Washington (CNN) – To debate or not to debate the Senate's health care reform bill; that is the question.
The legislative body on Saturday is expected to vote on whether to begin debate - also known as invoking cloture - on its version of the health care bill, which was introduced Wednesday by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Reid says the 2,074-page bill would expand health insurance coverage to 30 million more Americans at an estimated cost of $849 billion over 10 years. A House bill was passed nearly two weeks ago.
Proceedings begin at 10 a.m. 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 in the 100-member Senate to overcome a certain GOP filibuster attempt and open the chamber's debate on the bill. It would take another 60 votes to close debate that could last for weeks, while final approval of the bill would require only a simple majority.
So how will the Democratic leadership get the magic number 60?
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
What to expect? A lot o "No's.." unless Reid has agreed to buy more votes with China's loan money...
"Landrieu says she's concerned about the bill's costs to small businesses and individuals, and says she's opposed to a public health insurance option "that will undermine the private insurance market.""
That is by far, the most retarded and blatant double speak ever uttered. The costs of the bill REDUCE the deficit, while the current private sector is RAPING america in HIGH costs, and MURDERING them as well (to the tune of 45000 americans per year). They are putting small businesses OUT of business and are killing the individuals. Private insurance DOES NOT WORK, unless you are in favor of a DEATH PANEL, you will vote yes for a public option. Because as it stands, Private Insurance IS the death panel.
It is a horrific problem if ONE industry accounts for SIXTEEN percent of your GDP. If they are raping us that much, then they MUST be controlled. It would be a MORON who wouldn't see the benefit in reclaiming a large portion of that SIXTEEN percent, and using it to SAVE americans for a change, rather then SLAUGHTER them under the current PRIVATE HEALTH CARE system.
Speaking for the hundreds of thousands of like-minded independent democrats, I had better not see any democrats or independents siding with the GOP on Saturday.
Payback will be swift and terrible
This isn't on topic, but I just had to bring it up for these loony Teabaggers.
GWB: As for his own decision last fall to approve the $700 billion bank bailout, Bush said he was forced to ignore his "free market instincts" to avoid a "global financial catastrophe."
He called the decision "one of the most difficult of my presidency."
Did you get that Teabaggers??
A word for my 2 Democratic senators whom I have consistently supported: If you support this health plan as proposed you have lost all support from me and anyone I can influence. Plain simple, this is a theoretical good idea proposed as garbage, expensive garbage.
No Government run anything , just make the rules.
No limits on personnal decisions ie abortion.
No requirement for the purchase health insurance.
Nothing should be free for anyone.
The native Americans must sign on as US citizens or go sovereign.
No coverage at all for illegal immigrants.
No taxes on businesses, just incentives to cover more of their own.
No freebies for Lousiana or other "troubled" states.
Apply the KISS principle. Keep it Simple stupid
Is there any question that the Republicans will vote against debate of the health care bill on Saturday? Many Democrats will vote for it. The only question is whether enough Democrats will bote to debate the issue.
Are the Republicans just plain stubborn or do they worry that the Dems might just prevail. A member of the GOP and some Democrat needs to explain why they cannot support health care reform but have voted to maintain a war for eight years. I would really like to see how much money we have spent over the last eight years on the war. I wonder if it would cover health care reform.
"So how will the Democratic leadership get the magic number 60?
They'll use the usual carrot and stick methods. It's already been reported that the bill now contains $100 million in "earmarks" for Louisiana's Mary Landrieu . There'll be something similar for Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas or they'll twist her arm in a closed door meeting based on what support they'll withhold from her in the future. If a lobbyist bribed or threatened a Senator there'd be hell to pay but it's OK if it's their leadership.
We expect our elected representatives to vote their conscience. It's too bad that their leadership doesn't have any, only a political win at all costs mentality.
I am a wealthy Arab. I invest heavly with American health insurance companies. This DEM proposal on health care insurance will undermine my portfolio in that the Health insurance companies will not make sizable profits and pay me the will deserved dividents that I deserve. I ask all Americans to rise up and stop this insane proposal dead in its tracks.
How could any Senator of either party NOT vote to begin the formal DEBATE on this most important issue? That is why we elect our legislators – to debate, analyze, argue, amend and ultimately pass legislation by a majority vote. Those are the rules of our Republic.
I will be totally ashamed if the "Republican" party refuses to debate ths issues as a loyal opposition, and "kicks the can forward" to block health care reform for another 70 years (as it tried to in the 1930s)!
The Republicans are full of tripe... wasn't it the GOP who wanted to outlaw the filibuster when the Dems took control in 2006? Republicans are traitors, plain and simple, and offer no real solutions to today's problems, except tax cuts for the rich...well SCREW YOU!
The GOP and their enablers such as Rush, Palin, Hannity, and Beck The Clown are nothing but obstructionists.
Hope for you you'll have it,, it's about time
I said it before and will say it again, the Republicans (all of them) would vote down health care for their own mothers!!
Palin is the greatest energizer of the Democratic party. She will offer up a landslide of votes for the left.
Landrieu . . . ."she's opposed to a public health insurance option "that will undermine the private insurance market.""
Excuse me, Senator Landrieu??!!!! Were you elected to represent the private insurance companies or were you elected to represent the people of your state??? I think you've got your priorities back-assward and you'd better get them straight or I think you may find yourself out of a job!
"And I expect the GOP to finally realize that the people want this."
The problem is the "this" in your statement. No one can say for sure exactly what the "this" is.
After 10 years of paying attention to the Republicon party, I am still wondering what they are for. And if they do actually stand for anything, did they deliver it when they they had control of the White House, Senate, Congress (and Supreme Court)?
Because all I have seen from them are temper tamtrums, foot stomping and coming up with evil ways to deceive the American people. (oh yes, and trying their darndest to make sure the Democrats don't accomplish anything that would actually help American Families).
Can anybody tell me why Republicans are so against American families?
Vote for cloture – it's the only way anything will get done with the obstructionist Republicans.
The GOP's policies are proven failures and they've said they want our President and by extension, our country, to fail.
The Republicans have shown time and time and time again that they are more concerned about their party, power and money.
The time is now for real health care reform, including a robust public option, no opt-out for states, and no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
In addition to the cost savings, reform like this will create and maintain a healthier, more productive populace.
Which we will need as we move ahead with smart, renewable energy, cutting-edge technological developments and a sustainable economy.
You know, all the stuff that has and will in the future make our country great.
GOP = Party Before Country
If Reid continues to buy off members he will get the 60 votes. I only hope that there are one or two of these Senators won't fall for the bribe.
He is buying them off with our tax dollars, he is the worst Majority leader ever, in fact he is an even worse Senator. He looks like he is in a perpetual coma!
This bill is whats retarded , if passed the working class will end up being taxed out the wazzo to pay for the welfare class (as usual) and will have worse health care to show for it. Why burden so many for so few. Congress needs a lesson in economics 101.
Pass this bill and get over with.
November 20th, 2009 4:59 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
You dumb gullable Americans , I read one comment on here stating that Sarah doesn't change her views on anything and that she's honest .........well gullable Americans poor Ole Sarah hasn't made it to Washington yet , and if she ever does she'll change her stripes just like any other politician , when will you lame Americans wake , your senators and congressman are all self serving , you may have one in Washington that may have the actual intentions of helping , but when you have the other side intention puttung up road blocks things will never get done in this country.........why ? because their selfserving , their main goal is to take care of the wealthy , wallstreet and each other .......you and me were just rocks on the side of the road to them....
"Moderate Democrat", your rant qualifies you to be a "Liberal Democrat" and possibly even a "Left Wing Looney.
Please put in your application for an upgrade as soon as possible. Don't forget to include the $29.95 healthcare tax on your application. It will go to fund the $100 million in earmarks promised Mary Landrieu for her vote.
Expect the Democrats to wither because 1 out of 5 people who happen to be nutjobs think this is a bad idea because they heard the fat gas bag tell them so, and expect the Republicans to pout, pump their chests, ACT like outraged chimpanzees (who are actually smarter than the Republicans) and expect the GOP to take orders from their coorporate masters (I know it sounds so cliche but it's true, just ask Boehner).
Ken Lay has to get paid, but Martha can go to jail for $30,000.
Great work knuckleheads.
Have anyone of you read the bill not someone else reading for you but you.
Go Sarah go go...
sounds a lot like:
Go Hillary, go go, about a year and a half ago,
hmmmmmmm?
Makes you wonder who kept that "movement" going for so long.
Don't worry, Reid offered Landrieu $100 million to help her state pay health care costs in exchange for her vote.
This bill may reduce the deficit in the near term but only because they will be collecting tax for 4 years before the benefits actually kick in. I am all for health care reform but this bill is NOT reform. It is utter garbage filled with accounting methods that do not apply to the real world.
Republicans, Lieberman and flimsy so called moderate 'Democrats' are PATHETIC.
Of course the insurance industry is raping and fleecing the public. Health care should not be for profit. That's a disgrace.
How can any Senator justify not bringing it to the floor for debate? I want to hear what both sides have to say. A vote not to debate tells me that they're not confident their position will stand up to examination.
To all of our representatives and senators in DC. I will make a deal with you. Lets pay for our federal deficit BEFORE we launch the single most expensive piece of legislation in History. If you can do that, then I will believe that you will be able to provide cost effective health care reform.
No, no we don't want this!!!
Reid and his gang need to STOP ramming this health care down the American peoples throats!
I like my plan and I don't want to be paying for eveyone else!!
STOP!!
If this monstrosity passes, get ready to pay at LEAST $1,000 a year for the next 10 years to pay for free health care for the unemployed, uninsurable, homeless, illegal aliens, and fraudsters...all why you're reasonable health care coverage is called "Cadillac" and gets watered down or taxed.
Welcome to Obama's "double dip" recession!
You say you are going to take out $500 billion from medicare put more that 15 million more people on medicare and it won't cost us a penny more. Anyone who believes this is just plain stupid.
I hope you people love the public option. I am sure Obama and Congress will be happy to be covered by the same plan middle class Americans will have. Sure they will !!!
Simply, admirable what you have done here. It is fabulous to see you verbalize from the heart and your clarity on this significant subject can be easily seen. Fantastic post and will look forward to your incoming update.
victim of democrat hypocrisy wrote: "... get ready to pay at LEAST $1,000 a year for the next 10 years to pay for free health care for the unemployed, uninsurable, homeless, illegal aliens, and fraudsters..."
Let's try to think more clearly. What you are saying is: Get ready for hospitals, physicians, and companies selling medical supplies to overcharge and overbill. That is what is happening to Medicare now. Overbilling and cheating the government has become business-as-usual for our nations health care corporations. We need to put some CEOs in the slammer to send a message. We don't like America's corporations cheating America's tax payers.
It will be interesting to see how many Senators are willing to sacrifice their political career by voting for the biggest tax increase and government boondoggle since Obama's porkulus plan.
Anyone who thinks this plan will work is already so far gone on drugs that healthcare won't matter.
Only 1% of Americans qualify for the public option and the Republican lies continue about "takeover" and "socialism". I hope the bill passes just to annoy the Republican do nothing, delay, finger point, fear-monger, hate, scare and play dumb soap opera theatrics.
Cluster Fox will have all their usual ministry of propaganda lies on tonight hyping up scare tactics and showing old video clips of rallies from 1 years ago.
How will the Democratic leadership get the magic number 60? Lie, Lie, Lie, and Lie
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh it's tome to move to China. We have all our jibs there and we owe them sooooooooo much money any way. Let them and their health care system take care of us!
Its sad but I think Reid will get his votes. We the taxpayers are going to suffer down the road paying for it. I still would like to know what they consider affordale healthcare. This means how much for an individual if they want to buy into the government plan vs. private.
Pay attention people....take note of everyone who supports this boondoggle government takeover and vote them out of office!
Expect a bunch of arm twisting from the socialist one. It won't pass however, because we aren't that far left yet. In another few years we will be with the addition of illegal aliens.
Why are members of Congress so intent on passing a bill that a majority of U.S. citizens do not want? Are they crazy, or are we?
Let's cross our fingers that the debate is allowed to start.
"Straight up or down vote," the republicans used to say. How sad that they oppose it now. Apparently, it is a bad use of policy only when it hurts their own particular agendas.
Hypocrites.
This bill is a cancer that will only spread if you allow it to pass on to the floor for debate! The President and Dingy Harry will promise the moon, but their promises as usual will be washed out in the final bill! These "leaders" are proven liars and too inept to actually perform real health care reform (read: NOT government take over of the entire health care system in this country)!
What to expect if it passes....the bankruptcy of America. This is just another welfare program we can't afford. Seriously, the existence of health insurance is part of the reason why costs are inflated. If we had to pay cash, not bill a third party, costs would be driven down as the healthcare industry adapted to supply and demand. We also need to end all punitive lawsuits, and block illegals from receiving anything more than emergency care if they can't pay cash up front.
We've already seen just how bad social security, medicare, and other government programs are. Only an idiot would want more of this.
It always seems that when people don't want what you want, you just label them "obstructionist."
I had great hopes (even the audacity of hope) for Obama's pledge for bi-partisanship, but apparently the definition of bi-partisanship is that everyone should agree with you. There has been no honest dialogue because many of the democrats say, "We won!" - therefore, bow down before us. Victory is often short-lived.
Everyone who is in favor of this bill (or the House bill) including those in the Senate should be required to read all 2,000 pages. Anyone who does read it fully will find a plethora of problems.
The major problem in America today is that so many fail to think - they just take positions.
the three cowards will vote for debate, then Dirty Harry will call for a vote knowing he only needs 50 votes and then releasing the 7 senators most likely to be defeated so they can lie and tell us they voted against obamacare...typical leftists liberal hypocrits.
Congress.org will get the 60 Votes it need to pass this Health Care BIll
and will become law by the end of the Year. Do anyone think that the U. S. Senate work fast enough to get this bill on Pres. Obama desk by the year 's end?
The private Insurance industry has become unaffordable,it time to try something new.
This health care bill has to be debated and passed .Many citizens didn't want Medicare ot Social Security either. Now they have lawyers sue for their fair share.
It's shameful what's happening in this country with much needed health care reform. Repubs just want to continue with the lies greed and collusion of the HC industry. I can't believe ther's not one among them that will stand up for what's right for the people... not what's right for their party. Just politics as usual. What a sad bunch...
Remember all people need health care insurance , even the ones that cant afford it. .
This piece of brilliant legislation will levy a fine on people without health care insurance.
So how the hell are they going to afford the fine if they cant afford to
buy the health care insurance.
No matter what happens on Saturday they have a long way to go on health care. All I will say in they better start finding some jobs and quickly or nothing else will matter in this country.
Going though a long holiday season with some many people hurting is only going to compound the problem so they best get busy with what counts!
I pray the more intelligent Democrats, and Independant Joe realize what they need to do, and vote this down. Robbing Peter to pay Paul...
If this passes, 25 or so years down the road, we'll be reporting to a government board to assign us our vocations.
Since I am still waiting, and probably will wait forever, for a valid and honest alternative from the Republicans; since we're talking about the number one reason for personal bankrupticy in the US; and since the CBO said that it has its merits (aka have chances to work)...
VOTE IT AND PASS IT!!!!
Let democracy work, forward to the debate. Then all you people who hate Health-care reform so much can get back to the business of scaring everyone. You know throwing a billions dollars away to save millions dollars. It's thankless work and just a little bit sadistic.
Let no one sleep or eat
Oh and don't forget BRIBES, BRIBES, BRIBES, BRIBES -wouldn't want any demmies coming to their senses!
Let democracy work, forward to the debate. Then all you people who hate Health-care reform so much can get back to the business of scaring everyone. You know throwing billions dollars away to save millions dollars. It's thankless work and just a little bit sadistic.
I'm from Canada and I'd like to ask you to stop pay attention to these GOP sponsored adds about Canadians not being able to access care!
Yes, we pay for healthcare through taxes but at least we don't have to worry about money on our way to the emergency room. No one and I repeat no one has gone bankrupt in this country due to being sick. I can see my family physician anytime I want and I've never had any problems accesing specialist care and evidence based tests. Despite being a conservative,I'm glad to pay tax to ensure healthcare for all because I love my country and its people. I also know that better health means improved productivity and therefore results in better economy.
if you believe this administration and majority dems are out to help the downtrodden and helpless to get healthcare you are deluded and a should pay attention to history, the goal is obvious, once you own the health of americans you own their freedom. stack that on top of owning the banks and big business and your socialist outcome is realised.
BTW
CNN every story about OBAMA is usually 99% PRO O and full of glowing love from his supporters, but if the blogs go negative there will be only 10 blog posts and then permalinked. I notice EVERY story about Palin has 300 or more negative nasty blogs that border on hysteria, why all the hate??? Your bias is showing way too often..
I doubt this get posted
Having paid my own private health insurance for a few months, and the Provider (Regency) raise the monthly premium $50/month while I made no claims whatsoever, I think this plan will benefit most Americans and I hope it passes. The Americans it won't benefit? The fat-cats who have bled America's economy white.
But the game ain't over. The fat cats will next try to sabotage the bill before it goes into effect. Stay vigilant people, watch your congressman, don't let him become a corrupt minion (anymore than he/she already is) of the Insurance industry.
This should separate those with a pair and those that really represent the insurance cartels. How sad and disgusting that the American people have been put through this farce.
We live in a corporate controlled serfdom with socialism for the rich and capitalism for the poor. The America I grew up in is long gone. Now it is run by Bernie Madoffs and Ken Lays who are purchasing our “Democracy” one Senator at a time. They get the bailouts while the weak minded in our once great land are hypnotized by Glenn Beck and other talking heads paid to create a cult of Republicanism that says: benefiting the richest 1% justifies crushing the bottom 30% in a never ending tangle of health care costs and broken promises. Fear is what they sell, fear designed to paralyze your reason and ignore common sense. The common sense would be: if the Government can run Fire Departments, Post Offices, Police and Emergency Services and the Military why couldn’t they do what every other industrialized nation does: Run Healthcare.
One final note: Obama is just another member of the new Political Class that accepts corporate sponsorship rather than a mandate from the very people that pay the taxes and bills that run what is left of our once great land. So don’t hold your breath regarding a bill that has some of the most powerful forces on earth arrayed against it.
Robbing Peter to pay REID!!!! Pay off the national debt first.
Fast, seek God and his will will be done! Fast!! Fast!
This democratic majority was elected for a reason; let's hope they don't forget.
NEVER trust a bill that is passed between Friday and Monday.
Congress always votes on decent legislation during the week, and tries to ramrod crappy bills on the weekend. It happened with the House version of this POS as well. If this was a sweetheart of a bill, they'd vote on it on a Tuesday, drum their chests about it all week, and then fly home to blow smoke up their constituent's butts all weekend long.
Bad news in Washington always surfaces on the weekend. People in the White House are let go on Friday afternoon, in the hopes that questions won't have to be answered for 2.5 days. Babs Boxer and committee admonishes Burris, a fellow Democrat, on Friday.
There's a pattern here, people: Feces occurs on the weekend in DC!
Why do they have to vote on Saturday night? I didn't know the senators worked on weekends.
Senator!
If you are going to vote no at the end, why waist our time and resources at this economic times and even start the debate!?