Images of House Call 2 - We lost Round 1 - Onto Round 2

They rolled out the bill, it went close to 2,000 feet

Congresswoman Bachmann wearing a lei that was given to her by a couple who came from Hawaii to attend this event.

As you can see, I stayed late into the evening.  Michele Bachmann gave us passes to watch the vote.  It was interesting.

Democratic No Votes

Adler



Altmire


Baird


Barrow


Boccieri


Boren


Boucher


Boyd


Bright


Chandler


Childers


Artur Davis


Lincoln Davis


Chet Edwards


Gordon


Griffith


Herseth-sandlin


Holden






Kissell


Kosmas


Kratovil


Kucinich


Betsy Markey


Marshall


Massa


Matheson


McIntyre


McMahon


Melancon


Minnick


Scott Murphy


Nye


Peterson


Ross


Shuler


Skelton


Tanner


Taylor


Teague

Even The Washington Post Doesn't Like This Bill

Saturday, November 7, 2009






MUCH OF the criticism of the health-care measure before the House of Representatives is overwrought. Another part is simply wrong. Unfortunately, that does not mean that this is a good bill. As we have said, it does not do enough to control costs, and it is not funded in a sustainable way. Expanding coverage for the uninsured is imperative, but so, too, is getting the country on a credible fiscal path.






As an example of the hyperbole, take the ludicrous assertion by Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) that the Democratic measure "is the greatest threat to freedom that I've seen in the 19 years I've been in Washington." Come on. The proposal has been endorsed by the American Medical Association and the AARP, hardly wild-eyed radicals.






As an example of the simply wrong, take the assertions that the measure would result in insurance subsidies for illegal immigrants and federal financing of abortions. The House bill explicitly states that illegal immigrants are not eligible for federal insurance subsidies or to enroll in the public option. Although the language is being negotiated, the bill would, unlike the Senate Finance Committee version, permit illegal immigrants to purchase insurance on their own through the newly created exchanges. This should be welcomed, not discouraged. Fewer uninsured people means less uncompensated care costs dumped on hospitals, and it would bring younger, healthier people into the exchanges. In other words, the illegal immigrants would be helping the federal treasury, not draining it.






The controversy over abortion funding is similarly phony. Federal law prohibits the use of federal money for abortions except in cases of rape, incest or where the life of the mother is endangered. The House bill would leave that restriction in place. It would exclude abortion from the list of benefits that plans participating in the insurance exchange would be required to offer. Instead, the exchanges would have to include one plan that covers abortion, along with one that doesn't. Even so, the plans that cover abortion would have to take steps to make sure that federal funds are segregated from those used to pay for abortions.


Now to our concerns. The measure would cover 36 million more Americans, according to the Congressional Budget Office. That would be a major achievement. And yet: At what cost? The CBO says that the measure would be fully paid for -- in fact, it would bring in money -- both during the first 10 years and in the following decade. But will the planned cuts to Medicare spending be implemented -- or will they be abandoned once they start to pinch? That is a risk, and the measure does not include enough other ways to get health-care costs under control. The bill would help spur needed changes in Medicare reimbursements to reward quality rather than quantity of care. But it is missing two important elements that the Senate Finance Committee bill begins to address: a commission to remove at least some of the politics from the business of determining Medicare payment policies and a tax on high-cost insurance plans. The House bill instead taxes the rich, tapping revenue that will be needed to narrow the overall federal deficit.






The House will probably pass the bill. But there's a lot of work to be done before its final enactment will be possible -- or desirable.

Liberal Logic - Do as I say, or go to jail

H.R. 3962 provides that an individual (or a husband and wife in the case of a joint return) who does not, at any time during the taxable year, maintain acceptable health insurance coverage for himself or herself and each of his or her qualifying children is subject to an additional tax.” [page 1]







“If the government determines that the taxpayer’s unpaid tax liability results from willful behavior, the following penalties could apply…” [page 2]






“Criminal penalties






Prosecution is authorized under the Code for a variety of offenses. Depending on the level of the noncompliance, the following penalties could apply to an individual:






• Section 7203 – misdemeanor willful failure to pay is punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year.






• Section 7201 – felony willful evasion is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years.” [page 3]

Updated Hit List - Congress is in Session Tomorrow - Melt the fax and phone lines

Targeted House of Representative Members







Rep. Michael Arcuri, New York 24th


http://arcuri.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-3665, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1891


Local Office Number: (315) 252-2777/2778, Local Fax Number: (315) 252-2779






Rep. John Boccieri, Ohio, 16th


http://boccieri.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-3876, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3059


Local Office Number: (330) 489-4414, Local Fax Number: (330) 489-4448






Rep. Allen Boyd, Florida, 2nd


http://boyd.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-5235, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5615


Local Office Number: (850) 561-3979, Local Fax Number: (850) 681-2902






Rep. Christopher Carney, Pennsylvania, 16th


http://carney.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-3731, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-9594


Local Office Number: (570) 585-9988, Local Fax Number: (570) 585-9977






Rep. Gerald "Gerry" Connolly, Virginia, 11th


http://connolly.house.gov/index.html


DC Office Number: (202) 225-1492 DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3071


Local Office Number: (703) 256-3071, Local Fax Number: (703) 354-1284






Rep. Henry Cuellar, Texas 28th


http://cuellar.house.gov/


DC Office Number: 202-225-1640, DC Fax Number: 202-225-1641


Local Office Number: (210) 271-2851, Local Fax Number: (210) 277-6671






Rep. Steve Driehaus, Ohio, 1st


http://driehaus.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2216, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3012


Local Office Number: (513) 684-2723, Local Fax Number: (513) 421-8722






Rep. Chet Edwards, Texas, 17th


http://edwards.house.gov/


DC Office Number: 202-225-6105, DC Fax Number: Fax: 202-225-0350


Local Office Number: (979) 691-8797, Local Fax Number: (979) 691-8939






Rep. Brad Ellsworth, Indiana, 8th


http://www.ellsworth.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-4636, DC Office Fax: (202) 225-3284


Local Office Number: (812) 465-6484, Local Fax Number: (812) 422-4761






Rep. Bob Etheridge, North Carolina, 2nd


http://etheridge.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-4531


Local Office Number: (919) 829-9122






Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Arizona, 8th Voting Yes


http://giffords.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2542, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-0378


Local Office Number: (520) 881-3588, Local Fax Number: (520) 322-9490






Rep. Deborah "Debbie" Halvorson, Illinois, 11th


http://halvorson.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-3635, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3521


Local Office Number: (815) 726-4998, Local Fax Number: (815) 726-8024






Rep. Paul W. Hodes, New Hampshire, 2nd


http://hodes.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-5206, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2946


Local Office Phone: (603) 223-9814, Local Fax Number: (603) 223-9819






Rep. Jay Inslee, Washington, 1st


http://www.house.gov/inslee/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-6311, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-1606


Local Office Number: (360) 598-2342, Local Fax Number: (360) 598-3650






Rep. Paul Kanjorski, Pennsylvania, 11th


http://kanjorski.house.gov/


DC Office Number: 202-225-6511, DC Fax Number: 202-225-0764


Local Office Number: 570-825-2200, Local Fax Number: 570-825-8685






Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Ohio, 9th


http://www.kaptur.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-4146, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7711


Local Office Number: (419) 259-7500, Local Fax Number: (419) 255-9623






Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona, 1st


http://kirkpatrick.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2315, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-9739


Local Office Number: (928) 226-6914, Local Fax Number: (928) 226-2876






Rep. Ron Klein, Florida, 22nd


http://www.klein.house.gov/index.html


DC Office Number: (202) 225.3026, DC Fax Number: (202) 225.8398


Local Office Number: (561) 544-6910, Local Fax Number: (561) 544-2864






Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, Florida, 24th


http://www.kosmas.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2706, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-6299


Local Office Number: (407) 208-1106, Local Fax Number: (407) 208-1108






Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich, Ohio 10th


http://kucinich.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-5871


Local Office Number: (216) 228-8850






Rep. Jim Langevin, Rhode Island, 2nd


http://langevin.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2735, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5976


Local Office Number: (401) 732-9400, Local Fax Number: (401) 737-2982






Rep. Stephen Lynch, Massachusetts, 9th


http://www.house.gov/lynch/


DC Office Number: 202-225-8273, DC Fax Number: 202-225-3984


Local Office Number: 617-428-2000, Local Office Fax: 617-428-2011






Rep. Daniel B. Maffei, New York, 25th


http://maffei.house.gov/


DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3701, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4042


Local Office Number: (315) 423-5657, Local Fax Number: (315) 423-5669






Rep. Ed Markey, Massachusetts, 7th


http://markey.house.gov/


DC Office Number: 202-225-2836


Local Office Number: 781-396-2900






Rep. Alan B. Mollohan, West Virginia, 1st


http://www.mollohan.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-4172, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7564


Local Office Number: (304) 292-3019, Local Fax Number: (304) 292-3027






Rep. John Murtha, Pennsylvania, 12th


http://www.murtha.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2065, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5709


Local Office Number: (814) 535-2642, Local Fax Number: (814) 539-6229






Rep. Glenn C. Nye III, Virginia, 2nd


http://nye.house.gov/index.html


DC Office Number: (202) 225-4215, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4218


Local Office Number: (757) 326-6201, Fax: (757) 326-6209






Rep. Tom Perriello, Virginia, 5th


http://perriello.house.gov/index.html


DC Office Number: (202) 225-4711, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5681


Local Office Number: (434) 293-9631, Local Fax Number: (434) 293-9632






Rep. Gary Peters, Michigan, 9th


http://peters.house.gov/index.html


DC Office Number: (202) 225-5802, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-2356


Local Office Number: (248) 273-4227, Local Fax Number: (248) 273-4704






Rep. Nick Rahall, West Virginia, 3rd


http://www.rahall.house.gov/index.html


DC Office Number: (202) 225-3452


Local Office Number: (304) 325-6222






Rep. Laura Richardson, California, 37th


http://richardson.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-7924, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7926


District Office Number: (202) 225-7924, District Fax Number: (202) 225-7926






Rep. Ciro Rodriguez, Texas 23rd


http://www.rodriguez.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-4511, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2237


Local Office Number: (830) 757-8398, Local Fax Number: (830) 752-1893






Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, Maryland, 2nd


http://dutch.house.gov/


DC Office Number: 202-225-3061, DC Fax Number: 202-225-3094


Local Office Number: 410-628-2701, Local Fax Number: 410-628-2708






Rep. Linda Sanchez, California, 39th


http://lindasanchez.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-6676


Local Office Number: (562) 860-5050






Rep. Kurt Schrader, Oregon, 5th


http://schrader.house.gov/index.html


DC Office Number: (202) 225-5711, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5699


Local Office Number: (503) 588-9100, Local Fax Number: (503) 588-5517






Rep. David Scott, Georgia, 13th


http://davidscott.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2939, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4628


Local Office Number: (770) 210-5073, Local Fax Number: (770) 210-5673






Rep. Adam Smith, Washington, 9th


http://adamsmith.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-8901


Local Office Number: (253) 593-6600, Local Fax Number: (253) 593-6776






Rep. Peter Visclosky, Indiana, 1st


http://www.house.gov/visclosky/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2461, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2493


Local Office Number: (219) 795-1844, DC Fax Number: (219) 795-1850






Rep. David Wu, Oregon, 1st


http://www.house.gov/wu/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-0855, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-9497


Local Office Number: (503) 326-2901, Local Fax Number: (503) 326-5066






Rep. John Adler, New Jersey 3rd


http://adler.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-4765, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-0778


Local Office Number: (732) 608-7235, Local Fax Number: (732) 608-7268






Rep. Jason Altmire, Pennsylvania 4th


http://www.altmire.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2565, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-2274


Local Office Number: (724) 378-0928, Local Fax Number: (724) 378-6171






Rep. Brian Baird, Washington 3rd


http://www.baird.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-3536, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2478


Local Office Number: (360) 695-6292, Local Fax Number: (360) 695-6197






Rep. John Barrow, Georgia 12th


http://www.barrow.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2823, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3377


Local Office Number: (706) 722-4494, Local Fax Number: (706) 722-4496






Rep. Melissa Bean, Illinois 8th


http://www.house.gov/bean/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-3711, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7830


Local Office Number: (847) 517-2927, Local Fax Number: (847) 517-2931






Rep. Marion Berry, Arkansas 1st


http://www.house.gov/berry/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-4076, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5602


Local Office Number: (870) 972-4600, Local Fax Number: (870) 972-4605






Rep. Rick Boucher, Virginia 9th


http://www.boucher.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-3861, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-0442


Local Office Number: (276) 628-1145






Rep. Dennis Cardoza, California 18th


http://www.house.gov/cardoza/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-6131, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-0819


Local Office Number: (209) 383-4455, Local Fax Number: (209) 726-1065






Rep. Travis Childers, Mississippi 1st


http://childers.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-4306, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3549


Local Office Number: (662) 841-8808, Local Fax Number: (662) 841-8845






Rep. Jim Costa, California 20th


http://www.house.gov/costa/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-3341, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-9308


Local Office Number: (559) 495-1620, Local Fax Number: (559) 495-1027






Rep. Artur Davis, Alabama 7th


http://www.house.gov/arturdavis/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2665, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-9567


Local Office Number: (205) 752-5380, Local Fax Number: (205) 752-5899






Rep. Joe Donnelly, Indiana 2nd


http://donnelly.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-3915, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-6798


Local Office Number: (574) 288-2780, Local Fax Number: (574) 288-2825






Rep. Parker Griffith, Alabama 5th


http://griffith.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-4801, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4392


Local Office Number: (256) 551-0190, Local Fax Number: (256) 551-0194






Rep. Baron Hill, Indiana 9th


http://baronhill.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-5315, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-6866


Local Office Number: (812) 288-3999, Local Fax Number: (812) 288-3873






Rep. Steve Kagen, Wisconsin 8th


http://kagen.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-5655, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5729


Local Office Number: (920) 437-1954, Local Fax Number: (920) 437-1978






Rep. Daniel Lipinski, Illinois 3rd


http://www.lipinski.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-5701, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1012


Local Office Number: (312) 886-0481, Local Fax Number: (773) 767-9395






Rep. Jim Marshall, Georgia 8th


http://jimmarshall.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-6531, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3013


Local Office Number: (478) 464-0255, Local Fax Number: (478) 464-0277






Rep. Jim Matheson, Utah 2nd


http://www.house.gov/matheson/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-3011, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5638


Local Office Number: (801) 486-1236, Local Fax Number: (801) 486-1417






Rep. Michael E. McMahon, New York 13th


http://mcmahon.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-3371, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-1272


Local Office Number: (718) 351-1062, Local Fax Number: (718) 980-0768






Rep. Michael Michaud, Maine 2nd


http://michaud.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-6306, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2943


Local Office Number: (207) 942-6935, Local Fax Number: (207) 942-5907






Rep. Harry Mitchell, Arizona 5th


http://mitchell.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2190


Local Office Number: (480) 946-2411






Rep. Collin C. Peterson, Minnesota 7th


http://collinpeterson.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2165, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1593


Local Office Number: (218) 847-5056






Rep. Mike Ross, Arkansas 4th


http://ross.house.gov/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-3772, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1314


Local Office Number: (870) 881-0681, Local Fax Number: (870) 881-0683






Rep. Ike Skelton, Missouri 4th


http://www.house.gov/skelton/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-2876


Local Office Number: (816) 228-4242






Rep. Bart Stupak, Michigan 1st


http://www.house.gov/stupak/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-4735, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4744


Local Office Number: (906) 786-4504, Local Fax Number: (906) 786-4534






Rep. Gene Taylor, Mississippi 4th


http://www.house.gov/genetaylor/


DC Office Number: (202) 225-5772, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7074


Local Office Number: (228) 864-7670, Local Fax Number: (228) 864-3099

Can You Make it One More Time - House Call 2

Tomorrow at one p.m. Congressman King will join his Republican colleagues and Americans from across the nation seeking to have their voices heard in the health care debate for a second House Call press event. Republicans and other participants will deliver a message that the American people reject a government takeover of health care.







What: Second Health Care “House Call” on Washington






Who: Republican Members of Congress Americans concerned about our health care future Other Guests - TBA






When: Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.






Where: U.S. Capitol

A Little Buyer's Remorse? - Bill Owens, A Poltician Through and Through

After the election bid of Hoffman failed, I decided to read a little of the local press.  After doing so, I understood why the people voted the way that they did.  The residents of that district felt like Hoffman was looking at the campaign as political statement instead of what it was.  A race to elect someone who was going to represent them and thier interests.  Maybe they should have gone for the national statement. 

GOUVERNEUR, NY - Congressman-elect Bill Owens was sworn in at noon today.




Owens indicated in a press release that he was now in favor of the bill in direct contrast to his earlier position during his campaign.

According to Politico.com, Mr. Owens assured voters that he felt the public option had no place in the health care reform bill. Contrary to that position, Mr. Owens now indicates that he intends to vote in favor of the bill even though it now contains a public option.

Mr. Owens also indicated during his campaign that he was firmly opposed to cutting Medicare benefits, taxing health care benefits, and increased taxes on the middle class in any way as you can see clearly in the screenshot below, taken directly from Mr. Owens' campaign website.

The House Health reform bill contains sections that cut Medicare benefits, tax existing health care benefits, and increases taxes on the middle class, yet Mr. Owens stated today that he will now vote in favor of those things contrary to what he had promised the voters of NY's 23rd Congressional District that he would vote against.

Mr. Owens indicated in his press release today that "This legislation will reform the insurance industry and provide increased access to affordable healthcare without taxing healthcare benefits, cutting Medicare benefits or raising taxes on the middle class, and that is exactly the direction we need to go."

When The Gouverneur Times attempted to contact Mr. Owens to clarify this information, we received no direct response to our phone or email inquiries. Both FactCheck.org and the Congressional Budget Office agree that HR 3962 contains potentially hundreds of billions of dollars in planned cuts to Medicare, yet Mr. Owens indicates that he supports this legislation and says that it does not cut Medicare benefits. Either Mr. Owens has been snowed or the public is about to be.

HR 3962 also includes a range of various taxes on middle-class families as well as language to repeal tax relief already in place. Has Congressman Owens blindly followed Ms. Pelosi's rhetoric in believing that the end to a tax cut is not the same thing as an increase in taxes or is he hedging his bet with very carefully chosen words?

HR 3962 now also contains language that allows illegal immigrants to be covered under the legislation. When The Gouverneur Times attempted to contact Mr. Owens for clarification of this language, we received no response other than the press release heretofore mentioned. Specifically, we asked if illegal immigrants would be forced to purchase healthcare insurance as citizens will be and whether or not they would be forced to do so at standard rates or if they would qualify for the public option subsidy.

The Associated Press said this morning that: "House leaders said that, in keeping with the Hispanic Caucus' demands, there was not likely to be any prohibition added to the House bill against illegal immigrants shopping in the exchange."

In a speech made to Congress a short time ago, President Obama had stated that the bill would not contain support for illegal immigrants - a statement for which he was called a "liar" by Rep. Joe Wilson. Rep. Wilson was severely chastised for his comment at the time though it would now seem to be true.

The mixed-up mess that was the 23rd Congressional District Special Election was a close race between Democrat Bill Owens and Conservative Doug Hoffman. Many feel that it was unlikely Mr. Owens would have won those crucial few thousand votes if the voting public was aware of his intent with regard to the Health Care bill. The majority of residents in this district do not support the Health Reform bill as it is now written and many feel like they've become victims of a fraud perpetrated by their chosen candidate.

Breaking campaign promises is not unusual for politicians... it's a cliche. This is almost certainly a record though. Mr. Owens broke no less than 4 promises in his first 24 hours in office

CBO Estimate

EFFECTS ON INSURANCE COVERAGE /a


2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019



(Millions of nonelderly people, by calendar year)


Current Law Medicaid & CHIP 40 39 39 38 35 34 35 35 35 35 So, are they estimating that the amount of poor children is going down, or they won't have coverage?


Coverage /b Employer 150 153 156 158 161 162 162 162 162 162


Nongroup & Other /c 27 26 25 26 28 29 29 29 30 30


Uninsured /d 50 51 51 51 51 51 52 53 53 54


TOTAL 267 269 271 273 274 276 277 279 281 282


Change (+/-)


Medicaid & CHIP * -1 -2 8 7 13 14 14 15 15 This coverage is specifically for children.

Employer 1 1 1 12 11 7 7 7 7 6 This is all proof one needs that employer based insurance will be phased out. The above numbers say without changes 162 million would be covered by employer based insurance in 2019. With this bill that number would only increase by 6 million. Which means 8 million people will lose employer based insurance.

Nongroup & Other /c * * * -3 -4 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6


Exchanges 0 0 0 9 14 19 20 20 20 21


Uninsured /d * * 1 -25 -28 -34 -34 -35 -35 -36

10th Ammendment and HealthCare - CBO Report

Hey Speaker, this is why people are asking if this bill is unconstitutional. 

In addition, the bill would preempt state and local laws that conflict with or are in addition to new federal standards established by the bill. Those preemptions would limit the application of state and local laws, but CBO estimates that they would not impose significant costs.


As conditions of federal assistance (and thus not mandates as defined in UMRA), the bill also would require state and local governments to offer health insurance to their employees and would require “maintenance of effort” payments associated with high-risk pools. New requirements in the Medicaid program also would result in an increase in state spending.

page 9 of the CBO estimate

On The Rino Hunt

Yesterday, we decided to thank a few people.  We stopped by the offices of Jim Demint and Joe Lieberman in our travels.  On our way to Senator Warner's office we came upon this little scene. 

This was a group of people who came up from South Carolina.  They were meeting with Senator Graham.  The senator was talking taxes with them when we walked up.  One of the couples are self-employed and the credit situation has been tough on them.  They are unable to get a loan and may have to shut down thier business.  I didn't quite follow everything that the Senator was saying, but they were discussing how the differences between fair tax and flat tax.  He was trying to explain that the poltical agenda drives the tax code.  We needed to keep moving along.  My fellow 9-12'r, who is a nurse at a teaching hospital in DC, told him that he needed to just say no to Cap and Tax.  I told him that while we can't vote for him, we can fund his opponent.  He told me that I should move to South Carolina, get this, so I could pay taxes there.  I was dumbfounded. 

I was not able to meet with some of the people that I wanted to meet with yesterday.  So, I am going back today.  I will let you know how that goes.  I checked and they are in session today. 

Some Angry Mobsters

CNN's Blog Comments on Tea Party Coverage

thousands demanstrated in washington.cnn where is the pan out pictures thousands thats a pretty large crowd.lets see these thousands of TEA BAGGERS.COME ON GET YOUR REPORTERS ON THE GROUND.I THINK THOUSANDS IS EXAGRATED. SHOW US  You want to see mine?



WWJD?



If these "christians" are "living examples" of Christ, He would let those living in poverty and without health insurance, die.


This is the reason we can't get anything done: ignorant, angry, paranoid bigots who are afraid of change. Were you saying this when dems didn't go along with President Bush? 



Don't listen to them. Keep the fire-hose on stand-by if they get to rowdy, and don't cover it. Adults throwing temper tantrums aren't news.


You notice that every day its the same rightwing heckler using many names on here.Shes an escaped mental patient thats sits home all day thinking of things to say and do against her government.


Bachmann is as much an idiot as Palin and anyone who believes them couldn't be too bright.either. I hope these are just typo's, because otherwise you shouldn't be saying anything about someone being bright. 


Hey Republicans it's turn abouts fair play, when you held the majority in the House and Congress the Democrat didn't have a prayer either of getting their way.........so BITE IT!! The last poll I saw was that 58 percent of Americans supported this Health Bill and today AARP and the American Medical Asso. are behind it........so to bad.......all you Republicans are looking out for just yourself and not the needs of the rest of the people in this country who need Health Care.......and all we can see is that you are continueing to put up Road Blocks for this administration.......the Party of NO at it again !!!!!!  Ok, 1. Republicans can't stop this bill.  Blue dog democrats are what is keeping it from passing.  2. The AMA only represents about 10% of all doctors.  3. The AARP is going to make a small fortune by selling the policies that will take the place of Medicare Advantage that is going to be gutted by this bill. 






Are all these protesters independently wealthy: or stay at home moms/dads: or did they take the day off work to protest: or are they currently unemployed and taking advantage of the extended unemployment benefits and at the same time protest government spending???????????? Yes, we took the day off from work. 


These Teabaggers are getting quite pathetic. It appears no election is good enough except when they win. Why not try yo become that "loyal opposition" the Democrats were for the previous 8 years. What world is this person living in? 



A MAJORITY of Americans are in favor of a Public Option. Not from the polls I have seen



The AMA has signed on to the bill as written.


AARP is on board.
Who's left out? Big Insurance, Big Pharma and their supplicants. No, sorry; big pharma is on board.  The president gave them all kinds of goodies. 


When you get 2 million people, let us know, we'll listen. But until then, STFU, you were beat and you are worthless dirt bags (obviously with no jobs too). If 10 million showed up outside your house, you still wouldn't believe it. 



I support health care reform. The health care bill cost needs to be reduced to $900 billion or below, but otherwise, I support it. As far as people being arrested, whatever happened to the law and order conservatives? The law shouldn't apply to them? They should be glad there weren't dogs and fire hoses. People were arrested for trying to speak to someone in Nancy Pelosi's office.  She called the police on Americans instead of sending an aide out to talk to people. 
 
um, I am sorry, but michelle "NUTJOB" bauchman is CRAZY! Shes dangerous and scary. She is like beck and limpballs trying to start violence in this country! SHAME on her, and honestly, she should be put in a cage! Oh and video guy, the country DOES respect Pelosi, and get used to her, she is NOT going anywher! Ok, first you need to spell her name correctly.  Bachman is a true conservative who speaks her mind, not a nut.  Pelosi's approval rate is lower than 30%

Tea Party, Halls of Congress, and Me

Many patriots showed up today to "Kill the Bill". 

It was an interesting day.  People being arrested for trying to speak to OUR employees. 

YES, PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED!!!!

Joe Lieberman was blocked into getting into his office.  The accepting left was boycotting him and singing him songs about AETNA. 

It was Chaos trying to get into the congressional buildings. 

Had a very interesting run-in with Lindsay Graham. 

I do have some pictures and video, but I am dealing with some personal issues today.  I will post shortly.