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Schumer: Opt-Out Is 'The Best Compromise' That Can Potentially Get 60 Votes
Eric Kleefeld | October 26, 2009, 3:31PM
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
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Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has released this statement, on Harry Reid's announcement of a public option proposal that includes an opt-out mechanism for states:
"Leader Reid has always been a strong supporter of a public option that could help keep the insurers honest, and today he showed just how deep his commitment is. The public option has new life because as Americans have learned more about it, they have come to see it is the best way to reduce costs and increase competition in the health insurance industry. This form of public option is not exactly what either liberals or moderates would want. But a public plan based on a level playing field, with an opt-out for states, is the best compromise that has the potential of getting 60 votes in the Senate."
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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
October 26, 2009 3:36 PM
"Potential to get 60 votes." "Close to 60 votes."
I sure hope NCBS of NC doesn't spend all my premium dollars trying to pressure Kay Hagan to vote "no," because I'm going to have an ulcer before this is done. And a stroke's not out of the question. (Fortunately, I have group coverage, so they can't call being a Democrat an undisclosed pre-existing condition and try to deny my claim.)
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Steve LaBonne
October 26, 2009 3:44 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
This is why I thought and continue to think that reconciliation is the way to go despite its pitfalls. Even leaving aside the turncoats 60 Democratic votes don't really exist because of Byrd's incapacity. I think they'll en up having to use reconciliation in the end, I suppose there's maybe some benefit in having tried to get to 60 first (but also some risk in terms of unnecessarily watering down the bill).
For the future the filibuster just needs to go. For every right-wing initiative or appointee it's blocked there have been 100 progressive ones. It has never worked in our favor on balance.
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kash79
October 26, 2009 3:44 PM
Can someone list likely 9 dems + lieb who would "potentially" vote for the GOP filibuster or against the cloture?
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The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
October 26, 2009 3:51 PM in reply to kash79
Can't get to nine, but there are at least five--in order of likelihood based on their public statements:
Bayh, Landrieu, Nelson, Lincoln and Lieberman. If one of those five breaks ranks, the other four plus potentially even Conrad could join in.
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kash79
October 26, 2009 3:53 PM in reply to The Commenter Formerly Known as NCSteve
Thanks
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cr8nguy
October 26, 2009 5:13 PM in reply to kash79
Landrieu said she isn't inclined to support a filibuster cause the GOPers haven't taken this seriously.
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kash79
October 26, 2009 3:48 PM
I didn't get to watch the presser. Looks like the bigger objective appears positive, while minor fights will be hard to win.
Is there a timeline in mind when the bill may come to the senate floor for vote? And what is happening on the congressional side in terms of the timeline? What is the 2014 deadline? Is it the deadline for states to opt-out? If so, what is the likley timeline begin enforcing new refores [If passed and signed]?
Any responses on one or more questions welcome. Thanks
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21stCenturyMan
October 26, 2009 4:28 PM
There will not be any defections from the Democratic Caucus; all 60 members will vote for cloture, though not necessarily for the final bill. Obama knows, and the Democrats know that failure to pass this healthcare reform bill would soon return their party to minority status. Obama wants to ge re-elected; the Democrats want to remain in power, so it is clear to all sixty members - you filibuster with the Republicans and your political career is over. No chairmanships and a well funded opponent in their next primary is what a defector would get, and they know it. Some will vote against the final bill but only because they know there will be at least 50 yes votes and Biden to break the tie. At this point it is pure survival, and the only way the Democrats win is to pass this bill.
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Captain Dan
October 26, 2009 6:13 PM
It is impossible to keep insurers honest when they have never been honest. Health insurance companies are the crooked thieves, almost as bad as Haliburton and other war profiteers.
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