From the Boston Globe
Two powerful health care interest groups yesterday urged lawmakers constructing a sweeping health care overhaul to focus on cost containment and affordability.The Business Roundtable, an association of top US business executives, issued an analysis saying the right combination of changes Congress is considering could slow health care cost growth by 15 percent to 20 percent over the next decade.But the group warned that its support for any final bill would depend on how aggressively it constrained costs.But the savings could be even greater if lawmakers implemented cost-containment measures - such as initiatives to pay doctors for quality and efficiency, not just for the number of treatments provided - faster and more broadly, the group said.The roundtable’s report found that the changes under consideration could reduce average premiums by $3,000 per employee by 2019…President Obama, who was traveling to Asia yesterday, said in a statement that the report “underscores what experts and business people have told us all along - comprehensive health insurance reform is one of the most important investments we can make in American competitiveness.”
Two powerful health care interest groups yesterday urged lawmakers constructing a sweeping health care overhaul to focus on cost containment and affordability.
The Business Roundtable, an association of top US business executives, issued an analysis saying the right combination of changes Congress is considering could slow health care cost growth by 15 percent to 20 percent over the next decade.
But the group warned that its support for any final bill would depend on how aggressively it constrained costs.
But the savings could be even greater if lawmakers implemented cost-containment measures - such as initiatives to pay doctors for quality and efficiency, not just for the number of treatments provided - faster and more broadly, the group said.
The roundtable’s report found that the changes under consideration could reduce average premiums by $3,000 per employee by 2019…
President Obama, who was traveling to Asia yesterday, said in a statement that the report “underscores what experts and business people have told us all along - comprehensive health insurance reform is one of the most important investments we can make in American competitiveness.”
From the Washington Post
President Obama plans to hold a White House forum on job creation next month, an attempt to signal his concern about the growing ranks of the unemployed and build consensus on future action to stoke the economy.The summit will bring together small-business owners, corporate executives, economists, financial experts and union leaders to discuss ideas for accelerating job creation during the worst labor market conditions in a generation, Obama said Thursday."We all know there are limits to what government can and should do even during such difficult times," Obama said at the White House before leaving on a nine-day trip to Asia. "But we have an obligation to consider every additional, responsible step that we can to encourage and accelerate job creation in this country…"
President Obama plans to hold a White House forum on job creation next month, an attempt to signal his concern about the growing ranks of the unemployed and build consensus on future action to stoke the economy.
The summit will bring together small-business owners, corporate executives, economists, financial experts and union leaders to discuss ideas for accelerating job creation during the worst labor market conditions in a generation, Obama said Thursday.
"We all know there are limits to what government can and should do even during such difficult times," Obama said at the White House before leaving on a nine-day trip to Asia. "But we have an obligation to consider every additional, responsible step that we can to encourage and accelerate job creation in this country…"
From Roll Call
"I think there is an incredibly compelling economic, moral and political case for a major jobs initiative," said Lawrence Mishel, president of the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal research center. "I am glad the administration is now visibly acknowledging that. I think it is very encouraging…"Organizing for America is dispatching volunteers to the local offices of 32 House Republicans whose districts supported President Barack Obama in the 2008 election to demand that they support Obama’s health care reform initiative.OFA volunteers will begin to drop by the offices Friday and continue doing so through the middle of next week. Among Members slated for visits are Reps. Dan Lungren and David Dreier of California, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Frank Wolf of Virginia, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Bill Young and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, and Mike Castle of Delaware.“The message was clear in these districts: Americans want change, and they expect their Representatives to work with President Obama and reach across the aisle to help deliver it,” OFA Director Mitch Stewart said in a statement.
"I think there is an incredibly compelling economic, moral and political case for a major jobs initiative," said Lawrence Mishel, president of the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal research center. "I am glad the administration is now visibly acknowledging that. I think it is very encouraging…"
Organizing for America is dispatching volunteers to the local offices of 32 House Republicans whose districts supported President Barack Obama in the 2008 election to demand that they support Obama’s health care reform initiative.
OFA volunteers will begin to drop by the offices Friday and continue doing so through the middle of next week. Among Members slated for visits are Reps. Dan Lungren and David Dreier of California, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Frank Wolf of Virginia, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Bill Young and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, and Mike Castle of Delaware.
“The message was clear in these districts: Americans want change, and they expect their Representatives to work with President Obama and reach across the aisle to help deliver it,” OFA Director Mitch Stewart said in a statement.
From the New York Times
President Obama has not made a decision about his new military strategy for Afghanistan. And the White House is happy to say so.As Mr. Obama convened his war council for 2 hours 20 minutes on Wednesday, the final session before he departs on a trip to Asia on Thursday, he suggested that he was not satisfied with his options. Officials said that in the meeting, the eighth in the Situation Room on Afghanistan and Pakistan in the last two months, Mr. Obama pressed for clarifications on a series of questions…While much has been made of the four military options that are on the table — all turning on how many troops to send to Afghanistan and for how long — the president also made clear that he is not yet fully satisfied with these choices and will not approve an open-ended commitment. He has also asked, officials said, that some of the options be redrafted…Drawing on studies of how decisions were made to escalate the war in Vietnam, Mr. Obama and his aides seem intent on showing the nation and the world that he is not being rushed by the military, nor making a judgment without considering the long-term implications.
President Obama has not made a decision about his new military strategy for Afghanistan. And the White House is happy to say so.
As Mr. Obama convened his war council for 2 hours 20 minutes on Wednesday, the final session before he departs on a trip to Asia on Thursday, he suggested that he was not satisfied with his options. Officials said that in the meeting, the eighth in the Situation Room on Afghanistan and Pakistan in the last two months, Mr. Obama pressed for clarifications on a series of questions…
While much has been made of the four military options that are on the table — all turning on how many troops to send to Afghanistan and for how long — the president also made clear that he is not yet fully satisfied with these choices and will not approve an open-ended commitment. He has also asked, officials said, that some of the options be redrafted…
Drawing on studies of how decisions were made to escalate the war in Vietnam, Mr. Obama and his aides seem intent on showing the nation and the world that he is not being rushed by the military, nor making a judgment without considering the long-term implications.
OFA is keeping the pressure on 32 House Republicans who have failed to support health insurance reform even though their districts voted for President Obama and his agenda for change in 2008. Over the next several days, citizens will be visiting their representatives' district offices to demonstrate their support for reform in person. The effort is gaining wide notice. A few more stories from around the country:
From The Hill:
Organizing for America is dispatching volunteers to the local offices of 32 House Republicans whose districts supported President Barack Obama in the 2008 election to demand that they support Obama’s health care reform initiative.OFA volunteers will begin to drop by the offices Friday and continue doing so through the middle of next week...“This is part of an ongoing effort by OFA and the Democratic Party to hold Republicans accountable for voting against the views of their constituents and their desire for change, and to make sure that Republicans know that there will be a political price to pay for standing with insurance companies and against reform,” Democratic National Committee spokesman Brad Woodhouse said.
Organizing for America is dispatching volunteers to the local offices of 32 House Republicans whose districts supported President Barack Obama in the 2008 election to demand that they support Obama’s health care reform initiative.OFA volunteers will begin to drop by the offices Friday and continue doing so through the middle of next week...
“This is part of an ongoing effort by OFA and the Democratic Party to hold Republicans accountable for voting against the views of their constituents and their desire for change, and to make sure that Republicans know that there will be a political price to pay for standing with insurance companies and against reform,” Democratic National Committee spokesman Brad Woodhouse said.
From the Orange County Register:
The national Democratic Party is targeting two Orange County Reps. - Ken Calvert and John Campbell- for voting no.Neither Calvert , R-Corona or Campbell, R-Irvine, went to the floor this past weekend to talk about the health care vote. But both opposed it and have said it would be an unnecessary government takeover of the system.Now all five of O.C.’s GOP members voted no. But Calvert and Campbell both represent districts that went for President Barack Obama in last year’s election. That’s the common denominator about those targeted. Of the 32 lawmakers picked — eight are from California...
The national Democratic Party is targeting two Orange County Reps. - Ken Calvert and John Campbell- for voting no.
Neither Calvert , R-Corona or Campbell, R-Irvine, went to the floor this past weekend to talk about the health care vote. But both opposed it and have said it would be an unnecessary government takeover of the system.
Now all five of O.C.’s GOP members voted no. But Calvert and Campbell both represent districts that went for President Barack Obama in last year’s election. That’s the common denominator about those targeted. Of the 32 lawmakers picked — eight are from California...
From McCall's Pennsylvania Avenue:
The Democratic National Committee and Organizing for America, the successor to President Obama's grass roots campaign operation hope to ratchet up the pressure on swing-district GOP Congressmen like Charlie Dent and Jim Gerlach over their no votes on House Democrats' health care bill. The goal: put pressure on 32 Republican House members whose districts voted for Obama in 2008 to switch their votes when the bill comes up for a final vote...The DNC promises to focus lots of resources on their districts to remind them how their constituents voted. They're asking Organizing for America members to write letters to local newspapers and are promising press releases, rallies and maybe even paid advertising.
The Democratic National Committee and Organizing for America, the successor to President Obama's grass roots campaign operation hope to ratchet up the pressure on swing-district GOP Congressmen like Charlie Dent and Jim Gerlach over their no votes on House Democrats' health care bill. The goal: put pressure on 32 Republican House members whose districts voted for Obama in 2008 to switch their votes when the bill comes up for a final vote...
The DNC promises to focus lots of resources on their districts to remind them how their constituents voted. They're asking Organizing for America members to write letters to local newspapers and are promising press releases, rallies and maybe even paid advertising.
Is your representative one of the 32?
Schedule a visit: Reps. Dan Lungren (CA-3), Elton Gallegly (CA-24), Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (CA-25), David Dreier (CA-26), Ken Calvert (CA-44), Mary Bono Mack (CA-45), John Campbell (CA-48), Brian P. Bilbray (CA-50), Michael N. Castle (DE-AL), C.W. Bill Young (FL-10), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18), Peter Roskam (IL-6), Mark Steven Kirk (IL-10), Judy Biggert (IL-13), Donald Manzullo (IL-16), Tom Latham (IA-4), Dave Camp (MI-4), Fred Upton (MI-6), Mike Rogers (MI-8), Thaddeus McCotter (MI-11), Erik Paulsen (MN-3), Lee Terry (NE-2), Frank A. LoBiondo (NJ-2), Leonard Lance (NJ-7), Pat Tiberi (OH-12), Jim Gerlach (PA-6), Charlie Dent (PA-15), J. Randy Forbes (VA-4), Frank R. Wolf (VA-10), Dave Reichert (WA-8), Paul D. Ryan (WI-1), Tom Petri (WI-6).
A new report released today by the Business Roundtable determined that if we don’t pass health insurance reform, by 2019, large employers will spend an average of $28,530 on health insurance costs per employee -- 166 percent more than they do today.
With the cost containment measures included in health reform legislation, those same large employers stand to save $3,000 per employee by 2019.
The report explains: “[a] number of the proposed reforms offer real promise, not only to save federal dollars, but also to reduce the rate of increase in private sector spending if adopted and implemented appropriately.” The Business Roundtable represents the chief executives of major U.S. companies.
Here's President Obama’s statement about the report:
“A new report released today by the Business Roundtable underscores what experts and businesspeople have told us all along – comprehensive health insurance reform is one of the most important investments we can make in American competitiveness. It finds, for example, that if reform passes this year, businesses could see health care costs reduced by as much as $3,000 per employee in 2019. And that means more than savings for businesses: it will be vital boost to American competitiveness. The report also echoes widespread support for the cost-containment and fiscal responsibility provisions in current legislation, such as a new CMS Innovation Center, accountable care organizations, and reducing preventable hospital re-admissions.The Roundtable’s report also makes clear the steep price that American businesses stand to pay if we fail to act. If we don’t pass comprehensive reform, the report finds, health care costs that are already squeezing our businesses will continue to rise, and in ten years, employment-based spending on health care for large employers will be fully 166 percent higher per employee than it is today. And the yearly health insurance costs for the average employee will rise to a staggering $28,530.The Business Roundtable’s report comes as Congress is reaching new milestones in the effort to reform our health care system. The House of Representatives acted to pass their version of the legislation on Saturday night, and the Senate’s version will move to the floor soon. The potential benefit for America’s businesses is just another reason why we can’t afford delay or political games as this process moves forward. I look forward to working with our business communities and their partners in Congress to pass reform by the end of the year.”
“A new report released today by the Business Roundtable underscores what experts and businesspeople have told us all along – comprehensive health insurance reform is one of the most important investments we can make in American competitiveness. It finds, for example, that if reform passes this year, businesses could see health care costs reduced by as much as $3,000 per employee in 2019. And that means more than savings for businesses: it will be vital boost to American competitiveness. The report also echoes widespread support for the cost-containment and fiscal responsibility provisions in current legislation, such as a new CMS Innovation Center, accountable care organizations, and reducing preventable hospital re-admissions.
The Roundtable’s report also makes clear the steep price that American businesses stand to pay if we fail to act. If we don’t pass comprehensive reform, the report finds, health care costs that are already squeezing our businesses will continue to rise, and in ten years, employment-based spending on health care for large employers will be fully 166 percent higher per employee than it is today. And the yearly health insurance costs for the average employee will rise to a staggering $28,530.
The Business Roundtable’s report comes as Congress is reaching new milestones in the effort to reform our health care system. The House of Representatives acted to pass their version of the legislation on Saturday night, and the Senate’s version will move to the floor soon. The potential benefit for America’s businesses is just another reason why we can’t afford delay or political games as this process moves forward. I look forward to working with our business communities and their partners in Congress to pass reform by the end of the year.”
Thirty-two Republican House members who represent districts President Obama won in 2008, voted against health insurance reform last weekend. Mitch Stewart sent an email to OFA volunteers and supporters in those 32 districts this morning, asking them to visit their GOP member’s office and express their support for reform in person. That effort is gaining wide notice:
From the St. Pete Times:
U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young 's Pinellas County office may get a bit busy over the next few days. Democratic activists upset with his "no" vote on the House health care bill are asking people to stop by and voice their displeasure. The same effort is directed at Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Miami.
From the New Jersey News Room:
Now it's personal.New Jersey Congressmen Leonard Lance (R-7th.) and Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd.) have been targeted for defeat in next year's elections by the Democratic National Committee for their opposition to the health insurance reform bill… "You would think a member of Congress should think twice about voting against health insurance reform that their (constituents‘) families and small businesses so desperately need and want,'' said Hari Sevugan, DNC press secretary. "But you have to think to vote against health insurance reform in a Congressional district won by President Obama just a year ago could be a political death knell at a time when Americans are clamoring for solutions to vexing issues like health care.”
Now it's personal.
New Jersey Congressmen Leonard Lance (R-7th.) and Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd.) have been targeted for defeat in next year's elections by the Democratic National Committee for their opposition to the health insurance reform bill…
"You would think a member of Congress should think twice about voting against health insurance reform that their (constituents‘) families and small businesses so desperately need and want,'' said Hari Sevugan, DNC press secretary. "But you have to think to vote against health insurance reform in a Congressional district won by President Obama just a year ago could be a political death knell at a time when Americans are clamoring for solutions to vexing issues like health care.”
From the Columbus Dispatch:
Like all but one House Republican, Rep. Pat Tiberi of Genoa Township voted against the Democrat-authored health care bill approved 220-215. But now Tiberi is being targeted, by the group Organizing for America, as one of 32 House GOP members whose districts were won last year by Barack Obama.Organizing for America is Obama's political arm, housed now within the Democratic National Committee. The group says it is sending an email to Obama backers - presumably from the lists of millions of people oFA began compiling during the election - residing in the districts of Tiberi and the 31 other Republicans.
Like all but one House Republican, Rep. Pat Tiberi of Genoa Township voted against the Democrat-authored health care bill approved 220-215. But now Tiberi is being targeted, by the group Organizing for America, as one of 32 House GOP members whose districts were won last year by Barack Obama.
Organizing for America is Obama's political arm, housed now within the Democratic National Committee. The group says it is sending an email to Obama backers - presumably from the lists of millions of people oFA began compiling during the election - residing in the districts of Tiberi and the 31 other Republicans.
From the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Forget, for a moment, about Michele Bachmann. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has put Minnesota Republican Erik Paulsen on their list of Republican targets in next year's elections, largely on the strength of Barack Obama's win in Paulsen's suburban Twin Cities district in 2008.Paulsen, a freshman who took over the seat of former boss Jim Ramstad, generally doesn't get mentioned as Democratic cannon fodder. But he's the only one of three GOP House members from Minnesota on the DNC list, which was put out today, in the wake of the big health care vote in the House Saturday night.
Forget, for a moment, about Michele Bachmann. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) has put Minnesota Republican Erik Paulsen on their list of Republican targets in next year's elections, largely on the strength of Barack Obama's win in Paulsen's suburban Twin Cities district in 2008.
Paulsen, a freshman who took over the seat of former boss Jim Ramstad, generally doesn't get mentioned as Democratic cannon fodder. But he's the only one of three GOP House members from Minnesota on the DNC list, which was put out today, in the wake of the big health care vote in the House Saturday night.
Here’s an excerpt of the email from Mitch Stewart:
A little over a year ago, the congressional district you live in voted to send Barack Obama to the White House and Rep. Paulsen to Congress. The message was clear: Rep. Paulsen’s constituents want change, and expect Rep. Paulsen to work with President Obama and reach across the aisle to help deliver it. Last weekend, Rep. Paulsen was called upon to do just that, in the historic vote on health reform. The vote offered a clear choice: Support a bill which draws upon ideas from both parties to guarantee district residents secure, affordable health coverage without adding a cent to the deficit, or stand with the insurance companies and right wing pundits to put politics above doing the right thing and stand in the way of history. Unfortunately, Rep. Dent made the wrong choice.Insurance company lobbyists are constantly visiting congressional offices in Washington, and Rep. Paulsen may be starting to forget the voters back home. There's one last upcoming vote in the House of Representatives before health reform can become law, so there's still time to remind Rep. Paulsen what your district wants by arranging a visit of your own....Democracy is not a spectator sport. And, right now, we need you in the game.
A little over a year ago, the congressional district you live in voted to send Barack Obama to the White House and Rep. Paulsen to Congress. The message was clear: Rep. Paulsen’s constituents want change, and expect Rep. Paulsen to work with President Obama and reach across the aisle to help deliver it.
Last weekend, Rep. Paulsen was called upon to do just that, in the historic vote on health reform. The vote offered a clear choice: Support a bill which draws upon ideas from both parties to guarantee district residents secure, affordable health coverage without adding a cent to the deficit, or stand with the insurance companies and right wing pundits to put politics above doing the right thing and stand in the way of history. Unfortunately, Rep. Dent made the wrong choice.
Insurance company lobbyists are constantly visiting congressional offices in Washington, and Rep. Paulsen may be starting to forget the voters back home. There's one last upcoming vote in the House of Representatives before health reform can become law, so there's still time to remind Rep. Paulsen what your district wants by arranging a visit of your own.
...Democracy is not a spectator sport. And, right now, we need you in the game.
Over the past decade, as health insurance premiums have continued to rise, American businesses have often paid the price. If you take a look around your community, you'll likely see small business owners struggling, overwhelmed by skyrocketing health care costs.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they're a key constituency with the ear of elected representatives. Their voices are absolutely critical to the campaign for health insurance reform. Brandye, a small business owner in Joliet, Illinois, shared her story with us:
My name is Brandye. I run a beauty salon in Joliet, Illinois, and it has been fairly successful. However, with the economy in its current state, I have not been able to provide health care for myself through my business. Small businesses are forced to make so many tough choices these days. For example; buying more supplies to keep your business afloat versus health care coverage for your employees – which one do you choose?I've called numerous insurance companies for quotes and the premiums per month would be hundreds of dollars with some companies. I am healthy and do not even have any pre-existing conditions. Because of my own personal experience with our current health care system, my heart really goes out to the people who are sick. It is heartbreaking to know there are people who need to see a doctor, but won't go because they can't afford to pay the bill.Just think about all the people that died of cancer who would still be alive today if it was found early enough.My father was one of those people. My father was an international singer with many hit records. He was also a self-employed entertainer most of his life, and he did not have health insurance. He died of throat cancer in 2007.Countless families have stories like mine. Hundreds of thousands of small business owners just like me love what they do for a living and love the people we serve in our communities. We are people who know we could take a job in a larger company to enjoy the lower cost of group benefits coverage, but what would that do to our communities without us there to serve them?The corner grocery store, the shoe repair shop, the local bakery, the light hearted beauty salon or barber shop, and the coffee shop down the street, are just a few examples of people with businesses who love the communities they serve.This is America. The time has come for us as a nation to step up to the plate and provide decent health care with lower premiums for all. No one asks to be sick, but when we are sick are country should do all it can to give every American an opportunity to get well.I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Rep. Debbie Halvorson, my Congresswoman in Joliet, for supporting this bill.
From Talking Points Memo
Nine months ago when the Democrats who ran Barack's Obama campaign created Organizing for America, no one was sure exactly how it would work or whether it was possible to harness the enthusiasm for the new president and translate it into action.But nearing the anniversary of Obama's election, OFA has strengthened into a (smaller) mirror of the campaign, with volunteers in every single Congressional district and staff on the ground in every state but Oklahoma.They also are growing the Obama donor base.TPMDC has learned that 24.7 percent of the donations made online to OFA are new donors - people who didn't give during the campaign. That's a pretty striking figure give that a record 3 million people donated during 2007 and 2008.Organizationally, the boots-on-the-ground, Washington outsider vibe has translated into real results as well. Saturday morning, an OFA volunteer in Louisiana flagged for the team that Rep. Joseph Cao (R-LA) might end up supporting health care.The administration had been talking to Cao behind the scenes, but it was the volunteer who emailed OFA staffers to report that the Republican's office wasn't saying he was against the bill which opened the floodgates. OFA volunteers made 550 calls to the district office on Saturday in the hours before he became the lone Republican to back the bill.In an exclusive interview with TPMDC, OFA officials laid out their metrics so far and stressed the results have exceeded expectations…
Nine months ago when the Democrats who ran Barack's Obama campaign created Organizing for America, no one was sure exactly how it would work or whether it was possible to harness the enthusiasm for the new president and translate it into action.
But nearing the anniversary of Obama's election, OFA has strengthened into a (smaller) mirror of the campaign, with volunteers in every single Congressional district and staff on the ground in every state but Oklahoma.
They also are growing the Obama donor base.
TPMDC has learned that 24.7 percent of the donations made online to OFA are new donors - people who didn't give during the campaign. That's a pretty striking figure give that a record 3 million people donated during 2007 and 2008.
Organizationally, the boots-on-the-ground, Washington outsider vibe has translated into real results as well. Saturday morning, an OFA volunteer in Louisiana flagged for the team that Rep. Joseph Cao (R-LA) might end up supporting health care.
The administration had been talking to Cao behind the scenes, but it was the volunteer who emailed OFA staffers to report that the Republican's office wasn't saying he was against the bill which opened the floodgates. OFA volunteers made 550 calls to the district office on Saturday in the hours before he became the lone Republican to back the bill.
In an exclusive interview with TPMDC, OFA officials laid out their metrics so far and stressed the results have exceeded expectations…
Democrats are trying to build popular support for health care legislation by enlisting people who voted last year for Barack Obama.Organizing for America, the Obama campaign arm of the Democratic National Committee, is sending e-mail message to Obama supporters on Thursday. The missives urge recipients to descend on the offices of the 32 Republican House members who represent districts that voted for Mr. Obama in 2008 but who also voted against health-care legislation in the House on Saturday.In the e-mail, Mitch Stewart, the director of Organizing for America, encourages Obama supporters to tell these Republicans to get with the health-care program or they may be booted out of office.The Republican representative, the message says, “must understand that caving to the well-heeled lobbyists in D.C. has consequences at the ballot box back home.”Targets include Republican stalwarts like Mary Bono Mack of California, elected more than a decade ago, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, elected two decades ago, as well as Charles Dent of Pennsylvania, who was first elected in 2004 and is viewed as more vulnerable...
Democrats are trying to build popular support for health care legislation by enlisting people who voted last year for Barack Obama.
Organizing for America, the Obama campaign arm of the Democratic National Committee, is sending e-mail message to Obama supporters on Thursday. The missives urge recipients to descend on the offices of the 32 Republican House members who represent districts that voted for Mr. Obama in 2008 but who also voted against health-care legislation in the House on Saturday.
In the e-mail, Mitch Stewart, the director of Organizing for America, encourages Obama supporters to tell these Republicans to get with the health-care program or they may be booted out of office.
The Republican representative, the message says, “must understand that caving to the well-heeled lobbyists in D.C. has consequences at the ballot box back home.”
Targets include Republican stalwarts like Mary Bono Mack of California, elected more than a decade ago, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, elected two decades ago, as well as Charles Dent of Pennsylvania, who was first elected in 2004 and is viewed as more vulnerable...
From The Hill
The House could be in session until nearly Christmas Eve to try to win final passage on a healthcare bill.House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) outlined the new schedule on Wednesday, saying he is prepared to keep the House working until Dec. 22 in order to pass the keystone issue of President Barack Obama’s first year in office.Hoyer’s move follows Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) decision late Tuesday night to file a motion that could allow the Senate to begin debate on healthcare next week…Late on Tuesday, Reid filed a motion to introduce the Senate healthcare bill on Monday, Nov. 16. Anticipating a Republican objection, the bill would be pushed onto the Senate calendar.Reid’s action sets up a critical vote next week on a motion to proceed to the bill. Such a motion would require 60 votes to succeed — an important early test of the Democratic caucus’s unity on procedural votes…
The House could be in session until nearly Christmas Eve to try to win final passage on a healthcare bill.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) outlined the new schedule on Wednesday, saying he is prepared to keep the House working until Dec. 22 in order to pass the keystone issue of President Barack Obama’s first year in office.
Hoyer’s move follows Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) decision late Tuesday night to file a motion that could allow the Senate to begin debate on healthcare next week…
Late on Tuesday, Reid filed a motion to introduce the Senate healthcare bill on Monday, Nov. 16. Anticipating a Republican objection, the bill would be pushed onto the Senate calendar.
Reid’s action sets up a critical vote next week on a motion to proceed to the bill. Such a motion would require 60 votes to succeed — an important early test of the Democratic caucus’s unity on procedural votes…
From the Associated Press
President Obama won't accept any of the Afghanistan war options before him without changes, a senior administration official said, as concerns soar over the ability of the Afghan government to secure its own country one daySecretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday that she is concerned about Afghanistan's "corruption, lack of transparency, poor governance (and) absence of the rule of law.""We're looking to President Karzai as he forms a new government to take action that will demonstrate — not just to the international community but first and foremost to his own people — that his second term will respond the needs that are so manifest," Clinton said during a news conference in Manila with Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo…He remains close to announcing his revamped war strategy — troops are just one component — and probably will do so shortly after he returns from a trip to Asia that ends Nov. 19.Yet in Wednesday's pivotal war council meeting, Obama wasn't satisfied with any of the Afghanistan war options presented by his national security team, one official said.The president instead pushed for revisions to clarify how and when U.S. troops would turn over responsibility to the Afghan government. In turn, that could change the dynamic of both how many additional troops are sent to Afghanistan and what the timeline would be for their presence in the war zone, according to the official…
President Obama won't accept any of the Afghanistan war options before him without changes, a senior administration official said, as concerns soar over the ability of the Afghan government to secure its own country one day
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday that she is concerned about Afghanistan's "corruption, lack of transparency, poor governance (and) absence of the rule of law."
"We're looking to President Karzai as he forms a new government to take action that will demonstrate — not just to the international community but first and foremost to his own people — that his second term will respond the needs that are so manifest," Clinton said during a news conference in Manila with Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo…
He remains close to announcing his revamped war strategy — troops are just one component — and probably will do so shortly after he returns from a trip to Asia that ends Nov. 19.
Yet in Wednesday's pivotal war council meeting, Obama wasn't satisfied with any of the Afghanistan war options presented by his national security team, one official said.
The president instead pushed for revisions to clarify how and when U.S. troops would turn over responsibility to the Afghan government. In turn, that could change the dynamic of both how many additional troops are sent to Afghanistan and what the timeline would be for their presence in the war zone, according to the official…
From the Wall Street Journal
A handful of states stand to win significant federal funding to revamp schools and impose strict testing standards under an Obama administration effort to alter educational practices across the country.Education Secretary Arne Duncan plans to release final rules Thursday that states must follow to vie for $4.35 billion in education grants, one of the most significant competitions within the $787 billion stimulus package and the largest pot of federal discretionary funding ever for local schools.Using an elaborate scoring system, the program seeks to reward those states that have already taken steps to shake up their school systems. But federal education officials will also look closely at plans in the works to measure student performance, reward good teachers and turn around failing schools…
A handful of states stand to win significant federal funding to revamp schools and impose strict testing standards under an Obama administration effort to alter educational practices across the country.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan plans to release final rules Thursday that states must follow to vie for $4.35 billion in education grants, one of the most significant competitions within the $787 billion stimulus package and the largest pot of federal discretionary funding ever for local schools.
Using an elaborate scoring system, the program seeks to reward those states that have already taken steps to shake up their school systems. But federal education officials will also look closely at plans in the works to measure student performance, reward good teachers and turn around failing schools…
Here's the full video of President Obama's moving speech at yesterday's memorial service at Fort Hood, Texas:
Five years ago this week, an insurgent shot down the Army Black Hawk helicopter that Tammy Duckworth was co-piloting in Iraq. Now an assistant secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Duckworth lost her legs in the crash and the fire that followed.On Thursday, her Black Hawk crewmates who pulled her from the wreckage will be in Washington to celebrate her "alive day" -- what some veterans call their "second birthday" to mark their brushes with death. She will lead them on a tour of the Capitol and the White House…In a whirlwind, Duckworth has moved from the battlefields of Iraq to the halls of power in Washington, becoming part of a team headed by VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, a former Army chief of staff, and Deputy Secretary W. Scott Gould, a Navy veteran, that is trying to overhaul an agency that's been called moribund and out of touch…"She is the face of the new generation," said Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "Iraq and Afghanistan veterans aren't old white guys."Most days, Duckworth is in her office before 8 a.m., and she often works past 8 p.m. In her wheelchair, she rides the Metro from her apartment in Ballston to VA headquarters, directly above the McPherson Square station. She is helping to lead a VA reorganization meant, among other things, to reduce red tape…
Also from the Washington Post
Former president Bill Clinton urged Senate Democrats on Tuesday to resolve their differences with a health-care bill and pass an overhaul as soon as possible. Summoning the lessons of his own history with health-care reform, Clinton warned, "The worst thing to do is nothing…"Clinton noted the grim consequences of the failed reform effort 15 years ago, when he was in office: Democrats lost control of Congress in that year's midterm elections, health-care costs skyrocketed, and the rate of Americans without insurance continued to rise. This time, the former president admonished, senators should compromise for the sake of a deal."It's not important to be perfect here. It's important to act, to move, to start the ball rolling," Clinton told reporters after the meeting. "There will be amendments to this effort, whatever they pass, next year and the year after and the year after, and there should be. It's a big, complicated, organic thing. But the worst thing to do is nothing…"Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) invited Clinton to speak at the weekly session "to share his insights," said Reid spokesman Jim Manley. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, a former senior Clinton aide, also urged him to attend, Manley said.Democratic lawmakers have yet to read the health-care bill, which Reid is expected to unveil early next week…
From the West Virginia Metro News
A coalition that pushed for health care reform on the national level is saying 'Thank You' to Third District Congressman Nick Rahall for voting for the U.S House of Representatives health care reform bill last weekend.The West Virginia AFL-CIO, West Virginia Education Association, West Virginians for Affordable Health Care, WV-Citizen Action Group, West Virginia Nurses Association and Organizing for America recognized Rahall Tuesday night at the West Virginia Health Right Building in Charleston."We worked very closely with them over a number of years to provide an affordable, accessible, high quality health care for our people," says Congressman Rahall…"For too many West Virginians, they cannot get health insurance or they find they're being cut off their health insurance. They're facing rationing by the private companies today," Rahall says...
Senate Democrats circulated a plan Tuesday that would impose sweeping curbs on the Federal Reserve, posing the biggest legislative challenge to the central bank in decades and illustrating how divided Capitol Hill remains about the future of financial regulation…It would create a single banking regulator, a powerful council of regulators to monitor systemic risks to the economy and a Consumer Financial Protection Agency to write and enforce rules on products such as mortgages and credit cards.The proposal circulated Tuesday calls for curbs on the Fed's ability to offer emergency loans to individual companies, strips away virtually all of its bank-supervision and consumer-protection powers, and gives the White House and Congress some say in how the Fed's 12 regional banks are governed."Over the last number of years when [the Fed] took on consumer-protection responsibility and regulation of bank holding companies, it was an abysmal failure," Mr. Dodd, a Connecticut Democrat, said at a press conference flanked by eight other Democrats on his panel. Under the proposal, the Fed would focus more narrowly on monetary policy, meaning the setting of interest rates...
My name is Rob Diamond, and I'm the chairman of Organizing for America's Vets and Military Families Outreach council, as well as a former member of the Veterans for Obama campaign team. I'm a graduate of the Naval Academy and a former naval officer who served 7 years on active duty, including serving in Iraq in 2004.Today is Veterans Day, and this morning President Obama sent a special message of thanks to veterans who are part of Organizing for America, thanking those you who have served and continue to serve:
Friend --Today, on Veteran's Day, my message to you is simple: Thank you. Thank you for your selfless service, for your valor, and your strength of purpose that make all of us proud to be Americans.Today, Americans will pause amidst a great conversation about the future of our nation to take a moment and recognize your service to our democracy -- a service that guarantees us all the liberty to engage freely in that conversation, no matter what our views may be.We know that we owe you a debt which cannot be repaid. But we can and will fulfill our nation's promise to stand by you and your loved ones. That is why we've worked hard for better care for our veterans, and why we provided the largest increase in Veterans Administration funding in history.Today, we honor those Americans past and present who've served on battlefields from Lexington to Antietam, Normandy to Manila, Inchon to Khe Sanh, Ramadi to Kandahar. You have defended our freedom on land, and at sea, and in the air.You reflect the diversity that makes this America. You share a patriotism beyond question. And you share the same unflinching courage, selfless compassion, and uncommon camaraderie that -- when faced with the tragedy of a despicable and heartbreaking attack last Thursday -- the soldiers and civilians of Ft. Hood humbly revealed to the world.You and your loved ones are the patriotic men and women we honor today, Veterans Day. And you are the men and women we shall honor every day, in times of war and times of peace, so long as our nation endures.Thank you.President Barack Obama
Friend --Today, on Veteran's Day, my message to you is simple: Thank you. Thank you for your selfless service, for your valor, and your strength of purpose that make all of us proud to be Americans.
Today, Americans will pause amidst a great conversation about the future of our nation to take a moment and recognize your service to our democracy -- a service that guarantees us all the liberty to engage freely in that conversation, no matter what our views may be.
We know that we owe you a debt which cannot be repaid. But we can and will fulfill our nation's promise to stand by you and your loved ones. That is why we've worked hard for better care for our veterans, and why we provided the largest increase in Veterans Administration funding in history.
Today, we honor those Americans past and present who've served on battlefields from Lexington to Antietam, Normandy to Manila, Inchon to Khe Sanh, Ramadi to Kandahar. You have defended our freedom on land, and at sea, and in the air.
You reflect the diversity that makes this America. You share a patriotism beyond question. And you share the same unflinching courage, selfless compassion, and uncommon camaraderie that -- when faced with the tragedy of a despicable and heartbreaking attack last Thursday -- the soldiers and civilians of Ft. Hood humbly revealed to the world.
You and your loved ones are the patriotic men and women we honor today, Veterans Day. And you are the men and women we shall honor every day, in times of war and times of peace, so long as our nation endures.Thank you.President Barack Obama
As a former service member, I understand the importance of taking care of our veterans and their loved ones. We worked hard to elect a President and a Congress who would make caring for veterans and military families a priority -- and while we have much more work to do, President Obama's accomplishments on behalf of veterans and military families thus far are something we should all be proud of.In just ten short months, President Obama has:
I am humbled to be one of millions of courageous Americans who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our democracy. While there is much left to be done, under President Obama's leadership we have made historic progress towards fulfilling our commitment these patriotic men and women.I hope you will take a moment today stand with those who served our nation by getting involved with one of the following organizations: USO, Fisher House, and the Bob Woodruff Foundation.
President Obama was in Fort Hood, Texas today to lead a memorial service for the 13 Americans killed in the horrible and incomprehensible tragedy there last week. Before the service, the President met with survivors of the attack and the victims' families. President Obama mentioned each victim by name, describing them and their families in personal terms. He was joined by Admiral Mullen, General Casey, General Cone, Secretary McHugh, Secretary Gates, several elected officials and members of the Fort Hood community. An excerpt from his remarks is below:
This is a time of war. Yet these Americans did not die on a foreign field of battle. They were killed here, on American soil, in the heart of this great state and the heart of this great American community. This is the fact that makes the tragedy even more painful, even more incomprehensible...But here is what you must also know: Your loved ones endure through the life of our nation. Their memory will be honored in the places they lived and by the people they touched. Their life's work is our security, and the freedom that we all too often take for granted. Every evening that the sun sets on a tranquil town; every dawn that a flag is unfurled; every moment that an American enjoys life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness -- that is their legacy. Major Libardo Eduardo Caraveo spoke little English when he came to America as a teenager. But he put himself through college, earned a PhD, and was helping combat units cope with the stress of deployment. He's survived by his wife, sons and step-daughters. Staff Sergeant Justin DeCrow joined the Army right after high school, married his high school sweetheart, and had served as a light wheeled mechanic and satellite communications operator. He was known as an optimist, a mentor, and a loving husband and loving father…It may be hard to comprehend the twisted logic that led to this tragedy. But this much we do know -- no faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favor. For what he has done, we know that the killer will be met with justice -- in this world, and the next. These are trying times for our country. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, the same extremists who killed nearly 3,000 Americans continue to endanger America, our allies, and innocent Afghans and Pakistanis. In Iraq, we're working to bring a war to a successful end, as there are still those who would deny the Iraqi people the future that Americans and Iraqis have sacrificed so much for.As we face these challenges, the stories of those at Fort Hood reaffirm the core values that we are fighting for, and the strength that we must draw upon. Theirs are the tales of American men and women answering an extraordinary call -- the call to serve their comrades, their communities, and their country. In an age of selfishness, they embody responsibility. In an era of division, they call upon us to come together. In a time of cynicism, they remind us of who we are as Americans…This generation of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have volunteered in the time of certain danger. They are part of the finest fighting force that the world has ever known. They have served tour after tour of duty in distant, different and difficult places. They have stood watch in blinding deserts and on snowy mountains. They have extended the opportunity of self-government to peoples that have suffered tyranny and war. They are man and woman; white, black, and brown; of all faiths and all stations -- all Americans, serving together to protect our people, while giving others half a world away the chance to lead a better life…Long after they are laid to rest -- when the fighting has finished, and our nation has endured; when today’s servicemen and women are veterans, and their children have grown -- it will be said that this generation believed under the most trying of tests; believed in perseverance -- not just when it was easy, but when it was hard; that they paid the price and bore the burden to secure this nation, and stood up for the values that live in the hearts of all free peoples…
This is a time of war. Yet these Americans did not die on a foreign field of battle. They were killed here, on American soil, in the heart of this great state and the heart of this great American community. This is the fact that makes the tragedy even more painful, even more incomprehensible...
But here is what you must also know: Your loved ones endure through the life of our nation. Their memory will be honored in the places they lived and by the people they touched. Their life's work is our security, and the freedom that we all too often take for granted. Every evening that the sun sets on a tranquil town; every dawn that a flag is unfurled; every moment that an American enjoys life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness -- that is their legacy.
Major Libardo Eduardo Caraveo spoke little English when he came to America as a teenager. But he put himself through college, earned a PhD, and was helping combat units cope with the stress of deployment. He's survived by his wife, sons and step-daughters.
Staff Sergeant Justin DeCrow joined the Army right after high school, married his high school sweetheart, and had served as a light wheeled mechanic and satellite communications operator. He was known as an optimist, a mentor, and a loving husband and loving father…
It may be hard to comprehend the twisted logic that led to this tragedy. But this much we do know -- no faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favor. For what he has done, we know that the killer will be met with justice -- in this world, and the next.
These are trying times for our country. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, the same extremists who killed nearly 3,000 Americans continue to endanger America, our allies, and innocent Afghans and Pakistanis. In Iraq, we're working to bring a war to a successful end, as there are still those who would deny the Iraqi people the future that Americans and Iraqis have sacrificed so much for.
As we face these challenges, the stories of those at Fort Hood reaffirm the core values that we are fighting for, and the strength that we must draw upon. Theirs are the tales of American men and women answering an extraordinary call -- the call to serve their comrades, their communities, and their country. In an age of selfishness, they embody responsibility. In an era of division, they call upon us to come together. In a time of cynicism, they remind us of who we are as Americans…
This generation of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have volunteered in the time of certain danger. They are part of the finest fighting force that the world has ever known. They have served tour after tour of duty in distant, different and difficult places. They have stood watch in blinding deserts and on snowy mountains. They have extended the opportunity of self-government to peoples that have suffered tyranny and war. They are man and woman; white, black, and brown; of all faiths and all stations -- all Americans, serving together to protect our people, while giving others half a world away the chance to lead a better life…
Long after they are laid to rest -- when the fighting has finished, and our nation has endured; when today’s servicemen and women are veterans, and their children have grown -- it will be said that this generation believed under the most trying of tests; believed in perseverance -- not just when it was easy, but when it was hard; that they paid the price and bore the burden to secure this nation, and stood up for the values that live in the hearts of all free peoples…
From ABC News
When President Obama heads to Asia later this week, he goes with a wide-ranging agenda. White House officials said today the administration hopes to reach common ground with a number leaders on strengthening alliances, trade, the war in Afghanistan, nuclear non-proliferation, how to deal with Iran and North Korea, and energy/climate issues.The president will visit Japan, Singapore, China and South Korea. He’ll meet with the leaders of all four nations, and several others as he attends the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) and becomes the first U.S. president to hold a multi-lateral meeting with all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).,..The trip is Obama’s first to the region as president and is particularly important when it comes to trade. “Right now, 1.6 million jobs in the United States are associated with exports to Asia. And as the Asian region grows, we could see hundreds of thousands of more jobs being created there as well,” said Jeffrey Bader, National Security Council Senior Director for East Asian Affairs…
When President Obama heads to Asia later this week, he goes with a wide-ranging agenda. White House officials said today the administration hopes to reach common ground with a number leaders on strengthening alliances, trade, the war in Afghanistan, nuclear non-proliferation, how to deal with Iran and North Korea, and energy/climate issues.
The president will visit Japan, Singapore, China and South Korea. He’ll meet with the leaders of all four nations, and several others as he attends the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) and becomes the first U.S. president to hold a multi-lateral meeting with all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).,..
The trip is Obama’s first to the region as president and is particularly important when it comes to trade.
“Right now, 1.6 million jobs in the United States are associated with exports to Asia. And as the Asian region grows, we could see hundreds of thousands of more jobs being created there as well,” said Jeffrey Bader, National Security Council Senior Director for East Asian Affairs…
From the Dallas Morning News
When Barack Obama stands today before the mourning children, spouses and comrades of those cut down last week at Fort Hood, he will confront one of the most delicate and painful duties a president undertakes.Only a president can offer the condolences of a nation. In a moment of crisis and sorrow and anger, only a president can soothe raw emotions, allay fears, elevate a senseless act into a call to action, and offer the assurance that – as his aides put it Monday – no stone will be left unturned. This is by far the biggest test of Obama's ability to fulfill the role of consoler in chief…"He's taking a message from the American people as a whole to the victims and their families," said Martha Joynt Kumar, a Towson University professor who studies presidential communications. "He represents the American people and can express the feelings of pain and tragedy and put it into words." Standing before a sea of grieving Americans, acknowledging communal pain, is a task presidents have always undertaken…Much of Obama's efforts today will be out of public view. Shortly after arriving at Fort Hood, he and first lady Michelle Obama plan to meet with families of those killed, at III Corps Headquarters. They'll also meet with some of the wounded and their families before the memorial service that starts at 1 p.m…
When Barack Obama stands today before the mourning children, spouses and comrades of those cut down last week at Fort Hood, he will confront one of the most delicate and painful duties a president undertakes.
Only a president can offer the condolences of a nation. In a moment of crisis and sorrow and anger, only a president can soothe raw emotions, allay fears, elevate a senseless act into a call to action, and offer the assurance that – as his aides put it Monday – no stone will be left unturned.
This is by far the biggest test of Obama's ability to fulfill the role of consoler in chief…
"He's taking a message from the American people as a whole to the victims and their families," said Martha Joynt Kumar, a Towson University professor who studies presidential communications. "He represents the American people and can express the feelings of pain and tragedy and put it into words." Standing before a sea of grieving Americans, acknowledging communal pain, is a task presidents have always undertaken…
Much of Obama's efforts today will be out of public view. Shortly after arriving at Fort Hood, he and first lady Michelle Obama plan to meet with families of those killed, at III Corps Headquarters. They'll also meet with some of the wounded and their families before the memorial service that starts at 1 p.m…
President Obama suggested Monday that he was not comfortable with abortion restrictions inserted into the House version of major health care legislation, and he prodded Congress to revise them.“There needs to be some more work before we get to the point where we’re not changing the status quo” on abortion, Mr. Obama said in an interview with ABC News. “And that’s the goal.”On the one hand, Mr. Obama said, “we’re not looking to change what is the principle that has been in place for a very long time, which is federal dollars are not used to subsidize abortions.”On the other hand, he said, he wanted to make sure “we’re not restricting women’s insurance choices,” because he had promised that “if you’re happy and satisfied with the insurance that you have, it’s not going to change…”
President Obama suggested Monday that he was not comfortable with abortion restrictions inserted into the House version of major health care legislation, and he prodded Congress to revise them.
“There needs to be some more work before we get to the point where we’re not changing the status quo” on abortion, Mr. Obama said in an interview with ABC News. “And that’s the goal.”
On the one hand, Mr. Obama said, “we’re not looking to change what is the principle that has been in place for a very long time, which is federal dollars are not used to subsidize abortions.”
On the other hand, he said, he wanted to make sure “we’re not restricting women’s insurance choices,” because he had promised that “if you’re happy and satisfied with the insurance that you have, it’s not going to change…”
On KVBC-NBC in Las Vegas, NV
Congresswoman Shelley Berkley received a warm welcome when she arrived at McCarran International Airport Sunday afternoon. She cast one of the 220 “yes” votes on the House floor Saturday night, helping to pass President Obama’s health care reform bill.“It’s up there at the same level as Social Security, Medicare, the civil rights legislation," she says.The bill would create a public option and extend coverage to an estimated 96 percent of Americans, including many of the 460,000 Nevadans currently uninsured…“People lose health insurance, don’t have coverage every day. That’s the biggest concern for Nevadans,” says Jennifer Lopez, State Director for Organizing for America. “This bill will help many, many people.” What was passed Saturday night is not the definitive piece of legislation but just the first step. Now, the Senate will consider its own legislation. Both versions must be voted on and pass before they are sent to the president.
Congresswoman Shelley Berkley received a warm welcome when she arrived at McCarran International Airport Sunday afternoon. She cast one of the 220 “yes” votes on the House floor Saturday night, helping to pass President Obama’s health care reform bill.
“It’s up there at the same level as Social Security, Medicare, the civil rights legislation," she says.
The bill would create a public option and extend coverage to an estimated 96 percent of Americans, including many of the 460,000 Nevadans currently uninsured…
“People lose health insurance, don’t have coverage every day. That’s the biggest concern for Nevadans,” says Jennifer Lopez, State Director for Organizing for America. “This bill will help many, many people.”
What was passed Saturday night is not the definitive piece of legislation but just the first step. Now, the Senate will consider its own legislation. Both versions must be voted on and pass before they are sent to the president.
After casting an historic vote for health reform on Saturday night, many members in the House of Representatives are now heading home for a district work period. OFA Volunteers in Minnesota gathered at the airport bright and early on Sunday morning to greet Congressmen Walz and Ellison as they returned home from Washington.
Shortly afterward, Congressman Ellison posted to his Twitter feed:
Thanks to Obama For America MN for welcoming Tim Walz and I at the airport this morning at 8:30 am. Crew from Obama for America MN understands that the people must keep the energy HIGH until Obama signs the bill into LAW! And beyond.
In Maine, supporters were on hand to greet Representative Chellie Pingree. The Press Herald reported:
About three dozen supporters greeted Pingree as she arrived at the Portland International Jetport from Washington on Sunday morning. They carried flowers, balloons, homemade cookies and signs praising her for her vote."I just wanted to thank Chellie Pingree for stepping up and doing the right thing," said Maurie Hill, a 63-year-old retired nurse from Standish.Pingree said that although the House bill is not perfect, its passage helps move the ball forward. Her advice to her Senate colleagues?"Get voting!" she said. "It's not easy. We've been working on this for 10 months."
Representative Pingree also took to Twitter to thank supporters, posting:
Thanks so much for all the wonderful people who welcomed me at airport this morning -- made me teary! The cookies were great!!
If your representative voted for health reform last Saturday, you can use our online tools to call and thank them for their vote.
Before health reform can become law, it must pass one more time through the House of Representatives, so it's crucial to publicly show that voters support reform. Taking 30 seconds to say "thank you" could mean all the difference in the coming weeks.
The White House, growing concerned that the Congressional timetable for passing a health care overhaul could slip into next year, is stepping up pressure on the Senate for quick action, with President Obama appearing Sunday in the Rose Garden to call on senators to “take up the baton and bring this effort to the finish line.”Mr. Obama’s remarks came just 14 hours after the House narrowly approved a landmark plan that would cost $1.1 trillion over 10 years and extend insurance coverage to 36 million uninsured Americans; the president called it “a courageous vote…”“For years we’ve been told that this couldn’t be done,” Mr. Obama said in the Rose Garden. Of the American people, he said, “Moments like this are why they sent us here.”But for all the exultation, there was a sense inside the White House and on Capitol Hill that the hardest work is yet to come…As the Senate vote draws closer, the fight on the airwaves, where groups for and against the health bill are already spending millions of dollars on advertising, will only intensify…
The White House, growing concerned that the Congressional timetable for passing a health care overhaul could slip into next year, is stepping up pressure on the Senate for quick action, with President Obama appearing Sunday in the Rose Garden to call on senators to “take up the baton and bring this effort to the finish line.”
Mr. Obama’s remarks came just 14 hours after the House narrowly approved a landmark plan that would cost $1.1 trillion over 10 years and extend insurance coverage to 36 million uninsured Americans; the president called it “a courageous vote…”
“For years we’ve been told that this couldn’t be done,” Mr. Obama said in the Rose Garden. Of the American people, he said, “Moments like this are why they sent us here.”
But for all the exultation, there was a sense inside the White House and on Capitol Hill that the hardest work is yet to come…
As the Senate vote draws closer, the fight on the airwaves, where groups for and against the health bill are already spending millions of dollars on advertising, will only intensify…
President Obama today said "millions of Americans whose lives will change" when health care reform finally becomes law are grateful to the House for passing a sweeping overhaul bill late last night."Given the heated and often misleading rhetoric," Obama said during a brief statement in the Rose Garden, he wanted to recognize the "courageous vote" and add his own gratitude to the House "for taking us this far…."He lauded "extraordinary activism" of those fighting for health care, as his campaign arm Organizing for America put together thank-you welcoming parties for supportive lawmakers as they arrived at their home airports today.
President Obama today said "millions of Americans whose lives will change" when health care reform finally becomes law are grateful to the House for passing a sweeping overhaul bill late last night.
"Given the heated and often misleading rhetoric," Obama said during a brief statement in the Rose Garden, he wanted to recognize the "courageous vote" and add his own gratitude to the House "for taking us this far…."
He lauded "extraordinary activism" of those fighting for health care, as his campaign arm Organizing for America put together thank-you welcoming parties for supportive lawmakers as they arrived at their home airports today.
On WMTW-ABC in Portland, ME
Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, was greeted with cheers upon her arrival at the Portland International Jetport on Sunday after casting a vote in favor of health care reform.The U.S. House of Representatives passed a reform plan late Saturday night that would expand health benefits to millions of people who currently lack insurance.Pingree's support of the plan won her praise from groups such as Maine Change That Works and Organizing for America Maine.But the plan also faces strong opposition. Every Republican in the House except one voted against the bill…
Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, was greeted with cheers upon her arrival at the Portland International Jetport on Sunday after casting a vote in favor of health care reform.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a reform plan late Saturday night that would expand health benefits to millions of people who currently lack insurance.
Pingree's support of the plan won her praise from groups such as Maine Change That Works and Organizing for America Maine.
But the plan also faces strong opposition. Every Republican in the House except one voted against the bill…
Shortly after releasing his official statement on tonight's historic vote, President Obama sent out the following email to supporters:
This evening, at 11:15 p.m., the House of Representatives voted to pass their health insurance reform bill. Despite countless attempts over nearly a century, no chamber of Congress has ever before passed comprehensive health reform. This is history. But you and millions of your fellow Organizing for America supporters didn't just witness history tonight -- you helped make it. Each "yes" vote was a brave stand, backed up by countless hours of knocking on doors, outreach in town halls and town squares, millions of signatures, and hundreds of thousands of calls. You stood up. You spoke up. And you were heard. So this is a night to celebrate -- but not to rest. Those who voted for reform deserve our thanks, and the next phase of this fight has already begun. The final Senate bill hasn't even been released yet, but the insurance companies are already pressing hard for a filibuster to bury it. OFA has built a massive neighborhood-by-neighborhood operation to bring people's voices to Congress, and tonight we saw the results. But the coming days will put our efforts to the ultimate test. Winning will require each of us to give everything we can, starting right now. Can you donate $25 or whatever you can afford so we can finish this fight? Tonight's vote brought every American closer to the secure, affordable care we need. But it was also a watershed moment in how change is made. Even after last year's election, many insider lobbyists and partisan operatives really thought that the old formula of scare tactics, D.C. back-scratching and special-interest money would still be enough to block any idea they didn't like. Now, they're desperate. Because, tonight, you made it crystal clear: the old rules are changing -- and the people will not be ignored. In the final phases of last year's election, I often reminded folks, "Don't think for a minute that power concedes without a fight," and it's especially true today. But that's okay -- we're not afraid of a fight. And as you continue to prove, when all of us work together, we have what it takes to win. Please donate to OFA's campaign to win this fight and ensure that real health reform reaches my desk by the end of this year.Let's keep making history, President Barack Obama
This evening, at 11:15 p.m., the House of Representatives voted to pass their health insurance reform bill. Despite countless attempts over nearly a century, no chamber of Congress has ever before passed comprehensive health reform. This is history. But you and millions of your fellow Organizing for America supporters didn't just witness history tonight -- you helped make it. Each "yes" vote was a brave stand, backed up by countless hours of knocking on doors, outreach in town halls and town squares, millions of signatures, and hundreds of thousands of calls. You stood up. You spoke up. And you were heard. So this is a night to celebrate -- but not to rest. Those who voted for reform deserve our thanks, and the next phase of this fight has already begun. The final Senate bill hasn't even been released yet, but the insurance companies are already pressing hard for a filibuster to bury it. OFA has built a massive neighborhood-by-neighborhood operation to bring people's voices to Congress, and tonight we saw the results. But the coming days will put our efforts to the ultimate test. Winning will require each of us to give everything we can, starting right now. Can you donate $25 or whatever you can afford so we can finish this fight? Tonight's vote brought every American closer to the secure, affordable care we need. But it was also a watershed moment in how change is made. Even after last year's election, many insider lobbyists and partisan operatives really thought that the old formula of scare tactics, D.C. back-scratching and special-interest money would still be enough to block any idea they didn't like. Now, they're desperate. Because, tonight, you made it crystal clear: the old rules are changing -- and the people will not be ignored. In the final phases of last year's election, I often reminded folks, "Don't think for a minute that power concedes without a fight," and it's especially true today. But that's okay -- we're not afraid of a fight. And as you continue to prove, when all of us work together, we have what it takes to win. Please donate to OFA's campaign to win this fight and ensure that real health reform reaches my desk by the end of this year.
Let's keep making history, President Barack Obama
Shortly after the House of Representatives concluded tonight's vote on health insurance reform, President Obama released the following statement:
Tonight, in an historic vote, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would finally make real the promise of quality, affordable health care for the American people.The Affordable Health Care for America Act is a piece of legislation that will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality affordable options for those who don’t; and bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and the government while strengthening the financial health of Medicare. And it is legislation that is fully paid for and will reduce our long-term federal deficit.Thanks to the hard work of the House, we are just two steps away from achieving health insurance reform in America. Now the United States Senate must follow suit and pass its version of the legislation. I am absolutely confident it will, and I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year.
Shortly after meeting with House Democrats on Capitol Hill in advance of the health reform vote, President Obama delivered the following remarks from the ground of the White House:
Good afternoon, everybody. I just want to say a few words about the landmark vote that the House of Representatives is poised to take today -- a vote that can bring us one step closer to making real the promise of quality, affordable health care for the American people.For the better part of a year now, members of the House and the Senate have been working diligently and constructively to craft legislation that will benefit millions of American families and millions of American businesses who urgently need it. For the first time ever, they've passed bills through every single committee responsible for reform. They've brought us closer than we have ever been to passing health insurance reform on behalf of the American people.Now is the time to finish the job. The bill that the House has produced will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality, affordable options for those who don't; and lower costs for American families and American businesses. And as I've insisted from the beginning, it is a bill that is fully paid for and will actually reduce our long-term federal deficit.This bill is change that the American people urgently need. Don't just take my word for it. Consider the national groups who've come out in support of this bill on behalf of their members: The Consumers Union supports it because it will create -- and I quote -- "a more secure, affordable health care system for the American people." The American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association support it on behalf of doctors and nurses and medical professionals who know firsthand what's broken in our current system, and who see what happens when their patients can't get the care they need because of insurance industry bureaucracies.The National Farmers Union supports this bill because it will control costs for farmers and ranchers, and address the unique challenges rural Americans face when it comes to receiving quality care.And the AARP supports it because it will achieve the goal for which the AARP has been fighting for decades -- reducing the cost of health care, expanding coverage for America's seniors, and strengthening Medicare for the long haul.Now, no bill can ever contain everything that everybody wants, or please every constituency and every district. That's an impossible task. But what is possible, what's in our grasp right now is the chance to prevent a future where every day 14,000 Americans continue to lose their health insurance, and every year 18,000 Americans die because they don't have it; a future where crushing costs keep small businesses from succeeding and big businesses from competing in the global economy; a future where countless dreams are deferred or scaled back because of a broken system we could have fixed when we had the chance.What we can do right now is choose a better future and pass a bill that brings us to the very cusp of building what so many generations of Americans have sought to build -- a better health care system for this country.Millions of Americans are watching right now. Their families and their businesses are counting on us. After all, this is why they sent us here, to finally confront the challenges that Washington had been putting off for decades -- to make their lives better, to leave this country stronger than we found it. I just came from the Hill where I talked to the members of Congress there, and I reminded them that opportunities like this come around maybe once in a generation. Most public servants pass through their entire careers without a chance to make as important a difference in the lives of their constituents and the life of this country. This is their moment, this is our moment, to live up to the trust that the American people have placed in us -- even when it's hard; especially when it's hard. This is our moment to deliver.I urge members of Congress to rise to this moment. Answer the call of history, and vote yes for health insurance reform for America.
There are only a few hours left to contact your representative before the vote and add your voice to the President's call.
An update from President Obama:
There are only a few hours left to contact your representative before the historic House vote on health reform.
