Friday
Nov202009
Senate Health Bill Would Make Bernie Madoff Proud, Says Thune
Friday, November 20, 2009 at 1:37PM
Travis Martinez - University of New Mexico/Talk Radio News Service
Claiming that Democrats are pulling ‘gimmicks’ on the American public, Senate Republicans on Friday blasted Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D-Nev.) health reform bill, which the Congressional Budget Office says will cost nearly $2.5 trillion after all the provisions have been enacted.
“In the words of the great Yogi Berra, 'this is deja vu all over again',” said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.). “They [Democrats] assume savings on the [Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act], which Sen. Conrad has described as a ponzi scheme of the first order...something that Bernie Madoff would be proud of."
The CLASS Act, S.697, sponsored by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), would amend the Public Health Service Act to create a national, voluntary disability insurance program under which all employees are automatically enrolled, but are allowed to waive enrollment. Establishing this new program is contingent upon Reid's big bill passing.
Thune his Republican colleagues were flanked by massive charts displaying the nation's current debt as well as potential debt increases that they argued would be caused by H.R. 3590, otherwise known as the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act." With a major vote to determine whether or not the bill will proceed to the floor expected to take place Saturday night, GOP leaders are looking to convince a few moderate Democrats to join them.
“It would be our hope that our more moderate colleagues on the Democratic side would respect the wished of the constituents, rather than doing the bidding of Harry Reid,” said Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.). ”At the end of the day, this health care legislation will impact every American in extraordinary ways. We believe in a very negative way. We hope the views of the American people will be respected."
Claiming that Democrats are pulling ‘gimmicks’ on the American public, Senate Republicans on Friday blasted Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D-Nev.) health reform bill, which the Congressional Budget Office says will cost nearly $2.5 trillion after all the provisions have been enacted.
“In the words of the great Yogi Berra, 'this is deja vu all over again',” said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.). “They [Democrats] assume savings on the [Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act], which Sen. Conrad has described as a ponzi scheme of the first order...something that Bernie Madoff would be proud of."
The CLASS Act, S.697, sponsored by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), would amend the Public Health Service Act to create a national, voluntary disability insurance program under which all employees are automatically enrolled, but are allowed to waive enrollment. Establishing this new program is contingent upon Reid's big bill passing.
Thune his Republican colleagues were flanked by massive charts displaying the nation's current debt as well as potential debt increases that they argued would be caused by H.R. 3590, otherwise known as the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act." With a major vote to determine whether or not the bill will proceed to the floor expected to take place Saturday night, GOP leaders are looking to convince a few moderate Democrats to join them.
“It would be our hope that our more moderate colleagues on the Democratic side would respect the wished of the constituents, rather than doing the bidding of Harry Reid,” said Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.). ”At the end of the day, this health care legislation will impact every American in extraordinary ways. We believe in a very negative way. We hope the views of the American people will be respected."
Big Win For Democrats: Senate Votes To Allow Debate On Health Bill
After a long week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) received the 60 votes he was looking for as the Senate voted 60-39 on Saturday night to begin debate on H.R. 3590, "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act".
"We can see the finish line now but we're not there, we have yet crossed that and that's an understatement. We have the momentum that will keep this moving," said Reid after the Senate vote. "I really do believe this is a historic time in our country's history...We are going to get health care reform."
Reid gave high praise for his colleagues on both the Finance and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committees in working out the many issues that have arisen within the 2,074 page bill.
“We know that not all 100 Senators agree on where we go from here. We know not all 60 Senators in my caucus agree on every aspect of this bill. But, all Democrats do believe now is the time to make sure all Americans can access affordable health insurance," said Reid.
The Nevada Democrat also acknowledged that Saturday's vote, which no Republican voted in favor of, still needs work, but is looking forward to extensive debate when the Senate reconvenes on November 30.
Senator George Voinovich (R-Ohio) was the only Senator not to vote.