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Healthcare Bill Passes

Mon, 03/22/2010 - 07:00 — Rottenchester

Eric Massa wasn't there to vote on it, but the main reform bill passed by a vote of 220-211 last night. Massa's vote wouldn't have made a difference either way, no matter what he said when he was flailing around and making accusations a couple of weeks ago.

Comments

Mon, 03/22/2010 - 07:27 — Rich the Retiree (not verified)

As I watched the debates on C-Span, my constant thought was that we people of the 29th NY were not represented AT ALL... regardless of how Massa would have voted.

Mon, 03/22/2010 - 12:49 — Down in Cuba (not verified)

I couldn't agree more. It is very disturbing that they would pass a bill with full knowledge that it needs fixed. It's analogous with paying full price for a car that needs an engine. Oh, and the Stupak thing is just a big smokescreen. That executive order won't be worth the paper it's written on. If it the executive order had any teeth, then it would probably be struck down as an unconstitutional exercise of authority akin to the line item veto. The president cannot simply manipulate and change the letter of a law by executive order.

Mon, 03/22/2010 - 13:16 — Rottenchester

It really is a settled matter that the Hyde Amendment governs all federal funding of abortion. All that executive order does is to restate that fact. There's nothing unconstitutional in that.

Why don't you read it and make up your own mind:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/03/21/one-more-step-towards-health-i...

It isn't that long, and it isn't hard to read. Here's the last part:

Section 4. General Provisions.
(a) Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) authority granted by law or presidential directive to an agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This Executive Order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This Executive Order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees or agents, or any other person.

It was a fig leaf compromise for Stupak, one that really wasn't needed, and even a group of Catholic nuns said so. Many pro-life Dems had already changed their vote by the time Stupak changed his.

Mon, 03/22/2010 - 15:40 — Down in Cuba (not verified)

I hadn't given much thought to the Hyde Amendment. We'll see how it goes. Any word on a special election or Democratic candidate yet?

Mon, 03/22/2010 - 19:55 — groundhum (not verified)

I had the same thought, so I adopted Louise Slaughter. But then I also pretend my tax dollars only support parks, healthcare, roads, &c.

Mon, 03/22/2010 - 20:19 — Rich the Retiree (not verified)

groundhum .... I like your attitude. I might adopt Louise Slaughter too...... or maybe Dan Maffei. I liked Mike Arcuri until he put politics above principle on healthcare. Massa at least stood by his principles....... at least in his political life.

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 12:41 — Anonymous (not verified)

Stood by his principles in his political life?!? Sexually harrassing his staff? Accepting corporate money? Lying to his constituents about why he was leaving office several times? Oy, need more discretion on that one.