hedging his bets on this bill. Maybe there are some elected oficials listening to the voices of most people in this country that are tired carrying the load for others. I am not happy to pay for someone to get a break on their morgage, nor help them buy a Japnese automobile. I worked hard to get my health care coverage, why should I pay for someone else's, Most polls I have seen state people do not want the goverent health care plan to be written into law. I hope this bill is DOA!
The chance will go slim because it will be on what I call a political diet. It can pass if the Dems can get the people behind them and show how the GOP don't want a public option, don't want much reform, and slow to act. Also if the Dems get together it might can work because they know how important it is for reelecton and hopefully for the people. GOP might try to hold it up until the election and blame the President & Dems for not doing much. It will all go political. Either the Dems win or GOP. Sad it comes to this type of fued.
If it doesn't pass this year then maybe the democrats will become more open-minded about health care reform.
There's more to health care reform than public options, mandatory insurance, taxes on the wealthy, etc.
What about tort reform? What about trans-state portability? What about doing something about pharmaceutical costs?
I still don't get the rush and the secrecy...why so quick, why behind closed doors, why the BS that it isn't going to raise taxes or the defecit?
I'm a firm believer that anything can and most likely will happen eventually. Health Care reform will happen..eventually. If not, the prices will continue to go up, and we'll see people in the streets protesting just as they did over the outrage of the financial bailouts. However this time the rage people have will be contagious.
Just don't be chicken!
If it doesn’t pass this year it’s dead and Harry Reid better put his head between his legs and kiss his political butt good-bye. He and any Blue dogs that are up for re-election will hopefully not be back. If they had a collective brain in their heads, they’d push health care with a good public option through to start ASAP so the doubters can see, by next November, what a fraud the Republicans and insurance companies have played on us. We're getting duped again.
noone wants the uncovered to remain uncovered. the question is –
how do you pay for it ?
And not reduce benefits for people already on medicare – (make medicare 500 billion dollars more efficient -oh please)
the next question for me is – is a stack of paper 9 inches hi covering only getting insurance for the uncovered ?
what else is in that nine inch stack ?
i can bet you that a lot of people would be really upset if they were told what else is in there.
If health care reform does not pass this year, then the democrates can begin to do the post mortem in 2010 and await the next great mesiah.
Cowardice is not the way!
Who cares? As it stands, if the current proposals are the best they can do, Congress and the President can take healthcare reform and shove it. (By the way, $1.2T is less than the Bush tax cuts for the rich.)
Transparency, transparency and then some transparency.
Laguna Beach, CA
They have spent a hugh amount of time devising a bill that everyone likes !! I have one question, is there any reason the American People can not have the same health benefits afforded to our elected officials ? And this is for the rest of their lives, no questions asked, no pre-existing conditions.....
I dont know about you, but I personally feel we all deserve the same care they have ! It apparently is good and affordable since we pay for it, can someone answer that question ?
Chances are that maybe with time given we may end up with a more reasonable health care bill that will do what the people want it to do, bring down health premiums. across the state lines for purchasing, tort reform. I see if it passes now, it will be the same as the stimulus bill! Doing nothing but more job losses, higher premiums and Pelosi having to use less botox!
It would need to pass no later than mid-February since those up for re-election will need to begin campaigning, raising money and having to rationalize whey they did/did not vote for the healthcare bill.
The Dems need something or there in big trouble in '10, plus the American people want change here. Hopefully Nelson, Bayh and Lincoln read the polls that their states want a public option – and get in line. It's not single payer, but it's the next best thing...
This situation and remark is indicative of an incompetent Congress led by a naive, inexperienced and unqualified President. My major concern is that the current legislative and executive branches, as a whole, are incapable of drafting a serious legislative document that truly address healthcare REFORM. I have read every document and none really address true healthcare reform but rather are directed at fulfilling partisan political goals. The American People have been left adrift in the canoe without a paddle.
We cannot allow the push for time to drive the passage of healthcare reform. All this is going to do is result in another 2000 page document that no one is going to have time to read and it will sail through without anyone understand what is really in it. This government needs to take the time to do such important things RIGHT, and not screw it up more than it already is.
What will happens to Healthcare reform if it doesn't pass??
I'm more worried about what happens to me if it doesn't pass... GF
One more year added to over four decades of debate...maybe the republicans can stop complaining about the rush. What a joke!
They played this one off so well! I thought for a while they were serious about health-care reform. Now I'm laughing with them.
reid is not capable to get the bill to the president, need strong, persuasive leaders to make that happen. He is too old , looks tired and should retire along with anyone over 70 years old... out ,, time for CHANGE, we need some young blood and bold ideas, not the same BS coming out of washington everyday. They just don't get it, they are living a fantasy. thank you
Well, since it has been a total of over 100 years since talked about and the last administration to try was Clinton, I would say that would be a victory for the GOP and health care reform would be dead indefinitely......again.
I always feel somewhere in the middle. We need to change how medical care is organized in the US. I look at my bill and it says something like $250. Medicare approved $92, and paid $80. I am to pay $12. But if I had employer-Blue Cross, it might say: $250, and Blue Shield approved 125 and paid 115, I am to pay $10. If I am on my own, it just says $250. It seems like something is wrong here.
But I do not want Obama-care and abortion to be covered. I do not want a 2500 page bill written by people I do not trust. Obama said a lot of nonsense about how to save money on medical care in the campaign; I am neither a doc nor an accountant, but I knew he was talking utter foolishness. He still is.
Retired from Chicago, now in Nashville, TN.
I think if it does not pass this year that the odds are BETTER that they well get it right on the first try. This joke of passing costs to the states by covering more people in medicade and taking money out of medicare are insane. I know as well as the next person that we need reforms but don't think these are them.
Carrollton, GA
Hello Jack,
Fugetaboutit... Pass it now or lose in 2010. It better have the "public option", too, or they're all history. We've all had enough B.S. and bickering to last a life time.
Jack,
why is it fine to go into debt for Iraq or Afganistan, but not me?
If the democrats can't get real reform to our system now, we will go broke, and deserve it....
Jack, that question does not fit the American Dream. The American Dream is striving against all odds to do well and get something accomplished.
If a healthcare bill does not get passed this year then i think he will regret flying all the way to Wisconsin to talk about Education where he plans to spend another 5 billion.
If Health Care Reform doesn't pass this year, I think it is dead in the water, with re-election coming up in 2010, I wonder what is more important to the Democrats–passing Health Care Reform or saving their jobs. I think after election, there will be fewer Democrats around.
Health care will not be passed this year and probably not ever. Our political system is so sloppy and messed up right now that the people of the USA are getting screwed day after day. The Republicans will never allow a health care bill to pass through the Senate that makes any sense because they believe it would be the unraveling of Obama and his Administration. The Democrats are so scared to step up and get things done. How did we let our country get to this point? This is pathetic!
If it doesn't pass this year, then it has as much chance to pass as I do getting elected President of the U.S.
This is our last best chance to correct the grave injustices that exist in our health insurance industry.
Our health care system is excellent, but the means by which it is delivered, or rationed by the insurance companies, desperately needs to be reconfigured. Virtually no one is a major illness away from being denied health insurance in the future.
That there is even a debate about whether or not the health insurance industry needs to be regulated and brought under supervision indicates that the movers and doers have already got to key persons.
Senator Reid is the best example of why there should be term limits for Senators.
It's very simple – stop spending money we don't have – stop deficit spending – stop increasing our debt and devaluing the dollar – end the war – get our fiscal house in order – incentivize business to create jobs – concentrate on the economy decrease the debt and then work on health care, cap and trade etc.
If it doesn't pass this year, we can forget about any change in our life time. This is the first time in 16 years that anyone has had the courage to even try to change health care. If the Democrats can't pass it with huge majorities in both houses, then why would future politicians waste their energy and capital? If the insurance companies can beat it today, they won't have to worry about change for a long time.
Mountain Home ID
The odds of true health care reform are non-existent whether a bill passes this year or not. The abominations now slowly working their way through the House and Senate are not true reform, but a 2000 page piece of sausage that attempts to please everyone, but in reality fixes nothing, costs a fortune and would only delay true reform. And true reform won't happen until we are faced with a true disaster of cost and health care availability. That's the way things are done in America.
This health care bill its too expensive. The Senate and congress cannot agree on many key aspects of the bill. why don;t they instead pass bills that actually lower costs of health care? The government just wastes out money.
If Health Care is not passed this year, the Democrats can look forward to seeking new jobs. We Democrats voted them in and we will certainly vote them out!
Diminshes greatly. Pres. Obama needs to crack the whip on those fleckless congressional leaders. He also needs to hold the line on deficit neutrality. I'll switch back to voting Republican if he doesn't.
Maybe if it is delayed long enough there may be a chance that it will be looked at in a more realistic rational way, and we may get something worth thinking about. Obama wants to take his sweat time in deciding what to do with Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, and N Korea, but yet he wants to rush through a ridiculous health care control program, all options need to be looked at very closely, including looking at how to fix and or use what we already have in place.
Jack, MoveOn is not waiting for 2010 to "roll around". They are already chewing up every Democrat who doesn't do as they say.
What happens to the chances of politicians that obstruct healthcare reform if they don't allow it to pass this year? That's the question.
Do they go home to their constituents and brag about letting another 45,000 Americans die for lack of care? Do they expect applause for allowing the highest rate of infant deaths in the industrial world? Will they recieve donations from the people that lost their homes to pay for medical expenses? Conservatives are coming to the conclusion that to be pro-life they must be pro- healthcare reform. Politicians that don't get that message and pass healthcare reform will lose their seats...and maybe have a new hole torn into their personal seats.
If Health Care reform doesnt happen this year then nothing is going to happen this year. Obama can prove to the American people that he can get this bill passed and in doing so can show those in the republican party who are just blocking healthcare reform that Obama will get done what needs to be done.
We can then move on to energy reform and other issues that we have. However this time around republicans will realise they simply cant block the democrats and what the people want(aka public option). And will have to actually debate the issues which is what they are suppose to do anyway.
Jack, if it doesn't get passed this year, it's dead in the water. Democrats need to act NOW. They can't afford to wait anymore. Republicans are just obstacles in this and it's time to bypass them entirely. Get it done while Democrats still have the majority or it will NEVER happen!
The same thing that happens to everything that could help the american people nothing,take away all of their heath care and ours would pass tomorrow
Jack,
If they don't pass health care reform (I'm being nice and calling it "reform") the Dems will be in big trouoble come 2010. President Obama would sign a phone book if it had Health Care printed on the cover...I don't trust the whole lot of them on either side of the isle, right or left, liberal or conservative, Republican or Democrat.
Paul K.
It means that it will still be on the table in 2010. This time we are not going to just forget and roll over.
people are realy pissed off with the lack,the lack of everything that comes from gov and the elected officials who are supposed to working for us and not themselves.
Reed and Palozi need to go and if this president cant get it done A no confedence bill should introduced so in the future we can just fire the president.
george
chester,ct.
I don't see this issue losing momentum. I don't see Obama, Pelosi, or Reid allowing it to happen either. It is blatantly obvious that the reps and cons are hoping it will, but the divisions between right and left in our country, alone, will keep this alive to the end, whatever that end may be.
HCR will pass before the end of the year and they will tie a pretty bow on it and call it a great success which it isn't but whose counting...the fact of the matter both these parties are bought and paid for by corporate interests as well as the whitehouse. Their problem is the whole thing is unraveling in the form of a W...hold on to your seat Jack...
Nothing if the Dems. in Congress have show somef back bone and loyalty to the President. The chances of health care passing will have no trouble, next year but Dems. in congress have got to get it together, somtimes I wonder if the Dem. Party has forgotten how to act when they win, or the rep.party has not realized that they lost, or both.
Jon S.Pridham
Kittery ME
Even though 70% of the people want health reform, if it doesn't get passed soon the insurance industry's pockets are too deep and as you can see they are blitzing TV and radio with BS. Some people believe anything and you know what happens if you repeat something enough times, no matter what it is. They will spend millions to keep the billions they are getting for doing nothing.
What happens? More days where over 100 people in this country die for lack of affordable and accessible health care. That's what.
Why don't we set a limit to how much we spend on wars and bombs?
We always have enough money for that, now don't we.
Jack I would believe it would be a very cold day in 7734 keep up the great work you do.
Health care reform will pass this year, though the chances look slim; there is a lot on the line for the Dems. You can't wait until next year because people will be afraid to make a decision so close to elections. The house Dems have added more spending to this bill because they are creating room to be chopped by the Republicans.
Barack is done if it aint passed and so are the rest of the Congress Dems
Jack:
The chance for reform simply ceases to exist. No President, much less a Representative or Senator up for election will even broach the subject during an election year where the mearest mention of increased government spending (and the increased taxes that always hit soon afterwards) could mean defeat in a general election. No, as far as health care reform goes - its by Christmas or Mr. Obama has to spend New Years commiserating with Mr. Clinton.
Kirk from Durango, Colorado
Health care reform is not going to happen because Obama is a very intelligent man who unfortunately can't get things done. He doesn't care about the details like Hillary did, he's too aloof to work the phones like LBJ did, and it's not his nature to use force like Bush did. He thinks about things, he weighs the pros and cons, he deliberates. He would still be thinking about what dog to get if Ted Kennedy didn't give him that puppy.
Well Jack, you and I both know what will happen, what is going to happen, what should happen. No one has a "right" to health care, and contrary to popular belief, the government isn't chartered to provide it. Health care is a BUSINESS. As a business, it will operate under competitive constraints in a free enterprise. If any part of the business gets too expensive, the product will not be purchased. And then it will be brought back into line with demand. This is the greatness of a capitalistic system...
Reform can move forward, the only problem is that the takeover of the system by the government wouldn't happen if this scheme fails to pass. If people desire to have reformation instead of transformation then the people will be behind it.
Hello Jack,
This is the Problem with the Congress and the Right Wing Republicans, we have 2 wars that some how they find the money for it, but no money when it Com's to the health care for our citizens they say to expansive it dos not make any seance to me,
So I hope they will pass real soon we have the power to it,
Democrats should help the President to get it don,
Its going to be passed in three years when we have a republican president and republican house speaker the democrats are a lost cause.
Quit messing around and pass it already. it will not turn you into a socialist country run by leninists and stalinists, it will move you into the real world.
If democrats believe that healthcare reform that they are proposing is what majority of Americans want, why are they afraid of elections next year? They should pass the bill a couple of months before elections so that they can boast about it.
it won't pass this year or next. there is a good reason why nothing has been done for decades. that reason can't be challenged by this administration dispite the bs they promise.
The time frame for passing a Health Care Bill does not matter. The members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, will pass this bill when they feel they will benefit personally from a yes vote. What is good for the American people does not matter anymore. Yes votes are cast in Congress only when they benefit the individual voter.
It needs to be done this year, or else it's a risky endeavor next year. We will be lucky to see it happen at all. People constantly fighting against their own welfare baffle me...
If a health care bill fails to pass before the end of the year, the Democrats' collective cowardice will kick in, they'll begin to panic and fret over what the GOP might say about them come mid-terms, and the chances of any meaningful health care reform being passed will sink faster than the Titanic. Sure, they might manage to pass a neutered bill with no public option(effectively cutting out the heart of real health care reform), but that would do little more than protect the profits of the insurance companies. To compare the Democrats in Washington to jellyfish would be an insult to jellyfish everywhere.
What happens to healthcare reform if it doesnt pass this year? The answer is simple...Social Insurance created by FDR (which is essentially socialism for people of a certain age) will continue to bear the burden for as long as it can sustain. Actuarial science has already determined that it wont be much longer. If health insurance reform doesnt pass the gov't will have to come up with more creative Machiavellian ways to kill off future generations before they reach the social insurance age. FDR's social insurance plan is the real failure as it will fail to provide for 3 generations of Americans.
Jack, better delayed than some outrageously costly legislation shoved down our throats once again by our 'look out for themselves' lawmakers. We've seen billions spent on various schemes to turn this economy around and get a grip on the abusers of our financial, automotive, and likely to be more, failing infrastructure and institutions, all at our expense. Are we now to trust that these jokers won't shove something else with little or no benefit to us, the American taxpayer, that we can pay for, that our grandchildren and great grandchildren will still be paying for down our already sore throats? President Obama should think long and hard before he decides to sign something, just for the sake of getting it done in 2009. How much more ridiculous can things become?
Clearly, the chances for reform diminish with each passing week and month. Members of Congress are probably nervous about their chances at reelection given the results of yesterday's races. Despite their feelings, the Democratic majority in Congress must deliver substantial policy measures before the 2010 midterms. If the Democrats fail to pass a meaningful health care bill, they risk losing their majority. Independent voters will look elsewhere for leadership. Could you blame them?
If health care reform is not passed this year millions of Americans will remain uninsured, thousands getting ill and even dying due to lack of funds and lack of compassion. The insurance companies will continue to deny coverage to those who need it most and continue to raise premiums on the rest of us. Countless Americans will go into debt and many will lose their homes due to medical costs.
Darren in Fairbanks, Alaska
Harry Reid is better off counting slot machines in Las Vegas. I don't think he had it in him to be a leader of his party.
Jack, Well, if the Republicans and the lily-livered Democrats don't pass the health care bill, people withoutout insurance can follow Bush's advice and jusr go to the Emergency Room. I am fed up with Congress. They seem so be unwilling to follow the will of the people.
These people think anyone who disagrees with them is unpatriotic.
I have been a nurse for 45 years. I support the Healthcare bill, with my heart and soul .
I'm tired of the blubbering,sniveling obstructionism of the gutless and American Taliban known as the ConservIdiot Republifascists. Health Care Reform WILL pass.
Do you mean HEALTHCARE REFORM? Or Nancy Pelosi's 2,000 page government run healthcare catastrophe? Reform would pass this year if Obama wasn't so set on socializing our medical system.
Tort reform. Competition by allowing Americans to purchase insurance acrosss state lines....lower taxes and credits for small businesses so they can afford to hire more employees. THAT'S reform. NOT what Obama and company are trying to jam down ourt throats.
The longer they wait, the harder it will be. Just look what happened during the August recess.
No chance...thank God!
– 111 new government programs
– $500M cut in Medicare
– It will bankrupt Insurance Companies, ten's of thousands more unemployed as a result
– Federal funded abortions
– Unconstitutionally forcing citizens to buy health insurance or fined
– Smoke and mirror accounting...Pelosi
What's wrong with selling insurance across state lines? Fierce competition for millions of new customers is sure to lower premiums and make affordable health insurance available to more lower income citizens.
PLEASE make the ObamaCare plan go away!
Richard J.
Potomac, MD
I hope all the Cheerleaders for this Health Reform I Pray you lose your job!!
It is making the rest of us mad as hell, Just you getting the Idea you guys are going to mandate I do someyhing with what little Money I got, if I don't have what you want me to have. You will fine me. Like I said if there is A God you will Get your Upcomings!
Chances are slim to none, I honestly dont think it even has a chance this year. The President pushed the wrong button, his priorities are wrong. He has four years, should have focused on the economy first. I understand the need to inprove health care but unless people are working it means nothing. As someone one said, "its the economy stupid."
I think Senator Reid made the appropiate statement. Jobs are the number one concern currently.
Jack –
After yesterday's election results health care reform legislation is already DOA – moderates Democrats will be running for cover for fear of suffering the same consequences seen in Virginia & NJ. Delaying into 2010 puts their votes in the election year – Americans have short memories, but this would be cutting it too close.
Remember, the highest priority, paramount agenda, greatest urgency of Congress is always 'Reelection'
The Democrats are gonna royally screw this up like they manage to screw up everything when they finally have something good going. If they don't get this done, and done right, I say toss 'em out! They're a bunch of good-for-nothings.
If the democrats dont pass healthcare bill this year then they should brace themselves for becoming minority or extinct ! We are tired of the bikering,bluedog nonsense!Republicans are speaking one voice but the democrats are so divided its nausiating.There are other important bills that need to pass .i.e. regulating wall street!
Obama says he's determined to pass a healthcare bill, even if it means he's not elected to serve a second term. Translation: Even if the people don't want it, I'm doing it. Sad commentary on our President
I said it once and I say it again it is time to start the revolution. Drop your insurance put it in a health savings plan, and barter with the doctor with cash. Doctor's say they hate the paper work. Cash for services rendered.
Maybe if Obama would spend more time on addressing the economy and less time watching basketball, and trying to rush thru a ridiculous agenda, he might see a change in attitude toward him. Hell none of us want to see him fail and especially at our expense, but that is exactly what is happening! Fix what needs fixing the most first!! Quit creating government jobs and start revitalizing the darn economy!!
I would hope that Mr. Reid and the democrats see that waiting on health care reform might not only cost millions of people quality health care, but another failure for their president. Enough of these big failures are going to cost many democrats their seats and possible the White House in 2012. I feel sorry for President Obama for having a congress of his own party that is not willing to compromise or pursue his agenda. I don't agree with all the President's agenda, but I grow even more tired of a Pelosi and Reid led congress that does nothing. The time for health care reform is now.
Jack, I don't think health care lobbiest have a chance at stopping this. Ever since the public option was revealed the american people have been riled up on this issue. If you note how this issue has matured, it went from reform trying to be killed by money grabbing republicans and once they knew reform wasnt going anywhere they swapped their efforts to kill the public option which is what you're seeing now. It's happening wether their fat wallets want to take the hit or not, profiting off of sick (DYING) people is appauling.
Jack:
I am not at all surprized with this complete U turn by Reid. Only 2 week ago he said that a bill will pass this year with Public Option. These Dems have no guts to fight for what they believe in and what is good for majority of Americans. They are too much hung-up on Bi-Partisan bill when the other party has clearly shown that they are not interested in changing the status-quo. Dems have the votes in both houses to pass a robust health care bill but they have blown their momentum of getting it done by the actions of timid people like Reid.
Jack,
If health care reform doesn't make any progress this year, nothing will happen in the future. What a lazy, and selfish bunch of politicians we have in this country. There's no such thing as humanity in this country anymore. It's such a simple concept, KEEP YOUR ASSETS (people) HEALTHY. If you're people are healthy, your country produce more. They support their government and thus makes a better world. These idiots in Washington DC are all cut throat. Let the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer....and die. I guess one man (President Obama) really CAN'T change the world for the better. I'm losing a lot of faith in our government to do the right thing.....I never thought I'd say this, but it might be a good time to consider Canadian citizenship. This is disgusting.
P.S. You are the only source of real news/truth on television in this day. Keep it up my friend.
-Russell
Revolution?
Jack, The president and senate has wasted almost a year on a health care plan. It's a dead issue andf will never be passed. I suggest the Obama administration work on more important issue such as econony and job, jobs,jobs.
I saw the present Virginia Governor on CNN less that an hour ago stating that beginning of the year the jobless numbers were 750,000 and is now less than one thrird of that, where has he been for the last few months where the jobless rate is about 10 percent.? He need to get his head out of the sand and be realistic.
Jack,
Some form of health care will pass under this Congress, whether it is 2009 or 2010. This President is NOT Bill Clinton, he will not implode on this issue in the same manner. As a registered Republican, I am glad that the brakes are being applied to this bill. That being said, there is a need for definite reform in health care and I think this President actually realizes the importance of this issue to the people. I just hope he also realizes that the country can't afford to do everything he wants. If he can pull himself back on some of his wish list and pass those portions we absolutely need, I would definitely vote for him again in 2012. By that time the economy should be improved and then I say, break out the rest of that wish list and finish the job.
If it passes Obama and Reid and Pelosi should leave this country!!!
Texas
The chances for Health Care Reform are better if it doesn't pass this year.
If Health Care reform passes this year, it will probably find itself in the courts as being unconstitutional and it will be because our President forced our government leaders to make haste in putting something together just so he can portray himself as a leader that gets thing done quickly.
Real healthcare reform could pass this year. What won't pass is the Democrats entitlement program which will kill the economy and turn a "jobless recovery" into a "double dip" recession lasting until 2012 and beyond.
Considering we already have a national debt of $11.9 trillion, maybe it wouldn't be such a terrible thing for this $1.2 trillion package to go away, especially with a public option that would not be available to 90% of Americans. Change is hard. But, sometimes, it needs to be.
Jack, it would be great, if Obama passes Health Care Reform this year, because if Harry Reid and the other Dems blink, they will be out of office. Why support the Democrats, if they while in majority in both houses can not accomplish the most single important item on the list. Jack they must understand the Republican play book, which is "Practice Deceit" ! I have no idea, why they don't love the country they supposely serve, nor it's people!
I recently became a citizen of this great country( 2006 to be precise)
and the only thing we don't have right here...Health care! It better pass this year before everyone gets scared of "socialized medicine " Which incidentally coming from the UK originally I know a thing or two about.
It kept my chronically disabled sister alive for 13 more years than expected. After all isn't that what we care about really that we ALL get to have a happy healthy life?? Wake up pass health reform now.
Like a nurse trying to force an un-wanted enema, politicians are going to continue to force this up our ... well you get the picture. Whether this year or next, there will be some form of health care reform. Doug Wigley – Port Arthur, Texas
Zero chance and a one term President.
Emil
Seminole, FL
The American people need jobs, then the health care will take care of itself.
The best way to achieve affordable health care is to improve the economy. If all fathers got good jobs (because of the great economy), then fathers can afford to pay the health insurance premiums for their families regardless of the cost. Obviously, under this scheme, divorced women would not receive affordable health care – but then you'd have to ask yourself the question – why would any reasonable woman get divorced if it means giving up her meal / healthcare ticket?
Simple...
If the Dems we voted in don't grow a backbone and pass this... WE STAY HOME in 2010!
Just remeber what happened last time the anti-American GOP was able to kill real reform – the ALL the Democratic "moderates" were tossed out, ALL the "liberal" Democrats kept their seats... Don't make the same mistake twice!
Jack, Obama needs better leaders in Congress. Pelosi does't know how to craft a bill that the bluedog democrats can support. Reid should step aside and let someone with strong leadership skills get the job done.
Delaying the health care bill till 2010 is unacceptable. It should be passed before Thanksgiving! Reid has got to stop tinkering. Count the votes and pass what the Senate will accept.
I can't think of a single promise Obama has stood by. Transparency?? HA! It's actually terribly sad.
Simply America loses–
Sooner is better than later. But I'd rather have a good, comprehensive and carefully thought-out healthcare bill a little later rather than a less than adequate one right now. If they do pass it before the year, it shouldn't be for the wrong reasons (i.e. "Look, we passed healthcare!"). It needs to be done correctly. They need to have a sense of urgency, but not haste.
Health care will not pass. The bill does not lower or fix health care. It is full of wasteful spending that does not fix the problem. lets not place a 45% tax on sucsessfull americans that work very hard.
Based on yesterdays "shot across the bow" election results, I don't think the Democrats will seriously try to get a health care bill passed until after the 2010 mid-term elections because their primary concern is now about getting re-elected.
Democrats have the votes but still can't get this bill passed. You want to know why...because it's crap! The Democrats who are opposing this bill know what the people in their district want. That is NO to Universal Health Care. I like most of my Right Winged Whackos believe we do need to reform health care. But this is being all done wrong. I do wish the Republicans would get into the fight. What people should do is throw all the ideas into a pot and look and see what is best for us. Single Payer doesn't work and their is proof. We have the best doctors and the best care, lets work with to our advantage and fix what needs to be fixed.
If the Dems dont get this done... pronto and quit dithering.... they can color themselves gone mid term.....we the people need to declare "war on Congress" and vote all encumbants out. Dems and Repubs, oh and the liebermans too.
Its time for Reid to step down. He is either too old or too stupid to understand the implications of his statement. Health care reform must occur this year or it won't happen until the human race matures.... could be hundreds of years
Democrats know that they had better pass Healthcare & Healthcare Reform, every year, 45,000 Americans die because they do not have healthcare.
Think back to how you felt when 3,000 Americans died on September 11th 2001....... now........ 45,000 Americans die every year and WILL DIE this year because they do not have healthcare.
WHY is anyone, especially the "so-called-pro-life" Republicans wanting to block the healthcare for those who are dying?
Democrats know America is watching!
here's a question. why all of a sudden is the passage of health care bill so important? we are blowing a hole in our ozone. or there is a war in Afghanistan where the indigenous people cannot even get along. or the economy of the entire world is in the toilet. when you think of any of these problems with a partisan mind we are all doomed.
Heres an idea lets create some JOBS first
This whole ordeal is becomming a joke. If he's not careful Obama's term will be one of traveling the world,promoting minorities, and letting down the American people. He was elected to institute CHANGE. I do not see change anywhere here. It's the same old,same old. If something doesn't happen soon that he promised his voters he will be out of there as fast as he got in.
I'm not sure if it'll matter. The democrats waited for decades to have a super majority in congress but they haven't even taken advantage of it. Too busy trying to be 'bipartisan.'
That hasn't worked either.
I'm a proponent of the health care reform with a public option and I'm a democrat but the democrats are BLOWING it. They've got what they've always wanted and they refuse to take advantage of it and make things happen.
By the way, they should have ousted Lieberman back when they had the chance. He's the poorest excuse for a democrat EVER. Like having a fox in the henhouse. Lieberman...you're a horrible excuse for an American...quit stabbing your country in the back.
Jack-the-man! Stupid question and even more ridiculous answers by the idiot liberals!!! This version of Healthcare Reform is DOA!!!! Reid and Pelosi cannot find their way out of a wet paper bag let alone create substantive legislation for healthcare. The Republican are licking their chops after yesterday and will eventually pull together a healthcare bill that will actually address key issues not just blame the insurance companies. They'll probably wait though until Obama is gone in 2012!!! Trial Lawyers . . . beware!!!
I hope your last question was a joke. Would he pass something just because it cost more than he promised? Does it seem like fiscal responsibilty is one of Obama's high priorities? I think he'd pass a healthcare bill costing the equivalent of our annual GDP if it made it to his desk. Between Social Security, Medicare and Obamacare we will be lucky if the country makes it another 30 years before the Statue of Liberty is owned by China.
Jack,
Reform will never happen.
It is an Illusion
intended to placate
Bad plans deserve to fail and this is a bad plan. Here's a novel thought, go back to square one and build something that works for a change.
"Paula from GA", it won't be US getting what's coming to us when we die, it will be conservatives, who vote against this health care bill and the public option, who have no moral conscious. People who care nothing for others and just want to horde their money will be the ones God holds accountable for the suffering of others.
And if you researched just a little, you'd see you are already paying to take care of people who have no insurance, yet still go to the doctor. Wouldn't it be better if we all put money into that pot and it covered us all? Why pay for the people who can't afford it, yet you yourself are not covered by it...
If it does not pass, I think the independents will be disgusted by the democrats who cannot end the war in Iraq, cannot fix the economy and cannot give everyone "free" healthcare. They may lose the majority in congress and it will be tabled for the next two years. If it does pass, the country will have to file bankruptcy at some point and the democrats will blame Bush.
Very small. Democrats need to stop trying to kiss Republican butt because they are going to lose their majority in 2010 and the Republicans will stop at nothing to make sure the Democrats can't accomplish anything. Enough is enough. They need to grow up and stop fighting among themselves.
Health care reform??? The public option package that cleared the house will cover ONLY the bottom 2%. Another "open-ended" welfare package? Thank the Republicans for that.TRUE health care reform is NOT in the "cards" at all.
we can only hope it is dead and shovel ready, unless you like the idea of $1.2 trillion price tag, loss of jobs, end of private insurance companies, lines and govt decisons for your health
If healthcare reform doesn't pass this year the Republicans are going to need some solutions; they won't be in any better position than the Democrats.
An interesting thing about this story is how Reid makes a statement and then it is corrected almost as soon as he says it. Reid spoke with a lot of conviction and with his own mind only to have his people rush to fix the "mistake." The more I see our elected officials behave, the more they appear as mere front men who are not really in charge or in command of anything.
This "healthcare" bill is nothing more than one more way to bankrupt America further. The real problem that our children and grandchildren will face is this Treaty of Copenhagen which Obama is likely to sign in December. I'll miss our Constitution in January...
why can't they focus on doing something together and trying to do what all of the american people are asking them to do – instead of just the democrats need to do this and cram it down everyone's throats. sorry – but i agree with some of the statements made about the elections yesterday – maybe the white house and majority leaders of congress should listen to the people that voted them in – instead of telling us what we are going to get and that's that. also, if healthcare is passed in the current form, can it be modified at a later date or repealed?
Health care bill will fail if it goes past this year. house and Senate members will then be working on re election and their own health care
Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi would have lasted less than a week if they had a job in corporate America. It can't be much of surprise that the health care reform bill (absolutely necessary for the people in this country) is almost dead in the starting gate.
I think Jack is absolutely right about politicians being non-commital to a controversial health care bill if there seat is at stake during election time. If politicians are so convicted about health care reform, my opinion is that they should stick to their guns about the issue during election time. After all, incumbants stand a high chance of re-election, and if their constituents really believe in health care reform then they will vote for them. There should be no problem with waiting more than a year to get health care reform, if that's what the public really wants. However, politicians being wary of health care reform during election time is a sign that they are painfully aware that the public is not unanimously in favor of health care reform.
Geoff McInturf
Houston, TX
Regardless of your political bent, I wouldnt jump out and blame Republicans. If there is a way to help needy folk I am all for it (compassionate conservative that I am) however, I think that there are as many divergent opinions in the halls of congress as there are printed hear. If you forget about political persuasion, what attorney ( and there are too many in congress) is going to ever vote to put a ceiling on tort claims and lawyers percentages in medical malpractice settlements.Either cap attorney fees or let the lawyers return 50% of their outrageous fees to the medical system for covering the less fortunate. Over ten years I would be willing to bet that would cover the public option.
If it doesn't pass this year, AND I PRAY IT DOESN'T!!!!!, then it is dead. Well, its dead in its current form, i.e. a government health insurance/public option. The dems will lose their majority in 2010 and I foresee Obama's very liberal agenda coming to a screeching halt. Now that being said the health care industry needs reform and I think some form of reform will occur but not the socialist one that is in the house/senate at this time. Obama/Reid/Pelosi LISTEN TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHEN THEY SAY THEY DO NOT WANT YOUR PUBLIC OPTION!!!!!!!!!
Eventually, some sort of bill will pass and should pass. The closer we get to mid term elections, the less likely it becomes that the bill will have something radical like a public option.
Obama's socialism and big gov't is bad for Obama.
Then chances are much greater that it might actually be reform, instead of a government takeover.
Obstructionist Republicans aren't going to change with the calendar year, so passing real reform is going to depend on the Dems working together and pushing for the public option that a 66% majority of American's still want. Pay attention to your constituents Dems!
Thanks God. People, do you know what in this bill? No one can read 1990 pages, even your Democrats. No one can answer what the public option is. If you think it is a free government program, you are wrong. No more free lunches. If you are very poor or illegal you will get basic medical help, but before you have to sell your soul.
I need health care now, but only if it is Good, Effective, Affordable. I don't think President Obama has ever said anything all that different. We don't need some watered-down band-aid...so take a little time and get it right as soon as possible
Jack,
So what if the Heath Care Reform cost 1.2 Trillion! If Bush asked for 1.2 Trillion for Iraq in 2008 all of his followers would have bent over backwards to sign the check.....or borrow the cash from China.
After all the money and lives lost in Iraq it's sad that the republicans can't find a dime for their own county or peoples needs.
It would be a total embarrassment for Obama and the Democrats if health care didn't pass. They “control” Washington right now; this should be easy for them. What is the problem? Why can’t they pass it? Which Democrats aren’t going to vote for it? You don’t need a single Republican vote so what’s the real problem here?
People wake up and smell the coffee... There is no such thing as FREE anything when it comes from the goverment. They will take $1 to give us .25 back... Do the math or move to Europe... The healthcare is WONDERFULLL(LOL)!!!