Friday
Sep252009
Czar Debate Enters Baucus Bill Markup
Friday, September 25, 2009 at 4:46PM
Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News Service
Friday morning brought the fourth day of the Senate Finance committee’s markup of the America’s Healthy Future Act. A large portion of Friday’s talks consisted of concerns over health care czars, keeping transparency within the bill and blocking age discrimination for premiums.
Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) proposed an amendment evoking the advise and consent clause, stating that any czar associated with health care should face a Senate confirmation process similar to those required for cabinet secretaries.
Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) was once again quick to deny the Republican amendments.
“The job title czar does not exist,” he countered. “Having a czar confirmed by the Senate and the chance to testify would be a waste of time."
The amendment ultimately failed with 10-13 vote.
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) offered a bill that would stop age discrimination, but after more than an hour of debate on whether the amendment was germane, Kerry ultimately withdrew his amendment upon the request of Chairman Baucus.
Friday’s session recessed at noon. It will return Tuesday, September 29 at 9:30
Friday morning brought the fourth day of the Senate Finance committee’s markup of the America’s Healthy Future Act. A large portion of Friday’s talks consisted of concerns over health care czars, keeping transparency within the bill and blocking age discrimination for premiums.
Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) proposed an amendment evoking the advise and consent clause, stating that any czar associated with health care should face a Senate confirmation process similar to those required for cabinet secretaries.
Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) was once again quick to deny the Republican amendments.
“The job title czar does not exist,” he countered. “Having a czar confirmed by the Senate and the chance to testify would be a waste of time."
The amendment ultimately failed with 10-13 vote.
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) offered a bill that would stop age discrimination, but after more than an hour of debate on whether the amendment was germane, Kerry ultimately withdrew his amendment upon the request of Chairman Baucus.
Friday’s session recessed at noon. It will return Tuesday, September 29 at 9:30
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