Washington update: Brown and the House of Blues

[Freedom Is Not Free]

After a gutsy goal-line stand against the most vicious policy offensive in modern history, the entire country is waiting to see whether or not Democrats will punt on a year-long drive for universal health care. In the two days since Scott Brown's improbable win, House liberals have mumbled about "moving forward"

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/politics_nation/2010/01/pelosi_sti...

on the reform bills but give no reasonable strategy for doing so. Today, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) did rule out the possibility of rushing to approve the Senate plan, admitting that there just aren't enough votes in the House to do so.

While the leadership assesses the damage from Tuesday, its rank-and-file seems more concerned about what the party's political miscalculations will mean for their job security. Dozens of Representatives, like Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), are trying to reconnect with voters, agreeing that the people "are right to be upset." Over in the Senate, the Left is also taking a decidedly deferential approach. Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) was almost apologetic. "I think the majority has gotten the message: no more gamesmanship here, no more lack of transparency. Let's honor the wishes of the people of Massachusetts and move forward with policy." Even President Obama is getting in touch with his populist side by hinting to ABC News that he would scrap key parts of his plan to "coalesce around those elements in the package that people agree on." He even showed a sudden concern for "cost containment,"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/20/AR2...

suggesting that Congress be fiscally responsible else "our budgets are going to blow up."

Now that the leadership's blank check has bounced, the $2.5 trillion question is how it will proceed. The Senate could switch to a reconciliation process that would only require 51 votes to pass the bill. Considering the country's mood, that option could be too explosive for people on both sides of the aisle. Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has already promised a full retaliation if liberals try it. Democrats could heed the President's advice and try to salvage some parts of the bill that would crack down on insurance companies, set cost controls, and modestly expand coverage. Or, my personal favorite, they could toss the current bills and start over with legitimate reform that includes a renewed focus on bipartisanship. If Congress wises up and chooses the latter, FRC will urge members to balance the plan on five key concepts: affordability, accessibility, portability, transparency, and conscience protections. You can read more about our recommendations on FRC's special health care website.

http://www.frcaction.org/healthcare

One thing is clear: Congress and the administration have an opportunity to change course. Let's pray they take it

[Gordon Ray Kissinger]

The battle continues. Andy Stern pushes forward on health care, regardless of the majority of American's wishes-
Field Marshal Andy Stern: ‘Dammit, I Said March Off That Cliff’
http://biggovernment.com/2010/01/21/field-marshal-andy-stern-dammit...
A Path Forward: It's Time to Pass Health Insurance Reform
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andy-stern/a-path-forward-its-time-t_...