In the early morning hours Monday, Senate Democrats cleared their first procedural hurdle in what has become a no-holds-barred effort to pass a version of president Barack Obama’s socialized medicine plan before Christmas.
All forty Republicans – even the RINOs – voted against moving the legislation forward.
The 1:00 a.m. vote effectively shuts off further debate on the legislation, setting the stage for final passage of the bill on Christmas Eve.
Between now and then there are four remaining procedural votes to be cast – all of which are expected to break along the same 60-40 split, a margin that was guaranteed when Nebraska Democrat Ben Nelson was bought off over the weekend by Senate President Harry Reid.
What the hell is even in the latest version of this 2,700 page, $871 billion monstrosity?
Well, other than the bribes for Nelson and Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, no one really knows for sure … because the version lawmakers will ultimately vote on is still being written by Reid and Obama administration officials behind closed doors.
So much for transparency being the “touchstone” of the new administration …
What are we sure of at this point?
First, the bill’s cost estimates are way off the mark because they project only partial implementation of the vast array of new federal benefits being doled out. The actual cost of the bill that will be voted on Thursday could end up being as high as $2.5 trillion.
In addition to these fudged budget numbers there is the so-called “death” of the public option, which has given way to an Orwellian-empowered U.S. Office of Personnel Management. This is the government agency that will manage a multi-state exchange.
So it’s still government-run health care, in other words …
Stay tuned for a wild week, people.
By Ynot December 21, 2009 at 7:16 am
Clyburn got us nothing. He just gave em his vote- no strings.
By lars December 21, 2009 at 7:37 am
The US Post Office is in the red.
Medicaid is broke.
Social Security is in the red.
Medicare is broke.
And now, the hopelessly corrupt and inept government is taking over another 16% of our economy.
Hope and change!
By wade December 21, 2009 at 7:44 am
I suspect the new health bill, crafted behind locked doors, in the wee hours of the night, will be something like the stimulus bill—Democrat-represented districts have received twice as much funding as Republican-represented districts.
So we will all have to vote (D) in order to get the best medical care and the most expensive pharmaceuticals.
We are all Democrats now!
By sunnyvaleboy December 21, 2009 at 8:40 am
The Republican plan ‘stay healthy or die young’ is a much better plan.
By laney December 21, 2009 at 9:50 am
valley boy,
Go to your nearest health department.
Inhale deeply.
Thrice.
Welcome to ObamaCare!
By courier72 December 21, 2009 at 11:04 am
Laney, so what are you trying to say? The health department does not dispense routine medical care anyway.
By laney December 21, 2009 at 11:58 am
In fifteen years, all doctors offices will be no different than the health departments of today.
Get used to the wait.
Also, don’t bother calling your doctor’s office after 4:30.
Or on weekends.
Or on all government holidays.
We are all good government workers now.
By laney December 21, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Don’t worry, though.
Your Democrat leaders will have the best platinum coverage that taxpayer’s money can buy.
Just like Fidel-who built the most modern hospital in all of Cuba in his front yard–just for him and his family-only.
By sunnyvaleboy December 21, 2009 at 1:40 pm
luney…Enjoy your koolade.
By Liberty For Me December 21, 2009 at 2:18 pm
sunnyvaleboy….You are a one dimensional tool..You don’t get something for nothing.There is no money you idiot.I am glad it passed though.The faster we go broke .The sooner we can rebuild without all this socialist bullshit
By No Way! December 21, 2009 at 8:12 pm
I am ready to send everyone of the Democrats home, Obama included! They want control over my healthcare, I will send them a pink slip!
By James the Foot Soldier December 21, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Obamacare is the BIGGEST gift the republican party will EVER receive – the 2010 red tide tsunami is going to make 1994 look like a ripple in a pond.
By peoplefromcharlestonwalkonwater? December 22, 2009 at 8:29 am
Who is going to pay for all their private jets to get home on christmas eve? I know I know the ones who take up the … every time they do anything anyways