Under normal circumstances, for a bill to pass the Senate 60 votes are needed to overcome a filibuster. With the vacancy of the late Senator Kennedy’s seat, democrats are one vote shy of 60 votes. So they’re floating the idea of using a process known as reconciliation, under which scenario they will only need 51 votes, in order to pass a health care bill. Normally reconciliation is only used as a maneuver to pass a budget. It certainly isn’t something which should be used on a bill which, once enacted, will most likely never be repealed.
Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) understands how dire the situation is, and he told The Hillthat republicans will “wage a vicious fight” if democrats attempt such a maneuver.
Republicans, however, warn that if Democrats attempt the maneuver, their healthcare bill will end up looking like Swiss cheese.
Gregg said that Republicans could file “hundreds” of points-of-order objections to the bill, each one requiring 60 votes to waive.
“We are very much engaged in taking a hard look at our rights under reconciliation,” Gregg said. “It would be very contentious.”
Gregg’s opposition is particularly notable given that seven months ago, President Barack Obama tapped him to serve as Commerce secretary. Gregg first accepted the Cabinet appointment, but later withdrew before being confirmed over policy differences.
Gregg is also taking exception to comments made by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who said it would be possible to create a broad government-run health insurance program under budgetary reconciliation.
Good for Senator Gregg! This is literally a fight for all of our lives and our freedom. It’s certainly no time for republicans to roll over and play dead.
Oh, and as for Harry Reid, he seems to be quite happy about the passing of Senator Kennedy. At least you’d think so after hearing how he claims the death of Kennedy will help the democrats.
[...] about Barack Obama as of September 1, 2009 Senator Judd Gregg vows GOP will wage a vicious fight if Dems choose reconciliation – lonelyconservative.com 09/01/2009 Under normal circumstances, for a bill to pass the Senate 60 [...]
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Sen. Gregg sounds like a man with principles and morals. If the Dems try to push this through in this manner, the Rep. party will be the least of their problems. The American people are going to revolt. You say if it passes it would never be repealed. I disagree. If it manages to pass, it will be repealed after the first shot is fired. And that won’t take long. The anger in this country is something I’ve never seen before in my many decades on the planet. ‘Bout damn time, is all I can say.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0