Seemingly oblivious to the message sent by Massachusetts voters – on behalf of the entire nation – last week, Congressional leaders appear to be working to rally support in their caucus behind a series of procedural tactics in an effort to salvage their extremely unpopular health care “reform” bill. The Associated Press reports:
Democratic congressional leaders are coalescing around their last, best hope for salvaging President Barack Obama’s sweeping health care overhaul. …
Democratic congressional aides, speaking on condition of anonymity because the issue is in flux, said the latest strategy involves using a special budget procedure to revise the Senate bill.
The procedural route — known as reconciliation — would allow a majority of 51 senators to amend their bill to address some of the major substantive concerns raised by the House. That would circumvent the need for a 60-vote majority [in the Senate].
Fortunately, at least two Senate Democrats have voiced their opposition to using reconciliation as a way to circumvent the traditional legislative process. Calling the tactic “ill-advised,” Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) said today he does not support the move. Likewise, Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) signaled that she opposes passing health care reform via reconciliation. (H/T Daniel Foster at The Corner)
It’s unclear at this point whether Pelosi and Reid will garner the support necessary to pull off the procedural move. Regardless, the fact that they’re even trying proves once again their extreme arrogance. They just don’t get it.
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