Durbin: I Don't Think A Vote On Health Care Will Be Possible Before Recess
For the last couple weeks, health care reformers have been grasping at a thin reed of hope that the Senate would vote on a reform bill before adjourning for August recess. That reed might have just disappeared altogether.
"We're going to take a little longer to get it right," said Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin according to The Hill. "Initially we had hoped for a full vote by then, but I don't think it's going to be possible."
As I noted earlier today, the Senate schedule--which will likely include a four day debate over the confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor--leaves precious little room to complete a lengthy debate over health care legislation. Unless Democrats decide to delay recess, it looks like the Senate will not be voting on a complete bill until September.
Josh
Matt
Eric
Brian
Then delay the recess. Why is this somehow so difficult to consider?
July 22, 2009 5:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Dick would know. He's as close to the president as anyone.
July 22, 2009 5:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
How many of us can blow off a critical deadline from our bosses? Especially; one that we have known about for months. Would we lose our jobs? our bonuses?
Sen Harry Reid, the majority leader from hell, must lose his job if the Senate does not have a bill before he recesses the Senate. There is no acceptable execuse for this epic failure of leadership. Harry, you must resign as majority leader if you can not do the job!
July 22, 2009 5:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Then no recess....or at least delay until this gets done.
Historically this recess was based on the August heat in DC. News flash: we now have air conditioning. It's time for them to step up and do the job they've been "hired" to do.
July 22, 2009 5:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
There sure isn't any consensus among Democrats about this. The Administration is saying one thing, Pelosi another, Waxman another, and now Durbin.
But whatever, they've known this was looming for the entire year. There's no reason why recess shouldn't be delayed.
July 22, 2009 5:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
And if you'd like to call and leave a message for Mr. Durbin:
WASHINGTON, D.C.
309 Hart Senate Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
9 am to 6 pm
(202) 224-2152 - ph
(202) 228-0400 - fx
July 22, 2009 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Harry Reid used to be a boxer? Maybe he had all the courage and backbone punched out of him.
July 22, 2009 6:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sign Jane Hamsher's petition here at FDL. No recess until we have health care reform:
http://action.firedoglake.com/page/s/dontdelay?source=fdlemail
July 22, 2009 6:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Please do not delay Senator. Delay your vacation if you have to but not Health Care Reform.
July 22, 2009 7:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Please do not delay Senator. Delay your vacation if you have to but not Health Care Reform.
July 22, 2009 7:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Durbin and the other knuckle dragging Dems better remember 1992! If they do not claim the power the voter gave them ---the voter will take it back!..Over 70% of the voters want reform..the Insurance Co profits have increased to 428% since 2000 and the lobbyists for healthcare are pouring $1.4 million a DAY into the coffers of Congress!
Enough..call them 1.800.828.0498.
Repubs are being allowed to win this in the media...thar is why Obama MUST take to the airwaves...the dem's are totally lacking in intestinal fortitude!
July 22, 2009 7:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
No recess until the vote.
July 22, 2009 9:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
You are all missing the point. The Senate cannot pass this bill BEFORE going on recess. If they did that then no one would try to influence them with huge campaign contributions WHILE they are on recess. Max Baucus alone would stand to lose millions at his upcoming summer camp for entire health industry families. You all act as if Senators cared more about sick and dying people than huge campaign contributions, and I can assure you that is not the case.
July 22, 2009 10:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Said it before, I'll say it again. The problem is not the Republicans. The problem is that even with a strong majority in the House and a filibuster proof majority in the Senate, we still can't get our act together and get the bill passed. This is a problem with the Democrats needing to the get their house in order. Period.
July 23, 2009 1:56 AM | Reply | Permalink