Jan 26 2010
Spratt is Key to Health Care Reconciliation
Maybe. David Waldman of The Daily Kos makes the case that the fate of the Democrats’ lack of health care reform bill is in the hands of my very own Congressman, John Spratt. In a nut shell, as chairman of the House Rules Committee, Spratt can put together a package of changes, attach them to H.R. 3200, the original bill that made it out of committee in early fall, then present it to the House Rules Committee and pave the way for reconciliation. Waldman has spelled it out in a bit more detail, but that is the general idea.
It’s an interesting proposal, one that could put Spratt in an unusual pickle. Does he support the President’s ill fated agenda and ram this through as suggested above? After all, according to rumor, Spratt wanted permission from Queen Pelosi to vote against the health care bill in the House and he was denied. He’s proven to not have the testicular fortitude to stand up to the power brokers and listen to the people he actually works for, me and the other residents of the Fifth Congressional District. A move on reconciliation would almost ensure Spratt’s defeat in November, but then I wouldn’t put it past him to do so and then decide to retire from the House after all. Then Pelosi is happy, Obama is happy, and Spratt escapes all consequences back home.
I have my doubts, however, that after the Massachusetts Senate race the votes exist to pass this through both chambers even with a simple bare majority. At least right now. Frankly, I don’t know why Kos would even want them to do this. This is nothing close to what Obama and the Democrats promised the people. The left was promised a public option, which this bill lacks. Furthermore, they are always railing against the profits of insurance companies. It’s one of their biggest beefs with privatized health care, yet this health care bill is a giant corporate give away to those very same interests.
Keep an eye on John Spratt. It’s the quiet, sneaky ones you need to pay attention to.
Very insightful on Spratt.
“It’s the quiet, sneaky ones you need to pay attention to.”
Is retirement really on the table? If he pulls a last minute Hefner, that District is going hard right and not coming back!
[...] Spratt is key in House negotiations January 26, 2010 Posted by underthemoultrieflag in 5th Congressional District. Tags: Health Care Reform, Spratt, Vote trackback Democratic House Leadership may place Congressman John Spratt in an unenviable position next election cycle. When he asked for permission to vote against the proposed Health Care Reform bill, permission was denied. He remains a pivotal vote. [...]