TPMDC
Out One Day Early? Reid Suggests Final Health Care Vote Could Come Tomorrow
Democratic Senators Harry Reid, Chris Dodd and Tom Harkin
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First, a major DC snowstorm called into doubt whether health care reform legislation could pass the Senate by Christmas. Now, a major midwest ice storm is making it possible that the bill might pass earlier than expected.
In response to a question from TPMDC at a press conference this morning, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he remains hopeful that a final vote on health care might happen tomorrow
"We are focused on one thing, and one thing alone, and that is passing this bill," Reid said. "We hope to be able to debate tomorrow. Certainly with ice storms coming to the midwest, we hope that we can finish tomorrow and not have to be here [Christmas eve]."
Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) confirmed to me after the event that there's an effort underway to speed the process along, so that members can get home before the midwest gets pummeled.
"I think there's some effort on that regard, but that's at a different pay grade than mine."
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Darrius
December 22, 2009 11:42 AM
This is possible. Republicans may see that the bill is going to pass anyway and forfeit the last filibuster so that they can go home for Christmas. Why sacrifice Christmas for an effort that you know you'll lose, and that no one will be paying attention to because they are celebrating Christmas?
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Bill From PA
December 22, 2009 1:30 PM
Quote: 'Why sacrifice Christmas for an effort that you know you'll lose, and that no one will be paying attention to because they are celebrating Christmas?'
You are crediting the wingnuts with logical thought. To appease the tea-baggers they must resist until the very end, after all, Byrd might drop dead at any moment.
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Dsfast
December 22, 2009 2:14 PM in reply to Bill From PA
Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Health Care Reform. I am sure Santa will reward the Republicans for being good by letting every one go home to be with their families.
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EnnuiDivine
December 22, 2009 3:40 PM in reply to Bill From PA
You know, that's actually a pretty sizeable concern. The ailing 92yr old Byrd wasn't used to these kinds of hours when he first entered Congress (back in the early 1950s...)
It could very well be the only reason why the GOP is forcing the vote: Byrd might not make it. Then they can gloat about killing the healthcare bill while the longest serving Senator in United States history dies. You know, compassionate conservatism at its best.
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ondioline
December 22, 2009 2:27 PM
Politicians really, really, really need to drop this "above my pay grade" line. It's clunky. It's not funny. It does nothing but remind the common man and woman that their "pay grade" is significantly less than that of a sitting Senator.
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EnnuiDivine
December 22, 2009 3:38 PM
At this point, it's sure looking like the Republican Caucus just hates spending time with family. This is absolutely a lost cause for the GOP; why would they want to spend time trying in vain to block a vote on legislation that is all but guaranteed to pass...unless they really loathe the idea of spending Christmas Eve at home with loved ones. War on Christmas, indeed.
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