| Jamie Dupree |
1990 Pages Of Health
Democrats laid out their new health reform bill on Thursday in the House, as party elders and critics predicted the bill would gain approval by lawmakers as early as next week.
But that's not to say it will be without controversy.
The first red flag about the new bill is simply the size of it, at 1,990 pages in all. That's much larger than any of the previous House bills.
"The era of the 1,000 page bill is over," said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) sarcastically on the Senate floor.
I'm not going to say I read every page, but I flipped through every one of them. It is mind numbing for sure. But I did come up with a few interesting thoughts along the way.
One trouble spot is still likely to be abortion. The language in the bill is exactly the same language that was narrowly approved in the House Energy & Commerce Committee, which over three dozen Democrats say is unacceptable.
Democrats will say the language is clear: "Prohibition of Use of Public Funds For Abortion Coverage," it says on page 246. But that hasn't been enough for critics.
If that language is not changed, then there is the chance of a group of House Democrats voting against the bill. Keep tabs on that one.
While nothing seemed to change on abortion, there does seem to be much different language in this House bill to make sure that benefits don't go to illegal immigrants.
Starting on page 228, there are a series of requirements for "Verification of Requirement of Citizenship or Lawful Presence In The United States."
Now, I'm not going to go out on a limb and say that this solves the concerns of some lawmakers, but Democrats clearly realized they had to do something to make it look like they weren't leaving a big loophole for illegals. We'll see what critics have to say about it.
And there is a cost for all of these Social Security number checks and more, as the bill would spend $30 million to carry out these new verification requirements.
Just sipping your coffee? Then give the bill a look. Hell, you might find something crazy.
And just to remind you, the House might vote next week.
What others are saying
- These Dempcrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!All that congress is doing is plucking the american eagle to feather their own nest.come election,instead of hiring time let it be firing time.
- Bette planConvert abandoned army bases (or other abandoned government facilities) to medical centers for the 46 million (or whatever the number), re-estabish the draft (or whatever you want to call it), especially doctor who just passed their emams, add doctors who want work, add private practice specialists who wish to participate pro bno, administer it ala Kaiser Permanente, provide buses and bus stops as needed, which should cost less than any advocated "plan", which solves the politicas and whoever wants something else, should get it on their own.
- Important pagesPerson on Sean Hannity's show said to look at page 92 and 116-118 of the bill. Interesting stuff there.
- Abortion coveragePage 110 makes it clear that the Public Option (i.e. government healthcare) is NOT prevented from funding abortions. Page 246 is just a smokescreen designed to fool folks not willing to read what the document says.
- 1990 page cluster f#@&!Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin just rolled over in their graves!
- Abortion verbage in Health Care billIt's amazing that this little issue is causing so much controversy. The opposition will just continue having their women get "D&C's" while opposing abortion.
- News Channel ReportsOct. 29 (Bloomberg) -- Health-care legislation released today by House Democrats would cut the federal budget deficit by $104 billion over the next 10 years, the Congressional Budget Office said.
The measure would âslightly reduceâ the deficit in the subsequent decade, the nonpartisan agency said.
WSB 24-Hour Weather Center
Get the 5-day Forecast .
Atlanta weather
Mostly Cloudy61°F
5-day forecast | Hurricane Guide
Marketplace
"How to Build Your Financial Future" Online Seminar sponsored by Associated Credit Union. Details
Shop for cars, find a dealer, and get the latest automotive news in our Local Car Buying Guide powered by AutoTrader.com
From fast food to fine dining, find it all in our Local Business Directory .
Stay ahead of the storm. Find evacuation routes, safety tips and more in the Hurricane Guide.
Read the AJC and stay on top of everything in Atlanta! Get delivery for less than $2 a week!
Join Channel 2 Action News anchors John Pruitt and Monica Pearson at 5, 6, and 11pm.










