Rockefeller Introduces Public Option Amendment To Finance Committee Bill

Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico /Talk Radio News Service

The biggest debate on the fifth day of markup of the America’s Healthy future Act focused heavily on the “public option.” Liberal Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WVa.) introduced his amendment to Senate Finance Comittee Chairman Max Baucus' (D-Mont.) mark providing for a “public option,” or what he calls the “Consumer Choice Health Plan.”

The debate began with Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) criticizing Rockefeller's amendment, calling it a “Trojan horse for a single payer program [that] would lead to Washington controlling health care and monitoring prices."

Rockefeller kept a stern attitude on his amendment stating that, “It would not be a government takeover." However, the West Virginia Democrat refused to answer questions put to him by Hatch.

Heavy debate ensued on non-profit insurance programs from Senator Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and how well they have worked in his state, and how poorly the US as a whole compares to other nations. Conrad made a compelling argument for the “Mutual” based system with non-profit companies that would attempt to provide for universal healthcare coverage.

Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) further argued that Medicare rates would be fixed during the first two years under Rockefeller's amendment - Rockefeller proudly held up two fingers. After the two years though, explained Bingaman, rates would be further negotiated, which would essentially adjust prices to fit in line with private companies.

Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) compared the health care plan to universities, saying that "There’s both a private university and public university...there should be a choice."

Democrats agreed that Rockefeller’s amendment would build competition within the open market, while Republicans contended that it will bring price adjustments along with a government-run, single payer takeover of the entire healthcare system.

“This is a slippery slope to go down… it will lead to a government-run single payer option,” said Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.).

Markup is scheduled to continue late Tuesday night and will reconvene Wednesday morning.

Czar Debate Enters Baucus Bill Markup

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

Baucus Accuses Kyl Of Stalling Markup Of Health Care Reform Bill

Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico - Talk Radio News Service

While the third day of the Senate Finance Committee's markup of the "America's Healthy Future Act" opened Thursday with an exchange of bipartisan jokes, it quickly turned serious as Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) painted Senator Orrin Hatch (D-Utah) and other members of the conservative caucus as defenders of the status quo. Baucus also accused Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) for stalling the markup process.

Senator Chuck Grassley (R- Iowa) strongly criticized Medicare drug benefits and doughnut-hole dual eligible Americans, saying that the Baucus bill, “would undermine the [Medicare] part D program. Added Grassley, "The [Congressional Budget Office] is like God around here,” a reference to CBO estimates that the nation would face increased deficits if the bill is passed.

Democratic committee members on Thursday said they would focus on gaining the backing of the centrists in their own party, particularly Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.). In addition, Democrats were expected to attempt to win over the support of Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), a moderate Republican who is viewed as a potential swing vote.

With 564 amendments, the markup of the America's Healthy Future Act 2009 is expected to continue into next week.

Baucus Shoots Down GOP Amendment

Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News Service

While Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee welcomed and praised the work from the Republican members during the continuation of the markup of America’s Healthy Future Act, Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) worked fast to shoot down an amendment proposed by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), calling it "Unconstitutional", due to the fact that it requires a congressional agency to issue an order that has consequences towards the executive branch.

According to Baucus, the Republican Senator did not have enough data to back up an amendment that would require Congressional Budget Office certification for cuts made to Medicare advantage.

Republican committee members continued to urge a slow markup process while Democratic members requested that the committee move faster, noting that thousands of Americans continue to lose their health coverage.

With approximately 500 amendments proposed, the markup is expected to last well beyond Wednesday.

Senate Minority Leader: Reconciliation Will Bring Bipartisan Opposition

By Travis Martinez, University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News Service

Republican Senate Leaders warned Democrats Tuesday that if the majority party is serious about using budget reconciliation to secure a victory on health care reform, they better watch out.

"You think the American people were upset in August, you haven't seen anything like they're going to be if this device is chosen... to jam this proposal with very little debate," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-K.Y). "Budget Reconciliation has been used to raise taxes, but has never been used to restructure one-sixth of the economy."

Budget reconciliation is a procedure in which legislation can pass with a simple 51 majority and avoid a filibuster.

Senator Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), a member of the Finance Committee, called the markup a work in progress. He also added that the Committee should not be constrained by artificial deadlines.