Baucus Bill Enters Markup Phase

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

The Senate Finance Committee began markup Tuesday morning of the recently unveiled Healthy America Act, a piece of legislation aimed at lowering insurance costs and increasing health care coverage.

In opening remarks, the committee members all acknowledged the bill as a very good start for health care reform but agreed that there is a long road ahead.

Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), a moderate Republican whose support on the legislation has been actively sought by both the White House and congressional Democrats, suggested that time needed to be taken in order to carry out reform effectively.

“Let us recall, it took a year and a half to pass Medicare to cover 20 million seniors. We simply can not address one-sixth of our economy, and a matter of such personal and financial significance to every American, on a legislative fast track,” said Snowe.

“I believe the American people rightly expect and are entitled to an extensive, meticulous process that places thoughtful deliberation ahead of arbitrary deadlines," added Snowe. “In that light, the mark before us is a solid starting point – but we are far from the finish line."

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) outlined her desire to see costs maintained for those who already have health insurance.

“We need to make sure insurance stays affordable for people who already have it. Middle-class families who work hard cannot be subjected to unfair excise taxes on their insurance benefits,” said Stabenow.

Senator Mike Enzi (R-W.Y.) criticized the bill, charging that it would lead to excessive spending and few results.

“The...bill spends too much and does too little to bring down health care costs.  The hidden taxes and government mandates in this bill will actually increase health care costs for many families,” Enzi explained.

Other Senators pursued a way to reduce waste put on by Medicare’s fee-for-service model.

“One of the things that’s most important to me is the reform of the current fee-for-service system.  Right now, our medical system is rewarding an almost relentless utilization,” said Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).

Boehner Addresses Value Voters, Attacks Stimulus

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

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) rallied against the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Saturday morning at the Values Voters Summit in Washington, D.C., accusing the legislation's backers of delivering empty promises.

“My Democrat colleagues are bankrupting America... [The stimulus plan] was supposed to be about jobs, jobs and jobs, but what did it turn into? Nothing more than spending, spending, spending, and more spending”, said Boehner.

In regard to the recent Cap and Trade bill, Boehner disagreed with Democratic proposals that would demand higher taxes from the American people, charging that as a result there would be millions of jobs lost and a requirement for every American to invest $1700 in new green infrastructure for their home.

“It will tax every American... that’s anyone that has the audacity to turn on a light switch,” said Boehner.

In closing his remarks Boehner asked for the President allow General McChrystal, who commands U.S. troops in Afghanistan, to testify before the House and Senate. Boehner reiterated the importance of McChrystal’s testimony for success in Afghanistan, explaining that it would provide proper perspective for both Congress and the American people.

House Republicans Bring Health Care Town Hall To D.C.

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

The 2009 Values Voter Summit put on by FRC Action held a town hall meeting in Washington, D.C. Friday Morning featuring a number of high profile Republicans, including Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R-Minn.), Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.).

Rep. Smith rallied against Obama-Care's supposed inclusion of federally funded abortions.

“Right now we are in a serious crisis, the culture of death being promoted by Barack Obama... is outrageous and it’s unconstitutional,” said Smith.

“Obama-Care represents the greatest threat since Roe vs. Wade itself,” Smith added.

Rep. Bachmann lamented that taxes will be raised now to cover services that will not be provided for another three to four years. She proposed that the American public should have access to what Bachmann described as, “whatever level of coverage you want, from whoever you want, anywhere you want."

Bachmann applauded a recent decision from the House to deny federal funding to ACORN, the scandal ridden community organizing association and called upon the President to make the final decision.

“The President has within his power to direct the Department of Housing and Urban development to stop federal grants for ACORN now, but has yet to act,” said Bachmann.

Boehner: House Vote Against ACORN Big Victory For Taxpayers

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

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) Thursday afternoon described the decision by the House to decline federal funding for the scandal ridden community organizing group ACORN as a significant victory for taxpayers.

"Today's overwhelming bipartisan vote to stop taxpayer funding to Acorn was a big victory... this is only the beginning," said Boehner.

ACORN came under scrutiny recently when a video surfaced depicting ACORN staffers aiding individuals posing as sex workers.

Boehner Urges President To Reconsider Scrapping Missile Shield

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

House Minority Leader John Boehner asked President Barack Obama to reconsider scrapping plans to construct an Eastern European missile defense shield.

"He should stand with our allies and do what's right for the safety and security of the American people," said Boehner during his weekly press briefing.

Boehner also asked that General McChrystal be allowed to testify before Congress and the Senate before the administration makes any decision regarding Afghanistan. Boehner reiterated throughout the briefing the importance of having McChrystal testify in a public forum.

"It's imperative that the American people and members of Congress hear directly from Gen. McChrystal and soon," said Boehner.

Boehner talked about the recent scandal facing the embattled community organizing group ACORN, stating that House Republicans have legislation ready to stop all ACORN funding and would threaten the Speaker with a discharge petition if nothing is done soon.

"House Democrats have voted time and again to protect tax payer money for ACORN, a troubled organization rife with corruption and criminal conduct... to protect tax payer money," said Boehner.

An video has recently surfaced depicting ACORN staff helping two individuals posing as sex workers.

In response to the Senate Finance Committee's health care reform proposal, Boehner stated,"it relies on the same big government run health care program. The Democrats need to scrap these big government run programs and address the current health care delivery system."

“We are going to be talking about this [health care] issue for weeks and weeks and weeks and even months," said Boehner.

"We are in the middle of a modern day political rebellion... the American people are saying, enough, is enough."

When asked if there has been anything good to report, Boehner replied, "It's been a tough week."

Boehner waved away recent remarks made by former President Jimmy Carter that asserted the opposition to President Obama was racially motivated.

“These issues are not racial issues and ought to be done with civility,” said Boehner.