Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid introduced the Senate version of the health reform bill on Wednesday, and tonight the full Senate is expected to vote on the "motion to proceed," which would clear the way for the Senate to begin debate on the bill. Sixty votes are needed to pass cloture on the motion, after which the bill would move to the floor for discussion.
CNN reports:
Proceedings got under way shortly before 10 a.m. Saturday and will last through the early evening.Around 8 p.m., the Senate will hold a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture.Reid needs 60 votes to overcome a certain GOP filibuster attempt and open the chamber's debate on the bill. It also would take 60 votes to close debate that could last for weeks, while final approval of the bill would require only a simple majority.
From Mitch Stewart:
On Wednesday night, Senate leadership unveiled their final health reform package. It's a great bill that accomplishes President Obama's core goals for reform: provide more security for those who have insurance, guarantee affordable coverage options for those who don't, and rein in the cost of care for American businesses and families. And it accomplishes all of this while reducing the deficit by as much as $777 billion over the next 20 years. Now, we're in the final sprint toward reform, and the next challenge is already here. Today, senators are listening carefully to see how constituents react to the bill and how we want them to proceed. So it's our job to make sure they hear quickly and unmistakably: Move forward! On Saturday, the Senate faces a close vote on whether or not to begin debate, so it's critical to weigh in right away. Click here to call your senators now. Just tell whomever answers the phone where you live and that you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act -- and want the Senate to begin discussing it right away. After you've called, click here to tell us how it went:http://my.barackobama.com/SenateVote Many senators have worked tirelessly to get us this far, and they deserve our thanks. But it is crucial that every senator knows that we are counting on them to stand up to the insurance industry and support reform -- and that we will be right there standing with them. We're getting so close, and your incredible work is a big part of why we've been successful so far. Let's keep it up and get this job done. Thanks, Mitch Mitch Stewart Director Organizing for America
From the New York Times:
The Senate is expected to vote Saturday on whether to take up [health reform] legislation. The majority leader, Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada, refused to say Thursday whether he had the 60 votes needed to clear that procedural hurdle. While the guts of the Senate and House bills are similar, Mr. Reid came up with a new method of financing coverage, not found in any other major health bill. His proposal would significantly increase the Medicare payroll tax for high-income people. The Senate and House bills would provide coverage to millions of the uninsured by expanding Medicaid and subsidizing private insurance for people with moderate incomes.The Senate bill would spend $821 billion over 10 years on Medicaid and subsidies. The House bill would spend 25 percent more: $1.03 trillion over 10 years...Mr. Reid and other Democratic leaders said that the unveiling of the bill, hatched in his office, had given them political momentum going into the first test vote. Despite solid Republican opposition, the Democrats said they were confident they could enact some kind of national health insurance program, a goal that has eluded politicians for more than 75 years. But Congress appears highly unlikely to meet President Obama's goal of finishing work on the bill this year.
The Senate is expected to vote Saturday on whether to take up [health reform] legislation. The majority leader, Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada, refused to say Thursday whether he had the 60 votes needed to clear that procedural hurdle.
While the guts of the Senate and House bills are similar, Mr. Reid came up with a new method of financing coverage, not found in any other major health bill. His proposal would significantly increase the Medicare payroll tax for high-income people.
The Senate and House bills would provide coverage to millions of the uninsured by expanding Medicaid and subsidizing private insurance for people with moderate incomes.
The Senate bill would spend $821 billion over 10 years on Medicaid and subsidies. The House bill would spend 25 percent more: $1.03 trillion over 10 years...
Mr. Reid and other Democratic leaders said that the unveiling of the bill, hatched in his office, had given them political momentum going into the first test vote. Despite solid Republican opposition, the Democrats said they were confident they could enact some kind of national health insurance program, a goal that has eluded politicians for more than 75 years. But Congress appears highly unlikely to meet President Obama's goal of finishing work on the bill this year.
From Politico:
He doesn’t have the votes — yet — but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and fellow Democrats projected confidence they could clear the first hurdle for health reform, a rare Saturday vote to open debate on the sweeping measure. Reid also got one piece of good news as Republicans at least tentatively dropped their plans to force a reading of the 2,074-page bill, in exchange for a daylong debate, starting in the morning and culminating with a vote at about 8 p.m. Saturday... Most senators said they had yet to read through the entire bill — or the summaries that their staff members were preparing. Reid’s plan would expand coverage to 94 percent of Americans through a government-run health insurance option — allowing states to opt out — and other features, all while reducing future federal deficits by $130 billion during the next 10 years, according to a Congressional Budget Office report. “I just like the numbers,” said Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), who pledged to read “every word.” “I love the deficit reduction...
He doesn’t have the votes — yet — but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and fellow Democrats projected confidence they could clear the first hurdle for health reform, a rare Saturday vote to open debate on the sweeping measure.
Reid also got one piece of good news as Republicans at least tentatively dropped their plans to force a reading of the 2,074-page bill, in exchange for a daylong debate, starting in the morning and culminating with a vote at about 8 p.m. Saturday...
Most senators said they had yet to read through the entire bill — or the summaries that their staff members were preparing. Reid’s plan would expand coverage to 94 percent of Americans through a government-run health insurance option — allowing states to opt out — and other features, all while reducing future federal deficits by $130 billion during the next 10 years, according to a Congressional Budget Office report.
“I just like the numbers,” said Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), who pledged to read “every word.” “I love the deficit reduction...
From the Editorial Page of the New York Times:
An expert panel’s recommendation that mammography screening to detect breast cancer be scaled back has caused consternation among women and doctors and prompted some attempts to connect the results to the debate over health care...It is important to keep the findings and recommendations in perspective. They are guidance for women and doctors. The decision about whether to be screened is properly left to each woman — to determine with the help of her doctor what risks and benefits she is most comfortable accepting...Opponents of the health care reform bills moving through Congress have seized on the new recommendations as evidence that the government is seeking to put bureaucrats between you and your doctor or that it would ration care by denying coverage for some mammograms that are now covered. There is virtually no chance that any insurers, either public or private, will deny coverage to anyone based on these recommendations. Government and industry officials have said that explicitly and, in fact, every state but Utah requires private insurers to pay for mammograms for women starting in their 40s...The only part of the reform bills that could affect mammography would only make them more accessible...
An expert panel’s recommendation that mammography screening to detect breast cancer be scaled back has caused consternation among women and doctors and prompted some attempts to connect the results to the debate over health care...
It is important to keep the findings and recommendations in perspective. They are guidance for women and doctors. The decision about whether to be screened is properly left to each woman — to determine with the help of her doctor what risks and benefits she is most comfortable accepting...
Opponents of the health care reform bills moving through Congress have seized on the new recommendations as evidence that the government is seeking to put bureaucrats between you and your doctor or that it would ration care by denying coverage for some mammograms that are now covered.
There is virtually no chance that any insurers, either public or private, will deny coverage to anyone based on these recommendations. Government and industry officials have said that explicitly and, in fact, every state but Utah requires private insurers to pay for mammograms for women starting in their 40s...
The only part of the reform bills that could affect mammography would only make them more accessible...
Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled the Senate’s version of the health insurance reform legislation – the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – this afternoon at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol.
The bill achieves President Obama’s three principles of reform: more security and stability for people who have insurance; more quality, affordable options to those who don’t; and bringing down the high costs of care for American families, businesses and our government itself.
The bill would extend coverage to 31 million Americans and reduce the deficit by $127 billion in the first ten years, and by $650 billion in the second decade. Here’s an excerpt from President Obama’s statement about the bill:
“…From day one, our goal has been to enact legislation that offers stability and security to those who have insurance and affordable coverage to those who don’t, and that lowers costs for families, businesses and governments across the country. Majority Leader Reid, Chairmen Baucus and Dodd, and countless Senators have worked tirelessly to craft legislation that meets those principles. Just yesterday, a bipartisan group of more than 20 leading health economists released a letter urging passage of meaningful reform and praising four key provisions that are in the Senate legislation: a fee on insurance companies offering high-premium plans, the establishment of an independent Medicare commission, reforms to the health care delivery system, and overall deficit neutrality. The economists said that these provisions ‘will reduce long-term deficits, improve the quality of care, and put the nation on a firm fiscal footing.’ Those are precisely the goals we should be seeking to attain.The challenges facing our health care system aren’t new – but if we fail to act they’ll surely get even worse, meaning higher premiums, skyrocketing costs, and deeper instability for those with coverage. Today, thanks to the Senate’s hard work, we’re closer than ever to enacting solutions to these problems. I look forward to working with the Senate and House to get a finished bill to my desk as soon as possible."
“…From day one, our goal has been to enact legislation that offers stability and security to those who have insurance and affordable coverage to those who don’t, and that lowers costs for families, businesses and governments across the country. Majority Leader Reid, Chairmen Baucus and Dodd, and countless Senators have worked tirelessly to craft legislation that meets those principles.
Just yesterday, a bipartisan group of more than 20 leading health economists released a letter urging passage of meaningful reform and praising four key provisions that are in the Senate legislation: a fee on insurance companies offering high-premium plans, the establishment of an independent Medicare commission, reforms to the health care delivery system, and overall deficit neutrality. The economists said that these provisions ‘will reduce long-term deficits, improve the quality of care, and put the nation on a firm fiscal footing.’ Those are precisely the goals we should be seeking to attain.
The challenges facing our health care system aren’t new – but if we fail to act they’ll surely get even worse, meaning higher premiums, skyrocketing costs, and deeper instability for those with coverage. Today, thanks to the Senate’s hard work, we’re closer than ever to enacting solutions to these problems. I look forward to working with the Senate and House to get a finished bill to my desk as soon as possible."
The Senate is expected to vote on a "motion to proceed" - a procedural vote in order for full debate to begin - sometime this weekend.
Democratic leaders in the Senate on Wednesday unveiled their proposal for overhauling the health care system, outlining legislation that they said would cover most of the uninsured while reducing the federal budget deficit.Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, said at an evening news conference that the legislation, embodying President Obama’s signature domestic initiative, would impose new regulations on insurers, extend coverage to 31 million people who currently do not have any and add new benefits to Medicare.Mr. Reid said the bill, despite a price tag of $848 billion over 10 years, would reduce projected budget deficits by $130 billion over a decade because the costs would be more than offset by new taxes and fees and by reductions in the growth of Medicare.Democrats expressed confidence that they would have the votes needed to move forward when the legislation hits its first test in the Senate, probably later this week. To get past that first procedural hurdle, Mr. Reid will need the votes of all 58 Democratic senators and the two independents aligned with them.
Democratic leaders in the Senate on Wednesday unveiled their proposal for overhauling the health care system, outlining legislation that they said would cover most of the uninsured while reducing the federal budget deficit.
Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, said at an evening news conference that the legislation, embodying President Obama’s signature domestic initiative, would impose new regulations on insurers, extend coverage to 31 million people who currently do not have any and add new benefits to Medicare.
Mr. Reid said the bill, despite a price tag of $848 billion over 10 years, would reduce projected budget deficits by $130 billion over a decade because the costs would be more than offset by new taxes and fees and by reductions in the growth of Medicare.
Democrats expressed confidence that they would have the votes needed to move forward when the legislation hits its first test in the Senate, probably later this week. To get past that first procedural hurdle, Mr. Reid will need the votes of all 58 Democratic senators and the two independents aligned with them.
From the Wall Street Journal:
U.S. President Barack Obama pledged Thursday morning to ratify a free-trade agreement with South Korea that has been stuck for two years, challenging the U.S. Congress to separate South Korea from other Asian nations enjoying vast trade surpluses with the U.S.He also said the U.S. and its allies will draft a package of sanctions "over the next several weeks" to show an intransigent Iran "the importance of having consequences…"The free-trade agreement, the largest the U.S. has negotiated since the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico in the early 1990s, is expected to boost that more than $80 billion in annual two-way trade between South Korea and the U.S. by $10 billion to $20 billion about five years after ratification. U.S. food producers and auto makers stand to gain the most because Korean trade barriers are currently high in those markets.
U.S. President Barack Obama pledged Thursday morning to ratify a free-trade agreement with South Korea that has been stuck for two years, challenging the U.S. Congress to separate South Korea from other Asian nations enjoying vast trade surpluses with the U.S.
He also said the U.S. and its allies will draft a package of sanctions "over the next several weeks" to show an intransigent Iran "the importance of having consequences…"
The free-trade agreement, the largest the U.S. has negotiated since the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico in the early 1990s, is expected to boost that more than $80 billion in annual two-way trade between South Korea and the U.S. by $10 billion to $20 billion about five years after ratification. U.S. food producers and auto makers stand to gain the most because Korean trade barriers are currently high in those markets.
From Bloomberg:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled an $849 billion health-care plan that would create new government competition for private insurers, cover almost all Americans and raise a payroll tax on the highest earners.Reid’s proposal, the most sweeping overhaul of the U.S. health system in four decades, cleared a major hurdle when the Congressional Budget Office said it would cut the federal budget deficit by $127 billion in the first decade. That met a standard set by President Barack Obama and allows Reid to seek a vote as early as Saturday to open the way for Senate debate.“This legislation is a tremendous step forward,” Reid told reporters at the Capitol last night. “Tonight begins the last leg of this journey…”“We’re closer than ever to enacting solutions to these problems,” Obama said in a statement released by the White House. “I look forward to working with the Senate and House to get a finished bill to my desk as soon as possible…”“We are now down to the week we have been waiting for,” Massachusetts Senator John Kennedy told reporters. “This is not just a matter of months in the waiting, this has been decades in the waiting.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled an $849 billion health-care plan that would create new government competition for private insurers, cover almost all Americans and raise a payroll tax on the highest earners.
Reid’s proposal, the most sweeping overhaul of the U.S. health system in four decades, cleared a major hurdle when the Congressional Budget Office said it would cut the federal budget deficit by $127 billion in the first decade. That met a standard set by President Barack Obama and allows Reid to seek a vote as early as Saturday to open the way for Senate debate.
“This legislation is a tremendous step forward,” Reid told reporters at the Capitol last night. “Tonight begins the last leg of this journey…”
“We’re closer than ever to enacting solutions to these problems,” Obama said in a statement released by the White House. “I look forward to working with the Senate and House to get a finished bill to my desk as soon as possible…”
“We are now down to the week we have been waiting for,” Massachusetts Senator John Kennedy told reporters. “This is not just a matter of months in the waiting, this has been decades in the waiting.”
From the Boston Globe:
President Barack Obama said Thursday the United States has begun talking with allies about fresh punishment against Iran for defying efforts to halt its nuclear weapons pursuits.Obama's tough talk came as Iran indicated it would not ship its low-enriched uranium to Russia for processing, the centerpiece of deal aimed at a peaceful resolution to Iran's contested nuclear program."They have been unable to get to `yes', and so as a consequence, we have begun discussions with our international partners about the importance of having consequences," Obama said in a brief news conference with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak…
President Barack Obama said Thursday the United States has begun talking with allies about fresh punishment against Iran for defying efforts to halt its nuclear weapons pursuits.
Obama's tough talk came as Iran indicated it would not ship its low-enriched uranium to Russia for processing, the centerpiece of deal aimed at a peaceful resolution to Iran's contested nuclear program.
"They have been unable to get to `yes', and so as a consequence, we have begun discussions with our international partners about the importance of having consequences," Obama said in a brief news conference with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak…
The following is an open letter to Representative Gerlach asking him to reconsider his “No” vote on health insurance reform. A copy of this letter was also hand-delivered to his office.
Representative Gerlach: On November 4, 2008 I was one of the majority of voters in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District who voted for President Obama. Like so many others, I voted not only for the man and his leadership qualities, but also for his stance on the critical issues facing our country. I voted to change the status quo and to move this country in a better direction. One of the critical issues I voted to change is our nation’s health care system. It is widely recognized that the cost of our health insurance system is out of control. Costs continue to rise as quality of care diminishes. Health insurance reform is an economic necessity and it is a moral imperative. Far too many of your constituents go uninsured or underinsured every day. The Affordable Health Care for America Act, which you voted against, will provide quality, affordable choices for the millions of Americans who are uninsured. And the bill will bring down the high costs of care for American families and businesses, while lowering our deficit. Representative Gerlach: I urge you to reconsider your vote and support this much-needed legislation. This year, as a volunteer for Organizing for America, I’ve been reaching out to my neighbors in the 6th Congressional District, in support of President’s Health Reform Plan. I can report that the overwhelming majority of constituents with whom I, and dozens of other dedicated volunteers spoke with, support the President’s plan for reform. As you may recall, in September we delivered nearly 5,000 declarations to you from your constituents in support of the President’s plan. I am writing today on behalf of the thousands of your constituents who support the President’s plan to ask you, as our representative in Washington, to put aside partisan differences and vote for reform later this year.Those of us fortunate enough to have private health insurance through our employers are now in the “open enrollment period”. Two weeks ago, I was notified by my employer that my portion of my health insurance premium payments will increase by 30 percent. Let there be no doubt: I can unequivocally state that my payments are increasing at an alarming and unsustainable rate. Unfortunately, my situation is in no way unique.Make no mistake – I feel very fortunate to have health insurance coverage. Unlike many of your other constituents, I’ve not had to face the harsh pre-existing conditions clause, the tragic bankruptcy brought on by catastrophic health care issues, or the shocking expense of the Medicare prescription plan “donut-hole.”But there is hope. As the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches, I’m thankful that the President, Pennsylvania’s Senators, and the leadership in the House of Representatives all recognize our nation’s urgent need for Health insurance reform. I’m thankful for their diligent efforts to keep what’s working, and fix what’s broken. Representative Gerlach, I encourage you to join with us, the majority of your constituents, in support of passing meaningful health insurance reform this year. When the House takes up a final health insurance bill later this year, I call on you to listen to your constituents, reconsider your vote, and support the legislation that is consistent with President Obama’s principles of reform. Respectfully,Gregory M. Malvern, PA
Representative Gerlach:
On November 4, 2008 I was one of the majority of voters in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District who voted for President Obama. Like so many others, I voted not only for the man and his leadership qualities, but also for his stance on the critical issues facing our country. I voted to change the status quo and to move this country in a better direction.
One of the critical issues I voted to change is our nation’s health care system. It is widely recognized that the cost of our health insurance system is out of control. Costs continue to rise as quality of care diminishes. Health insurance reform is an economic necessity and it is a moral imperative. Far too many of your constituents go uninsured or underinsured every day.
The Affordable Health Care for America Act, which you voted against, will provide quality, affordable choices for the millions of Americans who are uninsured. And the bill will bring down the high costs of care for American families and businesses, while lowering our deficit. Representative Gerlach: I urge you to reconsider your vote and support this much-needed legislation.
This year, as a volunteer for Organizing for America, I’ve been reaching out to my neighbors in the 6th Congressional District, in support of President’s Health Reform Plan. I can report that the overwhelming majority of constituents with whom I, and dozens of other dedicated volunteers spoke with, support the President’s plan for reform. As you may recall, in September we delivered nearly 5,000 declarations to you from your constituents in support of the President’s plan. I am writing today on behalf of the thousands of your constituents who support the President’s plan to ask you, as our representative in Washington, to put aside partisan differences and vote for reform later this year.
Those of us fortunate enough to have private health insurance through our employers are now in the “open enrollment period”. Two weeks ago, I was notified by my employer that my portion of my health insurance premium payments will increase by 30 percent. Let there be no doubt: I can unequivocally state that my payments are increasing at an alarming and unsustainable rate. Unfortunately, my situation is in no way unique.
Make no mistake – I feel very fortunate to have health insurance coverage. Unlike many of your other constituents, I’ve not had to face the harsh pre-existing conditions clause, the tragic bankruptcy brought on by catastrophic health care issues, or the shocking expense of the Medicare prescription plan “donut-hole.”
But there is hope. As the Thanksgiving Holiday approaches, I’m thankful that the President, Pennsylvania’s Senators, and the leadership in the House of Representatives all recognize our nation’s urgent need for Health insurance reform. I’m thankful for their diligent efforts to keep what’s working, and fix what’s broken.
Representative Gerlach, I encourage you to join with us, the majority of your constituents, in support of passing meaningful health insurance reform this year. When the House takes up a final health insurance bill later this year, I call on you to listen to your constituents, reconsider your vote, and support the legislation that is consistent with President Obama’s principles of reform.
Respectfully,
Gregory M.
Malvern, PA
After stops in Japan, Singapore and China, and a final stop in South Korea today, President Obama is nearing the end of his first official trip to Asia.
Yesterday, President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao announced a far-reaching package of measures to strengthen cooperation between the United States and China on clean energy. The White House blog posted a good round up of the six new clean energy measures:
The U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center will facilitate joint research and development of clean energy technologies by teams of scientists and engineers from the United States and China, as well as serve as a clearinghouse to help researchers in each country. The U.S.-China Electric Vehicles Initiative will include joint standards development, demonstration projects in more than a dozen cities, technical roadmapping and public education projects, all aimed at eventual deployment of electric vehicles to reduce oil dependence.The U.S. China Energy Efficiency Action Plan will allow the two countries to work together to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, industrial facilities, and consumer appliances, culminating with an annual U.S.-China Energy Efficiency Forum, rotating between the two countries.The U.S. China Renewable Energy Partnership will facilitate development of roadmaps for wide-spread renewable energy deployment. A new Advanced Grid Working Group made up of American and Chinese developers and strategists will help plan for grid modernization in both countries, and a new U.S.-China Renewable Energy Forum will be held annually, rotating between the two countries.A 21st Century Coal Initiative, for which the two Presidents pledged to promote cooperation on cleaner uses of coal, will include large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration projects. A Shale Gas Initiative, will allow the U.S. and China to use experience gained in the United States to assess China’s shale gas potential, promote environmentally-sustainable development of shale gas resources, conduct joint technical studies to accelerate development of shale gas resources in China, and promote shale gas investment in China through the U.S.-China Oil and Gas Industry Forum, study tours, and workshops.The U.S. China Energy Cooperation Program will leverage private sector resources for project development work in China across a broad array of clean energy projects, to the benefit of both nations.
The U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center will facilitate joint research and development of clean energy technologies by teams of scientists and engineers from the United States and China, as well as serve as a clearinghouse to help researchers in each country.
The U.S.-China Electric Vehicles Initiative will include joint standards development, demonstration projects in more than a dozen cities, technical roadmapping and public education projects, all aimed at eventual deployment of electric vehicles to reduce oil dependence.
The U.S. China Energy Efficiency Action Plan will allow the two countries to work together to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, industrial facilities, and consumer appliances, culminating with an annual U.S.-China Energy Efficiency Forum, rotating between the two countries.
The U.S. China Renewable Energy Partnership will facilitate development of roadmaps for wide-spread renewable energy deployment. A new Advanced Grid Working Group made up of American and Chinese developers and strategists will help plan for grid modernization in both countries, and a new U.S.-China Renewable Energy Forum will be held annually, rotating between the two countries.
A 21st Century Coal Initiative, for which the two Presidents pledged to promote cooperation on cleaner uses of coal, will include large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration projects.
A Shale Gas Initiative, will allow the U.S. and China to use experience gained in the United States to assess China’s shale gas potential, promote environmentally-sustainable development of shale gas resources, conduct joint technical studies to accelerate development of shale gas resources in China, and promote shale gas investment in China through the U.S.-China Oil and Gas Industry Forum, study tours, and workshops.
The U.S. China Energy Cooperation Program will leverage private sector resources for project development work in China across a broad array of clean energy projects, to the benefit of both nations.
You can read the unabridged version and access fact sheets on coal, energy efficiency and electric vehicles here.
From the Washington Post:
Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid scrambled Tuesday to lock down votes behind a health-care bill that he may present as early as Wednesday…The leader was more outspoken in describing his measure, boasting to reporters: "Of all the bills we've seen, it'll be the best: saves more money, is more protective of Medicare, is a bill that's good for the American people."Preliminary estimates by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the legislation's official scorekeeper, have indicated that the Senate measure would cost far less than the bill the House approved last week, while lowering the federal deficit further over the long term, said several senior Democratic aides who have reviewed the CBO data…
Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid scrambled Tuesday to lock down votes behind a health-care bill that he may present as early as Wednesday…
The leader was more outspoken in describing his measure, boasting to reporters: "Of all the bills we've seen, it'll be the best: saves more money, is more protective of Medicare, is a bill that's good for the American people."
Preliminary estimates by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the legislation's official scorekeeper, have indicated that the Senate measure would cost far less than the bill the House approved last week, while lowering the federal deficit further over the long term, said several senior Democratic aides who have reviewed the CBO data…
From Talking Points Memo:
Last month Organizing for America solicited homemade health care ads from supporters, and today they released the winning video…In an email asking for donations to put the ad on television, David Plouffe says the Organizing for America Health Reform Video Challenge shows "our supporters' creativity and passion is more than a match for the slick ads and partisan spin doctors on the other side…"Plouffe said 3 million people watched the 1,000 ads submitted…
Last month Organizing for America solicited homemade health care ads from supporters, and today they released the winning video…
In an email asking for donations to put the ad on television, David Plouffe says the Organizing for America Health Reform Video Challenge shows "our supporters' creativity and passion is more than a match for the slick ads and partisan spin doctors on the other side…"
Plouffe said 3 million people watched the 1,000 ads submitted…
From the Santa Clarita Valley Signal:
Federal stimulus funds have saved nearly 350 jobs in the Santa Clarita Valley's five budget-strapped school districts."Our staff is much smaller than it was, but it would have been even smaller had we not gotten the stimulus money," said Sue Guthrie, chief financial officer for the William S. Hart Union High School District.The Hart district this year has cut 68 certificated positions - employees who work with kids in classrooms, including teachers - this year by eliminating vacant positions, offering retirement incentives and increasing class sizes.The stabilization funding that spared the districts from further cuts came from the $787 billion federal stimulus package. The money, which totals about $17 million for all five school districts, was designed to offset budget cuts and keep jobs in education…
Federal stimulus funds have saved nearly 350 jobs in the Santa Clarita Valley's five budget-strapped school districts.
"Our staff is much smaller than it was, but it would have been even smaller had we not gotten the stimulus money," said Sue Guthrie, chief financial officer for the William S. Hart Union High School District.
The Hart district this year has cut 68 certificated positions - employees who work with kids in classrooms, including teachers - this year by eliminating vacant positions, offering retirement incentives and increasing class sizes.
The stabilization funding that spared the districts from further cuts came from the $787 billion federal stimulus package. The money, which totals about $17 million for all five school districts, was designed to offset budget cuts and keep jobs in education…
From the Mesa Progressive Examiner:
...As a group here in Phoenix gathered at the Democratic headquarters downtown late Monday morning, the meeting got under way and the participants quieted down. The meeting started off by thanking the 15 or so people who had come from all over the valley to take part in this meeting and event. The speaker began by outlining the facts of the House bill passing with a 220-215 vote last Saturday. The plan was to split into districts and place calls to registered Democrats around the valley.The objective of these calls were split into a few simple segments. First was to ask if the person was available. Once reached the caller was to introduce themselves by name and as a volunteer with President Obama's group Organizing for America and ask how the caller was doing today.Once the initial pleasantries were finished, the caller jumped right to the point explaining that, as you may already know, the House of Representatives passed a health insurance reform bill with a public option. In District 5 our Representative Harry Mitchell supported this bill and we we're wondering if you'd mind taking a few minutes out of your day to call and thank Mr. Mitchell for his vote? The number for his local office was given and the volunteer reminded them that there is still one more vote that the House must take part in and encourage Mr. Mitchell to continue his support of the bill.The volunteer then informed the constituent that neither Sen. McCain nor Sen. Kyl support the bill and that it is extremely important to let them know that Arizonans will not stand quietly by if they vote against health insurance reform. They were then given both senators numbers and informed that the senate debate may start as soon as tomorrow, meaning that it cold go to a vote with little or no warning to the public…
...As a group here in Phoenix gathered at the Democratic headquarters downtown late Monday morning, the meeting got under way and the participants quieted down. The meeting started off by thanking the 15 or so people who had come from all over the valley to take part in this meeting and event. The speaker began by outlining the facts of the House bill passing with a 220-215 vote last Saturday. The plan was to split into districts and place calls to registered Democrats around the valley.
The objective of these calls were split into a few simple segments. First was to ask if the person was available. Once reached the caller was to introduce themselves by name and as a volunteer with President Obama's group Organizing for America and ask how the caller was doing today.
Once the initial pleasantries were finished, the caller jumped right to the point explaining that, as you may already know, the House of Representatives passed a health insurance reform bill with a public option. In District 5 our Representative Harry Mitchell supported this bill and we we're wondering if you'd mind taking a few minutes out of your day to call and thank Mr. Mitchell for his vote? The number for his local office was given and the volunteer reminded them that there is still one more vote that the House must take part in and encourage Mr. Mitchell to continue his support of the bill.
The volunteer then informed the constituent that neither Sen. McCain nor Sen. Kyl support the bill and that it is extremely important to let them know that Arizonans will not stand quietly by if they vote against health insurance reform. They were then given both senators numbers and informed that the senate debate may start as soon as tomorrow, meaning that it cold go to a vote with little or no warning to the public…
From David Plouffe:
After nearly 1,000 submissions, 20 amazing finalists, and more than 3 million views, we have the winner of the Organizing for America Health Reform Video Challenge. The winning video shows that our supporters' creativity and passion is more than a match for the slick ads and partisan spin doctors on the other side. In the next few days, we'll be using this video as the basis for a new television ad that will air across the country -- and you can help, by ensuring we have the resources to make the biggest impact. Check out the winning video and then donate $25 or more to help make sure as many people as possible see the final ad on national television. With Congress wrapping up its last round of negotiations and closely gauging the public's mood in these crucial final weeks, now is the exact time to get this grassroots message out far and wide. Your passion has brought our country closer to health reform than we've ever been before -- and it's what will keep our momentum strong so that we finish the job before the end of the year. So please watch the winning video, pass it on to everyone you know, and give what you can to spread the message on national television: http://my.barackobama.com/WinningVideo Thanks,David Plouffe
After nearly 1,000 submissions, 20 amazing finalists, and more than 3 million views, we have the winner of the Organizing for America Health Reform Video Challenge. The winning video shows that our supporters' creativity and passion is more than a match for the slick ads and partisan spin doctors on the other side. In the next few days, we'll be using this video as the basis for a new television ad that will air across the country -- and you can help, by ensuring we have the resources to make the biggest impact. Check out the winning video and then donate $25 or more to help make sure as many people as possible see the final ad on national television.
With Congress wrapping up its last round of negotiations and closely gauging the public's mood in these crucial final weeks, now is the exact time to get this grassroots message out far and wide. Your passion has brought our country closer to health reform than we've ever been before -- and it's what will keep our momentum strong so that we finish the job before the end of the year. So please watch the winning video, pass it on to everyone you know, and give what you can to spread the message on national television: http://my.barackobama.com/WinningVideo Thanks,David Plouffe
President Obama and President Hu Jintao of China met in private off Tiananmen Square here on a frigid Tuesday morning to discuss issues like trade, climate change and the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea, in a session that signaled the central role of China on the world stage…At a news conference where both presidents appeared, neither took questions from reporters, staying in line with the minutely stage-managed atmosphere of Mr. Obama’s first visit to China. They said in separate speeches that the two nations would work together to stabilize the teetering world economy, contain the dangers of climate change and prevent nuclear proliferation…Although it was carefully choreographed, the event gave Mr. Obama a little room to prod the Chinese authorities toward more openness. In his initial remarks at the forum, Mr. Obama said the United States was not seeking to impose its political system on other countries, but he called freedom of expression and worship among the “universal rights” common to all people…
President Obama and President Hu Jintao of China met in private off Tiananmen Square here on a frigid Tuesday morning to discuss issues like trade, climate change and the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea, in a session that signaled the central role of China on the world stage…
At a news conference where both presidents appeared, neither took questions from reporters, staying in line with the minutely stage-managed atmosphere of Mr. Obama’s first visit to China. They said in separate speeches that the two nations would work together to stabilize the teetering world economy, contain the dangers of climate change and prevent nuclear proliferation…
Although it was carefully choreographed, the event gave Mr. Obama a little room to prod the Chinese authorities toward more openness. In his initial remarks at the forum, Mr. Obama said the United States was not seeking to impose its political system on other countries, but he called freedom of expression and worship among the “universal rights” common to all people…
From the Philadelphia Inquirer:
Democrats are emailing thousands of people who backed Barack Obama last year in two GOP-controlled Pennsylvania congressional districts, asking them to protest their representatives' recent "no" votes on health care reform legislation.The email urges supporters to drop by the offices of Republican Reps. Jim Gerlach, of Chester County, and Charlie Dent, of Lehigh County, to complain in person. Both representatives voted against the health overhaul bill on Nov. 7.Organizing for America, the Obama campaign arm of the Democratic National Committee, is targeting the 32 Republican House members in districts carried by Obama who also voted against the reform bill, including Gerlach and Dent."Democracy is not a spectator sport. And right now, we need you in the game," Mitch Stewart, the director of OFA, wrote in the email. Representatives "must understand that caving to the well-heeled lobbyists in Washington, D.C. has consequences at the ballot box back home," the email says…
Democrats are emailing thousands of people who backed Barack Obama last year in two GOP-controlled Pennsylvania congressional districts, asking them to protest their representatives' recent "no" votes on health care reform legislation.
The email urges supporters to drop by the offices of Republican Reps. Jim Gerlach, of Chester County, and Charlie Dent, of Lehigh County, to complain in person. Both representatives voted against the health overhaul bill on Nov. 7.
Organizing for America, the Obama campaign arm of the Democratic National Committee, is targeting the 32 Republican House members in districts carried by Obama who also voted against the reform bill, including Gerlach and Dent.
"Democracy is not a spectator sport. And right now, we need you in the game," Mitch Stewart, the director of OFA, wrote in the email. Representatives "must understand that caving to the well-heeled lobbyists in Washington, D.C. has consequences at the ballot box back home," the email says…
From Roll Call:
If you’ve got a dog in the health care reform fight, you might want to keep this weekend open for another nail-biter vote — this time in the Senate…Democratic leaders told staffers Monday they expect that CBO score to be ready today. But even under the most optimistic scenarios, Senate Democratic aides said the chamber would be unlikely to vote on whether to start debate before Friday, and several said a Saturday or Sunday vote was more likely…“We’re confident Members will have all the information they need to assess this bill before we take it to the floor,” was all one senior Senate Democratic aide would say.The message leadership has been sending to fence-sitting moderates is that the delay in the debate over the Thanksgiving holiday should satisfy their demands that the American public be given enough time to review the bill before the amendment process starts when Congress returns on Nov. 30.Plus, aides are making clear that Reid’s mash of a Senate Finance Committee measure and a Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee bill is not written in stone.“It’s really just a starting point for negotiation with some Members to see what they need to secure their votes for final passage,” one Senate Democratic source said…
If you’ve got a dog in the health care reform fight, you might want to keep this weekend open for another nail-biter vote — this time in the Senate…
Democratic leaders told staffers Monday they expect that CBO score to be ready today. But even under the most optimistic scenarios, Senate Democratic aides said the chamber would be unlikely to vote on whether to start debate before Friday, and several said a Saturday or Sunday vote was more likely…
“We’re confident Members will have all the information they need to assess this bill before we take it to the floor,” was all one senior Senate Democratic aide would say.
The message leadership has been sending to fence-sitting moderates is that the delay in the debate over the Thanksgiving holiday should satisfy their demands that the American public be given enough time to review the bill before the amendment process starts when Congress returns on Nov. 30.
Plus, aides are making clear that Reid’s mash of a Senate Finance Committee measure and a Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee bill is not written in stone.
“It’s really just a starting point for negotiation with some Members to see what they need to secure their votes for final passage,” one Senate Democratic source said…
Every time we’re about to take a critical step on the road to passing health insurance reform, opponents of reform release another bogus report in a last-ditch effort to scramble progress.
In mid-October, just days before the Senate Finance Committee voted to pass reform legislation, Blue Cross Blue Shield and America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) released self-serving reports that falsely claimed health reform would increase costs for American families. PricewaterhouseCoopers, the firm retained by AHIP to write the report, undermined the credibility of their own work when it issued a public statement admitting they had produced a skewed analysis of only part of the bill because that is what the insurance industry paid them to do.
Now, as the Senate prepares to take up health insurance reform legislation, opponents of reform are at it again.
This morning the Washington Post reported that the Chamber of Commerce is proposing to spend $50,000 to hire a “respected economist” to write a report that would buttress the thoroughly debunked insurance industry claim that health reform would be harmful to the economy. Here it comes: another bogus report with a self-serving outcome that’s so flawed its hard to take seriously.
According to the Post:
Step two, according to the e-mail, appears to assume the outcome of the economic review: "The economist will then circulate a sign-on letter to hundreds of other economists saying that the bill will kill jobs and hurt the economy. We will then be able to use this open letter to produce advertisements, and as a powerful lobbying and grass-roots document."
Opponents of reform won’t let the facts get in the way of their efforts to defend to a status quo that has been so profitable for the insurance companies.
Last week, the Business Roundtable – which represents the chief executives of major U.S. companies – released a report showing that by 2019, large employers will spend $28,530 on health care costs per employee. With the cost containment measures included in health reform legislation, those same large employers stand to save $3,000 per employee. And an analysis by MIT Economist Jon Gruber determined that reform will save about 80,000 jobs in the small business sector over the next decade.
From the Associated Press
Politely but firmly pressing for greater freedoms on China's own turf, President Barack Obama spoke against censorship Monday, saying tough criticisms of political leaders should be allowed and the free flow of information on the Internet "should be encouraged."Opening his first-ever visit to China, a critically important U.S. partner on economic and security matters, Obama said crucial problems cannot be solved unless the world's only superpower and its rising competitor work together. "More is gained when great powers cooperate than when they collide," he said.But on a visit that had him wading into sensitive territory with his tightly controlled host country, Obama also openly prodded Beijing to accept what he called "universal rights.""We do not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation," Obama said at a town hall with Chinese university students, believed to be the most extensive such forum held by a U.S. president on Chinese soil. But, he said, such things as freedom of expression and worship, unfettered access to information and unrestricted political participation "should be available to all people, including ethnic and religious minorities, whether they are in the United States, China or any nation…"
Politely but firmly pressing for greater freedoms on China's own turf, President Barack Obama spoke against censorship Monday, saying tough criticisms of political leaders should be allowed and the free flow of information on the Internet "should be encouraged."
Opening his first-ever visit to China, a critically important U.S. partner on economic and security matters, Obama said crucial problems cannot be solved unless the world's only superpower and its rising competitor work together. "More is gained when great powers cooperate than when they collide," he said.
But on a visit that had him wading into sensitive territory with his tightly controlled host country, Obama also openly prodded Beijing to accept what he called "universal rights."
"We do not seek to impose any system of government on any other nation," Obama said at a town hall with Chinese university students, believed to be the most extensive such forum held by a U.S. president on Chinese soil. But, he said, such things as freedom of expression and worship, unfettered access to information and unrestricted political participation "should be available to all people, including ethnic and religious minorities, whether they are in the United States, China or any nation…"
From CQ Politics
President Obama’s 13 million-strong campaign e-mail list has been transformed into a mass political operation dedicated to enacting his agenda — along with its apparent readiness to help elect Democratic candidates and eventually re-elect the president…The operation began with a few people in a room with an e-mail list; Stewart and his deputy, Jeremy Bird, along with former Obama campaign manager David Plouffe — known as the steward of the campaign e-mail list.According to OFA officials, the group has now built a sprawling infrastructure to complement its vast membership. It now has offices, many housed within local Democratic Party outlets in 48 states, staffed by state directors, aides, local organizers and volunteers. The operation is sufficiently well-organized in that it has been able to organize numerous events on behalf of Obama’s health care overhaul initiative, one OFA official said. On Oct. 20, OFA generated more than 300,000 phone calls to Capitol Hill in support of the initiative…
President Obama’s 13 million-strong campaign e-mail list has been transformed into a mass political operation dedicated to enacting his agenda — along with its apparent readiness to help elect Democratic candidates and eventually re-elect the president…
The operation began with a few people in a room with an e-mail list; Stewart and his deputy, Jeremy Bird, along with former Obama campaign manager David Plouffe — known as the steward of the campaign e-mail list.
According to OFA officials, the group has now built a sprawling infrastructure to complement its vast membership. It now has offices, many housed within local Democratic Party outlets in 48 states, staffed by state directors, aides, local organizers and volunteers. The operation is sufficiently well-organized in that it has been able to organize numerous events on behalf of Obama’s health care overhaul initiative, one OFA official said. On Oct. 20, OFA generated more than 300,000 phone calls to Capitol Hill in support of the initiative…
From the Huffington Post
If there was any doubt that Senate Republicans are eager to drag their heels when it comes to health care reform, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) removed it on Sunday.The Kentucky Republican, during an appearance on "Fox News Sunday," demanded that the Senate take, at the very least, six weeks to deliberate legislation once it is sent to the floor for amendments."There will be a lot of amendments over a lot of weeks. The Senate is not the House, you saw in the House there was three votes and it was over in one day," McConnell warned. "This will be on the floor for quite a long time…"
If there was any doubt that Senate Republicans are eager to drag their heels when it comes to health care reform, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) removed it on Sunday.
The Kentucky Republican, during an appearance on "Fox News Sunday," demanded that the Senate take, at the very least, six weeks to deliberate legislation once it is sent to the floor for amendments.
"There will be a lot of amendments over a lot of weeks. The Senate is not the House, you saw in the House there was three votes and it was over in one day," McConnell warned. "This will be on the floor for quite a long time…"
From the Gloucester County Times
U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo can expect some visitors over his decision to vote against the Affordable Health Care for America Act.The Republican from Ventnor, who represents the 2nd District, is one of two members of the House of Representatives from New Jersey being targeted by the Democratic National Committee…“Last fall, voters in New Jersey’s 2nd and 7th Congressional Districts voted for President Barack Obama and sent Reps. Lance and LoBiondo to Congress,” said OFA State Director Samantha Gordon. “The House’s vote offered a choice for members — stand with your constituents and support reform, or side with the insurance companies by voting against reforming our broken health insurance system…
U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo can expect some visitors over his decision to vote against the Affordable Health Care for America Act.
The Republican from Ventnor, who represents the 2nd District, is one of two members of the House of Representatives from New Jersey being targeted by the Democratic National Committee…
“Last fall, voters in New Jersey’s 2nd and 7th Congressional Districts voted for President Barack Obama and sent Reps. Lance and LoBiondo to Congress,” said OFA State Director Samantha Gordon. “The House’s vote offered a choice for members — stand with your constituents and support reform, or side with the insurance companies by voting against reforming our broken health insurance system…
From the Commercial Appeal
Each e-mail began with the sender's name, complete mailing address and telephone number. They all basically said the same thing, just in different ways...By Monday night, I had had enough. So when Hines' message arrived at 9:17 p.m. -- just as my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers were applying a whipping to the Denver Broncos -- I decided to call her and find out, once and for all, what or who is behind this campaign to pester me night and day. I expected double talk or no response at all. But I got surprising candor. Hines, like most of the other messengers, is an ardent supporter of President Barack Obama and sincerely wants Congress to pass health care legislation...A registered nurse for 16 years, she often logs on to a pro-Obama Web site called Organizing for America. She and other e-mailers I talked to last week said they were prompted to send letters to their local newspapers expressing support for the bill and praise for their local U.S. representative who voted for passage. The Organizing for America site gives supporters step-by-step instructions for sending the letter and includes some talking points for them to use. But the site stresses that the letter should contain the writer's personal story about why they support universal health care legislation. Through the magic of the Organizing for America site, each letter directed to The Commercial Appeal ended up in my e-mail box...
Each e-mail began with the sender's name, complete mailing address and telephone number. They all basically said the same thing, just in different ways...
By Monday night, I had had enough. So when Hines' message arrived at 9:17 p.m. -- just as my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers were applying a whipping to the Denver Broncos -- I decided to call her and find out, once and for all, what or who is behind this campaign to pester me night and day.
I expected double talk or no response at all. But I got surprising candor. Hines, like most of the other messengers, is an ardent supporter of President Barack Obama and sincerely wants Congress to pass health care legislation...
A registered nurse for 16 years, she often logs on to a pro-Obama Web site called Organizing for America. She and other e-mailers I talked to last week said they were prompted to send letters to their local newspapers expressing support for the bill and praise for their local U.S. representative who voted for passage.
The Organizing for America site gives supporters step-by-step instructions for sending the letter and includes some talking points for them to use. But the site stresses that the letter should contain the writer's personal story about why they support universal health care legislation.
From the Lancaster New Era
Lancaster resident Adele Taylor Ulrich is a dancer, choreographer, movement therapist and political activist. She is, in a word, busy."I've considered giving up eating and sleeping," she quipped in an interview, which was shoehorned into her jampacked schedule…Much of her time these days is spent volunteering for Organizing for America, President Barack Obama's grass-roots political organization.As OFA's community organizer for Lancaster, Ulrich has been running phone banks, and canvassing for support on behalf of the president's push for health care reform. Since the U.S. House of Representatives passed its health care bill, the battle over reform has moved to the Senate."It's going to be quite a fight, so we're working very hard to educate people," Ulrich said…During the presidential primaries, Ulrich got a call from a friend, who was a local field organizer for the Obama campaign. Her friend asked Ulrich to open her home as a staging location for campaign staff and volunteers.Still in pain from her cancer treatments, Ulrich agreed. That very evening, a half-dozen or so campaign staffers were at her dining room table, and Ulrich was all in…
Lancaster resident Adele Taylor Ulrich is a dancer, choreographer, movement therapist and political activist. She is, in a word, busy.
"I've considered giving up eating and sleeping," she quipped in an interview, which was shoehorned into her jampacked schedule…
Much of her time these days is spent volunteering for Organizing for America, President Barack Obama's grass-roots political organization.
As OFA's community organizer for Lancaster, Ulrich has been running phone banks, and canvassing for support on behalf of the president's push for health care reform. Since the U.S. House of Representatives passed its health care bill, the battle over reform has moved to the Senate.
"It's going to be quite a fight, so we're working very hard to educate people," Ulrich said…
During the presidential primaries, Ulrich got a call from a friend, who was a local field organizer for the Obama campaign. Her friend asked Ulrich to open her home as a staging location for campaign staff and volunteers.
Still in pain from her cancer treatments, Ulrich agreed. That very evening, a half-dozen or so campaign staffers were at her dining room table, and Ulrich was all in…
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.
