3/11/2010 - Liability and Health News Update
Pelosi: Pass the bill so we "can find out what is in it."
by Donna Baver Rovito
Editor, Liability and Health News Update
Author, Pennsylvania's Disappearing Doctors
This LIABILITY AND HEALTH NEWS UPDATE "newsletter" is a free service which I provide, as a volunteer, to help supply medical liability reform and health care reform news and information, legislative updates, and political insight to physicians, patients, liability reform and quality health care advocates. NO ONE pays me to do this.
I am not employed by any physician or health care reform advocacy or liability reform organization, political party or candidate, although I volunteer for several. I am a quality health care, physician and patient advocate, breast cancer survivor, physician's spouse, journalist, political noisemaker, mom, and freelance writer. I am not nor will I ever claim to be unbiased (I am....biased, I mean), unlike many in the mainstream media.
Most information in this newsletter is copied and pasted from other sources, and will always be identified with links. Opinions and clarifications are my own, and do not reflect the official position of any physician or patient advocacy organization, tort reform, or health care reform group unless stated as such. My opinions are placed in double parentheses (("my opinion")), italicized and appear in blue.
This Update is emailed to health professionals, physician and patient advocates, and others interested in ensuring access to quality medical care.
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Commentary
Nancy Pelosi wants to pass the bill so we "can find out what is in it."
Well, I don't think that requires any additional commentary on my part....
OK, maybe a LITTLE...
On second though....no, not really.
Initial items in this Update are specific to PA and the Lehigh Valley. If you live in elsewhere, scroll a little further, and you'll find lots of information on how you can impact the upcoming vote on the Senate Health Care Bill, which in the long run has very little to do with health care and has everything to do with government oversight of your health, and if you're a health care professional, your profession.
The next part of this Update will include LOTS of news stories and op-eds about what's going on. It's more than anyone can read (although I TRY), but I included links to give you an idea of how widely coverage of these events varies.
The third part of the Update is about ACTION not WORDS, and provides information about events and efforts to sway specific members of Congress from a whole BUNCH of different groups. No, there is not a single entity (like an evil insurance company) directing opposition efforts. Hundreds, maybe thousands of local organizations, physician groups, patients' rights organizations, business groups and others are all mounting their own efforts. The Internet makes it possible for these groups to be aware of each other's efforts, and to loosely coordinate them, but NO ONE is "running the show." Well, YOU, the people, might be running the show, but this is all legitimate grassroots effort - and all the more significant for that.
I've included a LOT of contact information, so that you don't need to link elsewhere or look around for a way to make your voice heard. PA specific information will be highlighted in yellow, not because I think it's the most important, but because I know the majority of Update readers are from PA. Just scroll past what you can't use - hopefully, as this Update seems to find its way all over the place (thanks to all who forward it and please keep doing so!) we can impact almost everyone on the list in some way.
You will, of course, have the most success with your OWN member of Congress in your own district. But don't let that stop you from calling those in neighboring districts or even neighboring states. Yes, they'll ask where you're from - and you're entirely justified in telling them that while you may NOT be a direct constituent, their decisions will affect every American, including YOU.
It wouldn't hurt to remind people, either, that THIS TIME, the American people will NOT FORGET how they voted and that the general election is only eight months away. ALWAYS be polite. NEVER get angry - make your points in a calm and reasonable fashion. We'll leave it to others to sputter and scream and look foolish and extreme.
Your message should be short and consistent - Do NOT pass health care reform with a procedural trick like reconciliation. Vote NO if the Senate Health Care Bill comes up for a vote in the House. The American people want Congress to start over with smaller, more realistic measures that won't bankrupt our children and grandchildren and won't put our federal government in charge of anyone's health care.
Lehigh Valley residents - TWO things....
The Lehigh Valley's 9-12/TEA Party Group, We the People of the Lehigh Valley, is planning to take a bus to Washington on Tuesday, March 16 to participate in OPERATION URGENT CARE: THE PEOPLE'S SURGE TO D.C. Details are in the first item. You don't have to be a member of the local group to participate - patients, physicians, business owners, senior citizens, students and everyone else are WELCOME to participate. A link to the Meetup Page is provided, or you can contact me directly at ROVSPA@aol.com, and I'll pass your information along to the group's organizer.
Our good friends at UnitePA in Lancaster County, who were so instrumental in coordinating the Million Med March on the Capitol Steps last November, has organized a statewide campaign to let five PA members of Congress know what the American people REALLY THINK of the administration's health care plan.
This two week effort will target five PA members of Comgress: Reps. Jason Altmire, Chris Carney, Tim Holden, Kathy Dahlkemper and Patrick Murphy. Other sources indicate that there are some other PA Congressman who might be "No" votes, and I've highlighted them in yellow.
Our own Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent opposes the current health care reform bills, so his office has not been targeted - but our local members can still participate in UnitedPA's efforts to sway these important votes by participating in any of the events if you live close to any of the designated offices - or if you're willing to travel an hour or so.
The closest offices to the Lehigh Valley would be the offices of Rep. Pat Murphy (Bristol, Doylestown), Rep.Chris Carney (Clarks Summit, Shamokin, Williamsport), and Rep. Tim Holden (Temple, Lebanon, Harrisburg and Pottsville.) You can contact the team leaders for each congressional district to ask them where you would be the most useful, if you like.
Back to everyone else - Please pass this information along to fellow Patriots you know who DO live in their districts - and we can ALL make phone calls, send faxes and emails, and keep the pressure on these people.
One of health care's most vocal supporters in PA managed to get himself included in one of Frank Luntz's famous focus groups on Fox News, on Feb. 26 following the bipartisan summit on the health care bills. I'm not sure how he managed it, but Cory Steiner not only got into the room, he made sure that he got face time on camera as well. You can hear Cory's comments at about Minute 4 of the video: http://video.foxnews.com/v/4054443/dialing-into-health-care-debate. Keep up the good work, Cory!
ALL of our efforts make a difference. Were it not for people like all of Update's readers, we would ALREADY have a massive health care bill in effect. Yes, we're all a bit tired, but we can't reduce the intensity of our message - VOTE NO on the health care bills.
And then, when the dog and pony show is over, we can get down to the business of rational, realistic reforms that really WILL reduce costs and make quality health care available to more Americans.
Please pass this along and THANK YOU.
DBR
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OPERATION URGENT CARE
Click here to sign up: http://www.meetup.com/We-The-People-of-the-Lehigh-Valley-PA/calendar/12843266/
TUESDAY MARCH 16 OPERATION URGENT CARE: THE PEOPLE'S SURGE TO D.C.
As the vote becomes imminent we are asking for a SURGE TO D.C. This is not a rally or a march. The goal is to take the constituent visits to the Representatives D.C. offices. The goal is to fill the halls of the office buildings with citizens waiting to see their Reps and express their opposition to the health care bill.
WE CAN KILL THIS BILL IN THE HOUSE. Especially needed in D.C. are patriots from the targeted Reps districts.
Mar 16 Tue 5:00 AM
Location
Sears Essentials Parking Lot
3843 Linden St (RT 191)Bethlehem , PA 18020Change Place
How to find us"Look for the Easton Coach Bus"
This coming Tuesday, March 16th - Tea Party Patriots and Freedom Works is sponsoring a Washington DC rally to again invade the Halls of the Congressional offices to encourage House members to vote NO ON OBAMACARE!!
IF YOU ARE CERTAIN THAT YOU CAN GO RSVP RIGHT AWAY - IF WE GET 32 FOLKS THAT CAN GO WE WILL GET A BUS. IT WILL BE $45.00/PERSON, WE WILL MEET AT THE SEARS ESSENTIALS (Formerly K Mart) on Rt. 191 in Bethlehem at 5:00 AM.
This is not just are you interested... if you RSVP we expect you to go. We need responses by Noon on Friday 3/12/10
I will update you as soon as we are sure we are moving forward!!!
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From the NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE WEBSITE
((Yes, it's a biased source - but they DO seem to be right on top of things...))
http://www.nrcc.org/codered/
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From UnitePA.org:
"STOP THE HEALTH CARE NIGHTMARE"
UNITEPA has organized a statewide vigil and multiple protests throughout this week and next week to stop the House from passing the Senate version of the Health Care Bill.
Over 120 grassroots groups will be participating in this effort.
Grassroots Leaders have volunteered to be Team Leaders and each of them have received a comprehensive list of every grassroots organization within their district. Each congressional office has been assigned a Squad Leader. That squad leader will workunder the Team leader to ensure every individual is going to the right location.
TARGETED CONGRESSMEN
Jason Altmire, 4th - (8 offices)Team Leader: McKay SailorEmail: mckay166@yahoo.com [mailto:mckay166@yahoo.com]
Christopher Carney, 10th - (3 offices) -Team Leader: Daniel SmeriglioEmail: standupnowamerica@gmail.com [mailto:standupnowamerica@gmail.com]
Tim Holden, 17th - (4 offices)Team Leader: John Stahl (working with Mike Souders and Scott Russo)Email: Berksteaparty@hotmail.com [mailto:Berksteaparty@hotmail.com]
Kathy Dahlkemper, 3rd - (7 offices)Team Leader: Therera Caruso (tentative) - need volunteerEmail: awaiting approval to distribute
Patrick Murphy, 8th - (2 offices)Team Leader:Ana PuigEmail: conservatives4america@gmail.com[mailto:conservatives4america@gmail.com]
Daily initiatives and events will be organized, scheduled, and executed at the discretion of each Team, based on local resources. Daily initiatives and events should be designed to ensure each District Office is being consistently deluged with some form of public communication of displeasure with Healthcare Reform and the Reconciliation process.
As Americans, we are the most innovative Nation on earth, so naturally each Team will devise and execute whatever initiatives and events it chooses, as long as they are safe, legal and effective. The following is a list of predetermined activities.
What to do
- protest (before and during)
-Email, Fax and Call the Reps (non-stop)
-Deliver letters, petitions
-Protest/Picket outside the offices
-Attend townhalls or host your own
-Coordinate interviews with other members, doctors and leaders to forward to the media
-Call in to radio stations to report the event
SCHEDULE:STOP THE HEALTH CARE NIGHTMARE
"SAVING PRIVATE HEALTH CARE" - 4:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, March 11th - Curbside Media Surge. This max effort event will serve as the culmination to the first official day of our campaign and is designed as a Statewide live media event (your local news live shot) where our folks are highly visible curbside at each District Office so commuters and the media can observe our energy and commitment.
More information to follow as the week progresses.
Thank you all for your participation!
Sharon CherubinExecutive DirectorUNITEPAwww.unitepa.org
info@unitepa.org
Important Links:
FREEDOMWORKS
http://www.freedomworks.org/
PENNSYLVANIA NEWSPAPERS
http://newslink.org/panews.html
FOX NEWS COVERAGE
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/04/dems-race-pass-health-care-town-hall-wave-horizon/
NO HEALTH CARE RECONCILIATION PETITION
http://www.freedomworks.org/landing/noreconciliation/index.php
MORNING UPDATE from UNITEPA:
"SAVING PRIVATE HEALTH CARE - PROTEST"
Tonight, prior to our meeting, we will meet again in front of Rep Holden's Office from 4- 6 p.m.
We have acquired Dr.s Coats and can hand them out for you to borrow. Last night we had about
35-40 people attend. Very quiet but the key message to the Legislators is that PA is organized.
Over 120 grassroots groups organized in just 48 hours. If you cannot attend, please fax, call and
hand out petitions. Visit the office closest to you.
AFL-CIO was mobilized last night in full force. We MUST get folks out tonight. As a citizen reporter, call your local radio, tv and newspapers. The more who call, the more likely they are to report.
Lebanon County Office (UNITEPA + other grassroots groups attending)758 Cumberland Street Lebanon, PA 17042 Phone: (717) 270-1395 FAX: (717) 270-1095
4-6 p.m. Tuesday, March 16th Curbside media surge - There is also a DC protest scheduled through the Tea Party Groups which we will keep you up to date as the details come in.
4-6 p.m. Thursday, March 18th Curbside media surge -
THEY ARE PLANNING ON SKIPPING RECONCILIATION http://biggovernment.com/sahiller/2010/03/10/gibbs-if-senate-bill-passes-house-it-will-go-to-the-presidents-desk/#more-86934
GRASSROOTS CONTACTS FOR STATEWIDE PROTEST LOCATIONS:
Main Contact: Sharon Cherubin, UNITEPA
Email: info@unitepa.org
Jason Altmire, 4th - (8 offices)
Team Leader: McKay Sailor
Email: mckay166@yahoo.com
Christopher Carney, 10th - (3 offices) -
Team Leader: Daniel Smeriglio
Email: standupnowamerica@gmail.com
Tim Holden, 17th - (4 offices)
Team Leader: John Stahl (working with Mike Souders and Scott Russo)
Email: Berksteaparty@hotmail.com
Kathy Dahlkemper, 3rd - (7 offices)
Team Leader: Mary Ellen Salerno
Email: wakeup@ptd.net
Patrick Murphy, 8th - (2 offices)
Team Leader: Ana Puig
Email: conservatives4america@gmail.com
Contact Information for Pennsylvania
From UnitePA - TARGETED CONGRESSMAN INFO - THESE FOLKS ARE CAVING IN TO SAYING "YES"
Representative Kathleen Dahlkemper - 3rd District Washington Office
516 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515Phone: (202) 225-5406Fax: (202) 225-3103 E-mail:
District Office208 E. Bayfront Parkway Suite 102Erie, PA 16507Toll Free: 1-877-KATHY4U (1-877-528-4948)Local: (814) 456-2038Fax: (814) 454-0163
Satellite District OfficesArmstrong CountyArmstrong County Commissioner's Office450 E Market StKittanning, PA 16201
Butler CountyButler Township Municipal Building290 South Duffy RoadButler, PA 16001Phone: (724) 285-3595
Crawford CountyAllegheny College Founders House908 Diamond ParkMeadville, PA 16335Phone: (814) 336-1080
Mercer CountyHermitage Municipal Building800 N. Hermitage Road, Suite 417Hermitage, PA 16148Phone: (724) 342-2685
Venango CountyEmlenton Borough Municipal Building511 Hill StEmlenton, PA 16373
Warren CountyWarren County Senior Center800 Pennsylvania AvenueWarren, PA 16365
Representative Jason Altmire - 4th District Washington, D.C. Office332 Cannon House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515202-225-2565202-226-2274(fax) E-mail: http://carney.house.gov/contact.shtml PA10reply@mail.house.gov
District Offices
Clarks Summit District Office233 Northern Boulevard Suite 4Clarks Summit, PA 18411 Phone: (570) 585-9988Toll free: (866) 846-8124Fax: (570) 585-9977Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 5:00
Shamokin District Office521 Franklin StreetShamokin, PA 17872Phone: (570) 644-1682Fax: (570) 644-1684Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday, 8:00 - 4:30
Williamsport District Office175 Pine St. Suite 103Williamsport, PA 17701 Phone: (570) 327-1902Fax: (570) 327-1904Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 5:00
Representative Tim Holden - 17th District
Washington Office 2417 Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5546 FAX: (202) 226-0996 E-mail: http://holden.house.gov/contactform_zipcheck.shtml District Offices
Berks County Office
4918 Kutztown Road Temple, PA 19560 Phone: (610) 921-3502 FAX: (610) 921-3504 Dauphin/Perry County Office
1721 North Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 Phone: (717) 234-5904 FAX: (717) 234-5918 Lebanon County Office
758 Cumberland Street Lebanon, PA 17042 Phone: (717) 270-1395 FAX: (717) 270-1095 Schuylkill County Office
101 North Centre Street Pottsville, PA 17901 Phone: (570) 622-4212 FAX: (570) 628-2561
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((This daily newsletter continues to be one of the BEST sources of news and information out there, especially the short summary at the beginning, so I pass it along unedited...))
From Conservatives for Patients' Rights
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tells the National Association of Counties that Congress has to pass the health care bill so we "can find out what is in it." "The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and groups ranging from contractors to retailers said Tuesday the Democratic health care bills would raise their expenses, while failing to control health care costs. Advertisements will start airing nationwide Wednesday on cable television and shift in a few days to 17 states, targeting moderate and conservative Democrats whose votes are critical to passing the bill in the House." Washington insiders are obsessing over the vote count in the House to pass some version of health care reform. You can find the whip count here.
In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Scott Rasmussen and Doug Schoen explain why support for President Obama's health care agenda remains so consistently low. "One of the more amazing aspects of the health-care debate is how steady public opinion has remained. Despite repeated and intense sales efforts by the president and his allies in Congress, most Americans consistently oppose the plan that has become the centerpiece of this legislative season. In 15 consecutive Rasmussen Reports polls conducted over the past four months, the percentage of Americans that oppose the plan has stayed between 52% and 58%. The number in favor has held steady between 38% and 44%."
((Those poll numbers are a direct result of all YOU have done....)) The Institute for Health Freedom issues a warning on medical privacy, often overlooked in the health care debate. "The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a rule that would lead to the creation and sharing of electronic health records (EHRs) for a majority of Americans without their consent. The rule would accomplish this initially through incentive payments for physicians and other providers who create 'certified' EHRs and submit electronic data to CMS.1 To be considered 'meaningful users' of EHRs, the rule would require doctors and hospitals to submit data for a majority of all their patients—not just those on Medicare and Medicaid."
Pelosi: Pass Health Reform So You Can Find Out What’s In ItPeter Roff - U.S. News & World ReportIt has been said well and famously that politicians only really commit a gaffe when they tell the truth without meaning to. Add House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the list. Speaking Tuesday to the 2010 Legislative Conference for the National Association of Counties, Pelosi began the windup of her healthcare pitch by alluding to the controversies over the healthcare bill and the process by which it has reached its current state. Then, just after saying, "It's going to be very, very exciting," Pelosi gaffed, telling the local elected officials assembled that Congress "[has] to pass the bill so you can find out what's in it, away from the fog of controversy."
Broad business coalition opposing health care bill Associated PressMajor business groups say President Barack Obama's health care overhaul is a job killer, and they're launching a multimillion-dollar ad campaign to take that message to voters. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and groups ranging from contractors to retailers said Tuesday the Democratic health care bills would raise their expenses, while failing to control health care costs.
Whip Count: House Dems' positions on the healthcare reform bill The HillThe Hill's survey/tracking of House Democrats' positions on healthcare reform legislation.UPDATED: 3/10/10 at 12:05 a.m.Firm NoDan Boren (Okla.) * Won't be changing his mindBobby Bright (Ala.) * Voted against House health bill, stimulus and climate changeArtur Davis (Ala.) * Running for governor, but will make sure to return to D.C. to vote no
Proposed Rule on Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Threatens Privacy Institute for Health FreedomThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a rule that would lead to the creation and sharing of electronic health records (EHRs) for a majority of Americans without their consent. The rule would accomplish this initially through incentive payments for physicians and other providers who create “certified” EHRs and submit electronic data to CMS.1 To be considered “meaningful users” of EHRs, the rule would require doctors and hospitals to submit data for a majority of all their patients—not just those on Medicare and Medicaid.
Votes uncertain as U.S. healthcare endgame loomsAndy Sullivan - ReutersPresident Barack Obama's top healthcare official on Sunday seized on a new report to urge quick passage of healthcare reform legislation, but a top Democrat said they did not yet have the votes in Congress. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said a new Goldman Sachs report, which says profits are rising and competition decreasing for private health insurers, showed the need for reform at a time when 15,000 Americans lose their coverage each day.
Oh my: 68% now oppose passing ObamaCare without Republican support Allahpundit - Hot AirThere’s no trendline in the AP’s story so let’s see if we can make our own. Two weeks ago, Gallup found a 39/52 split opposed to reconciliation; on the same day, Fox News found just 34 percent wanted Obama to pass the bill without GOP support versus 59 percent who thought he should start over if no compromise was possible. Since then, The One’s mumbled about the Olympic spirit, declared — for maybe the fifth time since last year — that the time for talk was over, and hit the road to demand an “up or down” vote on a bill that the public hates because he owes that to the public.
AP-GfK Poll: Public wants elusive accord on health Charles Babington - Associated PressAmericans and their lawmakers are dramatically out of sync on health care, with large majorities of people looking for bipartisan cooperation that's nowhere in sight. A new Associated Press-GfK Poll finds a widespread hunger for improvements to the health care system, which suggests President Barack Obama and his Democratic allies have a political opening to push their plan. Half of all Americans say health care should be changed a lot or "a great deal," and only 4 percent say it shouldn't be changed at all.
Why Obama Can't Move the Health-Care Numbers Scott Rasmussen and Doug Schoen - Wall Street JournalOne of the more amazing aspects of the health-care debate is how steady public opinion has remained. Despite repeated and intense sales efforts by the president and his allies in Congress, most Americans consistently oppose the plan that has become the centerpiece of this legislative season. In 15 consecutive Rasmussen Reports polls conducted over the past four months, the percentage of Americans that oppose the plan has stayed between 52% and 58%. The number in favor has held steady between 38% and 44%.
Obama pushing on health care end gameAssociated PressPresident Barack Obama makes a closing argument today for health care reform. He'll travel to a St. Louis high school for his second health care address in three days and push a new anti-fraud plan. His speech comes as congressional Democrats stand on the brink of delivering a dramatic success with passage of sweeping legislation -- or a colossal failure if they can't get it done.
Hoyer rebuffs Gibbs on Mar 18 deadlinePatrick O'Connor - PoliticoDon't confuse the House timeline with the White House timeline, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) warned reporters Tuesday. "None of us has mentioned the 18th, other than Mr. Gibbs," Hoyer said in response to a question about whether Congress can pass a health care package by March 18, the date laid out last week by White House press secretary Robert Gibbs. "We are trying to do this as soon as possible. That continues to be our objective.
"Democratic Leaders to Rahm Emanuel: Stop the Health Care DeadlinesTrish Turner - Fox News' Speaker's LobbyAfter about an hour and a half-long meeting with White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel on health care reform, Congressional Democratic leaders emerged to say the following message was sent to the senior Administration adviser: deadlines are not helpful. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs reiterated Tuesday that the President wants the House to pass the Senate bill by March 18, ahead of Obama's trip to Indonesia and Australia, but virtually no deadline has yet been met in more than a year of dealing with health care legislation, and Democratic senators to a letter have fled from those coming from the White House now.
A dizzying array of options to pass health carePatrick O'Connor and Carrie Budoff Brown - PoliticoIt's a hard time find a House Democrat who wants to vote for the Senate's health care bill. But they may not have to -- at least directly. Party leaders have discussed the possibility of using the House Rules Committee to avoid an actual vote on the Senate's bill, according to leadership aides. They would do this by writing what's called a "self-executing rule," meaning the Senate bill would be attached to a package of fixes being negotiated between the two chambers -- without an actual vote on the Senate's legislation.
Stupak: There's No Deal, And I Won't Agree to a Promise to Fix the Bill in the FutureJohn McCormack - Weekly StandardMichigan Democrat Bart Stupak said yesterday at a townhall in his home state, "I'm more optimistic than I was a week ago" that a deal could be reached to pass a health care bill that bans public funding of abortion. Some speculated that this meant Stupak was ready to cave. "Obviously they don’t know me," Stupak said in an interview this afternoon with THE WEEKLY STANDARD. "If I didn’t" cave in November, "why would I do it now after all the crap I’ve been through?"
Democrats: No thanks to new 'Gang of 14'Carrie Budoff Brown and Chris Frates - PoliticoSen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) wants to revive the bipartisan Gang of 14 — this time for health care reform, not judicial nominees.But most of his moderate Democratic colleagues aren’t rushing to R.S.V.P.Graham said Tuesday that a coalition of Republican and Democratic senators could rescue the Senate from an institutional disaster brought on by the use of the parliamentary maneuver known as reconciliation to finish the health care bill.
Health care overhaul's biggest threat? A delay in the voteMargaret Talev and David Lightman - McClatchy NewspapersThousands of liberal public-option backers and conservative tea partiers launched last-chance campaigns Tuesday in the nation's capital to persuade Congress to pass — or reject — sweeping health care legislation. Democratic congressional leaders conceded that they may not have the votes for final passage of the overhaul by March 26, when Congress is to break for spring recess. They're trying to convince party moderates and abortion foes to go along. President Barack Obama wants final votes even earlier, before his March 18 departure on an overseas trip. That appears unlikely.
Parliamentary Hurdle Could Thwart Latest Health Care Overhaul StrategyDavid M. Herszenhorn and Robert Pear - New York TimesThe White House and Democratic Congressional leaders said Tuesday that they were bracing for a key procedural ruling that could complicate their effort to approve major health care legislation, by requiring President Obama to sign the bill into law before Congress could revise it through an expedited budget process. An official determination on the matter could come within days from the House and Senate parliamentarians, and could present yet another hurdle for Mr. Obama and Democratic leaders as they try to lock in support from skittish lawmakers in the House.
On health-care reform, Republicans target Democrats' division over reconciliationShailagh Murray - Washington PostAs Republicans work to prevent a health-care bill from reaching President Obama, they are scrambling to exploit divisions between Democrats in the House and the Senate. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) warned House Democrats that they would be taking a colossal risk if they approved the Senate's version of health-care legislation before the Senate had acted to remove some of the bill's most contentious provisions. Now that Democrats have lost their supermajority in the Senate, some variation of this delicate two-step process is the only way a health-care reform bill can become law.
Tea Party groups come to town to lobby against health-care reformAmy Gardner - Washington Post's 44Tea party organizers came to Capitol Hill Tuesday night to kick off a weeklong campaign they're calling "Take the Town Halls to Washington," an effort to block Democrats' latest push for health reform. It's not clear how many protestors will actually travel to Washington for the campaign, which is being organized by the Nationwide Tea Party Coalition and Tea Party Nation. Leaders say busloads of local grassroots activists from around the country will visit Washington over the course of the week.
((Go back to the first item for information about a bus from the Lehigh Valley - and scroll down for information from the Philadelphia TEA Party Patriots' group...))
Obama and health care: When's the voteDavid Jackson - USA Today's The OvalPresident Obama and his critics are using campaign-style tactics in the health care battle, but this kind of political contest has one big difference: No one knows exactly when the election will be. A House vote on the Senate health care plan is the first step toward a final bill, and there appear to be differences among Democrats as to when that should be. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs wants a House vote before March 18, the day Obama is scheduled to leave for a trip to Guam, Indonesia, and Australia. But House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., told reporters yesterday that, "none of us have mentioned the 18th other than Mr. Gibbs." Hoyer said his "objective" is March 26, the day before the House adjourns for a two-week recess.
Democrats On the Fence Feeling Pressure on Health CareOn the Record w/ GretaGRETA VAN SUSTEREN, FOX NEWS HOST: At this moment, our next guest is one of the most powerful people in Washington. Everyone wants his vote. First time around last November, Democratic congressman Jason Altmire voted no on the health care bill in the House. That was then. So what about now? President Obama desperately needs his vote to change to a yes. So is Congressman Altmire going to change his vote to yes? Well, let's ask. He joins us live.
GOP plan: Play on Blue Dogs' nervesDavid Rogers - PoliticoWhen Mitch McConnell speaks these days, he expects House Blue Dogs to be listening. It’s not that the Senate minority leader imagines himself to be E.F. Hutton, but he’s very much part of a newly launched Republican shadow war to block health care reform by playing on the nerves of wavering Democrats across the Capitol. Speaking on health care Monday, McConnell suddenly switched gears, for example, and threw in a line about the high cost of the Senate’s $100 billion-plus jobless benefits bill, heading soon to the House. “Every dime” of 10-year savings from health reform would be wiped out “with one stroke of the president’s pen,” he said. And by implication, debt-conscious Blue Dogs can’t assume the country is moving in “a more fiscally responsible direction. ... And this undercuts the entire point of reform,” said the Kentucky Republican.
Latest Polling
Associated Press/ GfKMarch 9, 2010 68% think the president and congressional Democrats should work with Republicans on health care reform, rather than pass a bill with no GOP support.
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((The Kaiser Report is also an excellent source of news - and to think I used to search individual papers for stuff like this! I have edited some information out of this report, just so this Update wouldn't be the same length as the whole Harry Potter series...))
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report:
Check back on Kaiser Health News for the latest headlines
1. Five Facts About Obama's Proposed Changes To Medicare Payroll Tax
[Mar 10, 2010]Kaiser Health News staff writer Christopher Weaver outlines some key issues, starting with: "Should affluent Americans have to pay Medicare payroll tax on their investment income? President Barack Obama, to help pay for his health care overhaul package, is proposing that high-income Americans pay Medicare taxes on the money they make on their investments" (Weaver, 3/9). Read entire story.
3. Obama Makes Final Public Push For Health Reform As Democrats Consider Timeline
[Mar 10, 2010]
President Obama is delivering his "closing argument" for health care reform in St. Louis today as Democratic leaders strategize on moving the bill through the House and Senate.
The Associated Press: "Obama is to speak Wednesday at St. Charles High School, his second health care address in three days. His speech comes as congressional Democrats stand on the brink of delivering the president a dramatic success with passage of his sweeping overhaul legislation -- or a colossal failure if they can't get it done." Leaders are waiting for a final analysis from the Congressional Budget Office before they start counting votes "in earnest ... The two-step approach now being pursued calls for the House to approve a Senate-passed bill from last year, despite House Democrats' opposition to several of its provisions. Both chambers then would follow by approving a companion measure to make changes in that first bill" (Werner, 3/10).
The New York Times: Democrats are "bracing for a key procedural ruling [which] could come within days from the House and Senate parliamentarians, and could present yet another hurdle for Mr. Obama and Democratic leaders as they try to lock in support from skittish lawmakers in the House." The ruling considers if the president must sign the Senate bill after House passage before Congress can revise it through the reconciliation process.
"Meanwhile, Congressional leaders and top administration officials met in the offices of the House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, on Tuesday evening trying to resolve outstanding policy differences between the chambers." Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin said Tuesday that there's no timetable for a budget reconciliation bill (Herszenhorn and Pear, 3/9).
The Washington Post: "The sequence in which the Senate bill and the package of fixes would move is one of the key unresolved issues, much to the consternation of undecided House Democrats. They would prefer to pass the reconciliation bill first and force the Senate to accept their fixes before the House takes up the Senate bill. But reconciliation rules seem to indicate that the House will have to pass the Senate bill first."
Lawmakers who participated in the meeting in Pelosi's office "said that once the Congressional Budget Office delivers a final cost estimate on the fixes bill, possibly this week, Democratic leaders would begin lining up House and Senate votes" (Murray, 3/10).
CongressDaily: House Rules Committee Chairwoman Louise Slaughter,D-N.Y., "is weighing preparing a rule that would consider the Senate bill passed once the House approves a corrections bill that would make changes to the Senate version." She "has not taken the plan to Speaker Pelosi as Democrats await CBO scores on the corrections bill." In the meantime, House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman said Democratic legislative leaders told White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel at the meeting in Pelosi's office Tuesday night that they don't want deadlines assigned to them (Edney, 3/10).
The Hill: House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer "suggested the March 18 deadline recently set by White House press secretary Robert Gibbs was not endorsed by congressional leaders. ... 'Our objective is to pass both [healthcare and the 2010 budget] before the Easter break [March 26],' Hoyer said. 'Is that going to be difficult? Yes. Is it a deadline? No. If we can, we can. If we can't, we can't,' Hoyer added" (Allen and Youngman, 3/9).
Roll Call: "Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said House and Senate leaders are moving 'as expeditiously as possible.' Pelosi likewise signaled optimism. 'These meetings now take us more quickly down the road of making good progress'" (Pierce and Newmyer, 3/9).
Reuters: Pelosi is facing her "biggest test" as speaker in trying to get to 216 votes. "If all Democrats voted as they did last year on an earlier version of the bill, Pelosi would reach 216. But many may switch from yes to no -- or no to yes. ... 'Every legislative vote is a heavy lift around here. You assume nothing,' Pelosi said" (Ferraro, 3/10).
McClatchy: Democrats "control 254 of 435 House seats, with four vacancies. When the House last voted on health care legislation in November, 39 Democrats voted no. Should that number hold, the bill would lose" (Talev and Lightman, 3/9).
Meanwhile, a new AP-GfK poll has found that a majority of Americans want a bipartisan health care overhaul, The Associated Press reports in a separate story. "More than four in five Americans say it's important that any health care plan have support from both parties. And 68 percent say the president and congressional Democrats should keep trying to cut a deal with Republicans rather than pass a bill with no GOP support."
"Half of all Americans say health care should be changed a lot or 'a great deal,' and only 4 percent say it shouldn't be changed at all." The telephone survey, conducted March 3-8 by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media, has a margin of sampling error of +/- 4.2 percentage points (Babington, 3/9).
4. Abortion Holding Up Democrats Endgame On Health Overhaul
[Mar 10, 2010]
Politico: House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer "said Tuesday that the abortion fight 'has to be resolved.' The majority leader expressed confidence that the issue would be wrapped up, but he also cautioned reporters that he had not had any formal negotiations with Rep. Bart Stupak, the Michigan Democrat who authored the House abortion restrictions. ... 'Congressman Stupak has not reached an agreement on abortion funding in the health care legislation,' his spokeswoman, Michelle Begnoche, said Tuesday. 'Last Thursday, the congressman had meaningful discussions with [Energy and Commerce Committee] Chairman [Henry] Waxman and Majority Leader Hoyer. Congressman Stupak expects further meetings this week and remains optimistic that language can be worked out.'"
"The problem at this point is that supporters of abortion rights, including many of the speaker's closest allies, have voted to oppose any bill that includes Stupak's restrictions. On the flip side, Stupak has said at least 10 colleagues will oppose a bill that doesn't include them. If both claims are true, that would make it almost impossible for party leaders in the House to get the 216 votes they need to pass the measure" (O'Connor, 3/10). Roll Call: "Leadership aides are skeptical of Stupak's count and believe they can hang on to about half the number that the Michigan Democrat says are in his corner. ... But already some Democrats have started pushing to punt the abortion debate with promises that the issue will be subject to future floor votes. Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) has floated putting off the issue -- although to date both sides of the debate have rejected the idea. Under Waxman's idea, the Senate language would stand for now but be subject to future votes in the years before the insurance exchanges take effect" (Dennis and Newmyer, 3/10).
Meanwhile, MSNBC fact-checks "Stupak on abortion," ask "is Stupak right -- that the Senate bill directly subsidizes abortions? The answer appears to be no" (Murray, 3/9). Stupak's office offered a response, which MSNBC reported in a separate story (Murray, 3/9).
((Of course, we KNOW that MSNBC has no bias....cough...))
5. GOP Putting Strategies In Place To Thwart Dems On Reform
[Mar 10, 2010]Politico: "When Mitch McConnell speaks these days, he expects House Blue Dogs to be listening." The Senate minority leader is "very much part of a newly launched Republican shadow war to block health care reform by playing on the nerves of wavering Democrats across the Capitol" with "his real goal of sowing doubts about the fiscal soundness of President Barack Obama's agenda -- and with it health care reform. It's a change in Republican tactics that reflects the changed circumstances of the health care debate." Passage of the giant bill has become a real test of competence for Democrats and the White House after they invested so much of the past year in the effort. Accordingly, Republicans prefer to see it collapse within the majority party -- and without their fingerprints on the body." Political notes that the votes of Blue Dog Democrats "are pivotal" (Rogers, 3/10). Politico, in a separate story: "Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) wants to revive the bipartisan Gang of 14 -- this time for health care reform, not judicial nominees. But most of his moderate Democratic colleagues aren't rushing to RSVP. Graham said Tuesday that a coalition of Republican and Democratic senators could rescue the Senate from an institutional disaster brought on by the use of the parliamentary maneuver known as reconciliation to finish the health care bill. ... But some of the moderates who would usually be the first to join such a push scoffed at the idea." Their resistance may be "a sign of how centrist Democrats, who were among the most skeptical of reconciliation after their party's Massachusetts Senate defeat, have come largely to accept that the use of the fast-track rules is a legitimate tool to enact fixes to the Senate health care bill" (Budoff Brown and Frates, 3/10).
6. Pro- and Anti-Health Reform Groups Wage Last Minute Attacks
[Mar 10, 2010]
Stephan Payne protested abuses by health insurance companies and pushed for health care reform during a rally Tuesday. The rally was organized by Health Care for America Now and coincided with an annual conference for health insurance executives in D.C. (Jessica Marcy/KHN)
((Reading the complete list of Health Care for America Now's member groups is extremely instructive - most of them appear to be unions. Here's a link: http://healthcareforamericanow.org/site/content/who_we_are/))
Thousands of protestors marched Tuesday to Washington's Ritz-Carlton hotel, where insurance company executives are meeting, The Washington Post reports. The protestors reinforced "the Obama administration's recent criticism of increasing health premiums... [and] marched to the hotel to make a mock 'citizen's arrest' of insurance executives, who were demonized on demonstration posters and over the loudspeaker. ... Insurers say they are being vilified," and attribute the rate increases to price hikes by doctors, hospitals and drug makers (Norfleet, 3/10). Los Angeles Times: The protest "will be followed in coming weeks by more events and an advertising campaign." The protest's union backers "are also targeting Senate Democrats who are opposed to using the parliamentary tactic of reconciliation, which prevents filibusters. Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) is one such lawmaker. She is being challenged in this year's primary by a more liberal Democrat, and the unions are actively supporting the challenger" (Geiger, 3/10). Meanwhile, business groups that oppose the overhaul are gathering steam -- and buying ad space -- to push their view, according to The Wall Street Journal. A U.S. Chamber of Commerce-backed group, Employers for a Healthy Economy will "run between $4 million and $10 million of ads targeting the districts of several dozen Democratic lawmakers, carrying the message that the bill would cause job losses" (McKinnon and Mullins, 3/10).
7. President Announces Plans To Crack Down On Health Care Fraud
((See, we don't need to pass 2,700 pages of legislation to crack down on fraud...))
[Mar 10, 2010]
The Boston Globe: "President Barack Obama said Tuesday he'll bring in high-tech bounty hunters to help root out health care fraud, grabbing a populist idea with bipartisan backing in his final push to overhaul the system. ... Obama's anti-fraud announcement was aimed directly at the political middle." "Waste and fraud are pervasive problems for Medicare and Medicaid. ... Improper payments -- in the wrong amounts, to the wrong person or for the wrong reason -- totaled an estimated $54 billion in 2009. ... The bounty hunters in this case would be private auditors armed with sophisticated computer programs to scan Medicare and Medicaid billing data for patterns of bogus claims. The auditors would get to keep part of any funds they recover for the government" (Alonso-Zaldivar, 3/9).
The Wall Street Journal: "Mr. Obama will sign a presidential memorandum directing federal agencies to make more aggressive use of 'payment recapture audits,' in which private companies under contract scrub government books to find wrongful payments and are paid a portion of what they find. Under current law, only certain federal agencies are eligible to use this system. The president is also endorsing legislation to expand their use to other agencies and programs, including Medicaid" (Meckler and Hitt, 3/9).
8. Lincoln, Kucinich Weigh In On Health Bill Votes
[Mar 10, 2010]Lawmakers weigh in on the health care overhaul debate. The Associated Press/The Washington Times: Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., "insisted Tuesday she remained opposed to pushing a health care bill through the Senate with a simple majority vote, despite saying she wanted to see what was in the legislation." Lincoln "said those comments didn't represent a change of heart on her stance against the controversial majority-vote procedure known as 'reconciliation.' 'I don't support reconciliation. All I said was I want to see what's in it,' Lincoln told reporters outside the Senate floor. She walked quickly into a senators-only area without elaborating" (Werner, 3/9). ABC News: "Rep. Dennis Kucinich is vowing to vote against President Obama's health care bill, and says the president can only win his vote if he reverses course and includes a 'robust' public option to compete with private insurers. On ABC's 'Top Line' today, Kucinich, D-Ohio, said he has no qualms about sticking by his long-held beliefs. He calls the current bill a 'giveaway' to insurance companies, and not 'a bill for the American people'" (Klein, 3/9).
9. Senate Poised To Pass COBRA Subsidy Extension, Medicare 'Doc Fix'
((This passed yesterday, with over 60 votes.))
[Mar 10, 2010]The Senate is set to vote Wednesday on a jobs bill that would extend the COBRA subsidy program and Medicaid funding for states and prevent a Medicare reimbursement cut for doctors. The Associated Press: The bill "extends health insurance subsidies for the unemployed through December. It would add $132 billion to the budget deficit over the next year and a half. ... In states with the highest jobless rates people are eligible to receive benefits for up to 99 weeks. A 65 percent health insurance subsidy for the unemployed under the COBRA program adds about another $10 billion. Federal cash to help states with Medicaid adds about $25 billion more.""Eight Republicans voted with Democrats to defeat a GOP filibuster of the measure, setting up a final vote on Wednesday" (Taylor, 3/10). Newly-elected Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., joined Democrats yesterday in voting to cut off debate, The Wall Street Journal reports. "One Democrat, Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska, voted against the measure. The House approved a similar measure last year ... the bill prolongs several tax breaks, including those for research and development. It also adjusts payments to doctors under the Medicare program, preventing a budgeted 21% reduction" (Bendavid, 3/10).
12. Medical School Costs, Loan Rates Rise Sharply
[Mar 10, 2010]
NPR reports on the high cost of medical school, focusing on one student, Sarah Rosen. The interest rate on her school loans "shot up to eight and a half percent, almost twice the rate [her parents] are paying after refinancing their mortgage."
"Tuition and fees at public medical schools, after all, have shot up 133 percent since 1990, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. ... In survey after survey, the American Medical Students Association has found that the stress that comes from owing so much money absolutely influences students' decisions about what branch of medicine to pursue. .... Truth in lending requirements don't apply to federal student loans, they're not subject to bankruptcy protection. ... Education Department officials point out that under current law, medical students who owe hundreds of thousands of dollars don't have to pay more than 15 percent of their income. President Obama wants to lower that to 10 percent" (Sanchez, 3/9).
17. Today's OpEds: Congressional Dealmaking, Cutting 'Honchos Pay,' Controlling Costs
[Mar 10, 2010]
Health Care Reform's Sickeningly Sweet Deals The Washington Post Skipping through the Candy Land of the health-care bill, one is tempted to hum a few bars of "Let Me Call You Sweetheart." What a deal. For dealmakers, that is. Not so much for American taxpayers, who have been misled into thinking that the sweetheart deals have been excised. ... Regardless of what the CBO reports in the coming days, no one can claim the bill is as lean as it could be (Kathleen Parker, 3/10).
Sick Over The Health Honchos' Pay The Seattle Times Controlling doctor and hospital bills is going to be the toughest challenge. Because it means eventually we'll all have to do something as Americans we're not very good at: Accept less. To get the hang of that, I vote we start with the guys getting the million-dollar bonuses (Danny Westneat, 3/9.) Bending The Cost Curve -- With A Crowbar The American Spectator Having failed to excite the majority of American about covering 30 million of their fellow citizens at the expense of jeopardizing their own medical care, the Obama Administration has settled on an even more implausible reform argument -- extending these benefits will lower medical costs (William Tucker, 3/10).
Kaiser Health News is an editorially independent operating program of the Kaiser Family Foundation. (c) 2010 Kaiser Health News. All rights reserved.
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Health Issues - from National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA)
March 10, 2010-
THE FIX IS IN: DANGEROUS HEALTH BILL COMING TO FINAL VOTE
After months of posturing, President Obama has made it clear: the Senate bill is the final bill. The bill that narrowly passed the Senate on Christmas Eve by a partisan vote (prior to the election of Republican Scott Brown from Massachusetts), will more or less be the final bill. The only way the massive 2,700-page health care bill will become law is if the House now passes the Senate-passed bill, says the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
If the Senate bill is passed into law with the President's reconciliation adjustments, the following dangerous policies will become law, says the Chamber:
You cannot keep the plan you have; all health insurance plans will be subject to numerous new mandates, requirements, regulations and bureaucratic oversight, which will force the plans to raise prices and change or eliminate plan offerings.
Your health care costs will increase; the bill will do very little to control costs, while simultaneously taxing the health industry -- taxes consumers will pay -- and forcing Americans to purchase more expensive health insurance.
Your taxes will increase; there will be a massive new payroll tax, a new tax on investments and 401(k)s, a new tax on "Cadillac" health benefits, new taxes on medical devices and prescription drugs, new taxes on all health insurance policies, and increased taxes in the form of cost-shifting through lower payments to hospitals and doctors.
Also:
The debt, the deficit and federal spending will increase; despite a number of accounting gimmicks, like starting the taxation before the program spending begins, and double-counting $500 billion in Medicare cuts, the bill's true cost will be trillions of dollars. The bill creates new entitlements that will increase forever, much like Social Security and Medicare.
Medicare will be cut by $500 billion; the Congressional Budget Office clearly stated: "20 percent of Part A providers would become unprofitable" and stop seeing Medicare patients.
Jobs will be lost, or never created; the bill creates a huge incentive not to hire low-wage workers or grow a business beyond 50 employees. Employers who hire a low-wage worker, even if they offer great health insurance, could be fined $3,000 per year.
Source: James Gelfand, "The Fix Is In: Dangerous Health Bill Coming to Final Vote," U.S. Chamber of Commerce, March 9, 2010.
For text:
http://www.chamberpost.com/2010/03/the-fix-is-in-dangerous-health-bill-coming-to-final-vote.html
For more on Health Issues:
http://www.ncpa.org/sub/dpd/index.php?Article_Category=16
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Comments from the healthcare summit and following WSJ editorial. Important to digest. NPA
Dissecting the Real Cost of ObamaCare
The President's own chief Medicare actuary says the Senate and House bills are bending the cost curve up.
By PAUL D. RYAN
((You've got to LOVE this guy....))
The following are remarks made by Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the ranking Republican on the House Budget Committee, about the cost of the House and Senate health-care bills at President Obama's Blair House summit on health care, Feb. 25:
Look, we agree on the problem here. And the problem is health inflation is driving us off of a fiscal cliff.
Mr. President, you said health-care reform is budget reform. You're right. We agree with that. Medicare, right now, has a $38 trillion unfunded liability. That's $38 trillion in empty promises to my parents' generation, our generation, our kids' generation. Medicaid's growing at 21 percent each year. It's suffocating states' budgets. It's adding trillions in obligations that we have no means to pay for . . .
Now, you're right to frame the debate on cost and health inflation. And in September, when you spoke to us in the well of the House, you basically said—and I totally agree with this—I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficits either now or in the future.
Since the Congressional Budget Office can't score your bill, because it doesn't have sufficient detail, but it tracks very similar to the Senate bill, I want to unpack the Senate score a little bit.
And if you take a look at the CBO analysis—analysis from your chief actuary—I think it's very revealing. This bill does not control costs. This bill does not reduce deficits. Instead, this bill adds a new health-care entitlement at a time when we have no idea how to pay for the entitlements we already have.
Now let me go through why I say that. The majority leader said the bill scores as reducing the deficit $131 billion over the next 10 years. First, a little bit about CBO. I work with them every single day—very good people, great professionals. They do their jobs well. But their job is to score what is placed in front of them. And what has been placed in front of them is a bill that is full of gimmicks and smoke-and-mirrors.
Now, what do I mean when I say that? Well, first off, the bill has 10 years of tax increases, about half a trillion dollars, with 10 years of Medicare cuts, about half a trillion dollars, to pay for six years of spending.
((That means that the benefits the administration and Congress keep saying the American people need RIGHT NOW won't kick in for FOUR YEARS - well after Pres. Obama's first term in office...))
Now, what's the true 10-year cost of this bill in 10 years? That's $2.3 trillion.
[The Senate bill] does [a] couple of other things. It takes $52 billion in higher Social Security tax revenues and counts them as offsets. But that's really reserved for Social Security. So either we're double-counting them or we don't intend on paying those Social Security benefits.
It takes $72 billion and claims money from the CLASS Act. That's the long-term care insurance program. It takes the money from premiums that are designed for that benefit and instead counts them as offsets.
The Senate Budget Committee chairman [Kent Conrad] said that this is a Ponzi scheme that would make Bernie Madoff proud.
Now, when you take a look at the Medicare cuts, what this bill essentially does [is treat] Medicare like a piggy bank. It raids a half a trillion dollars out of Medicare, not to shore up Medicare solvency, but to spend on this new government program.
. . . [A]ccording to the chief actuary of Medicare . . . as much as 20 percent of Medicare's providers will either go out of business or will have to stop seeing Medicare beneficiaries. Millions of seniors . . . who have chosen Medicare Advantage will lose the coverage that they now enjoy.
You can't say that you're using this money to either extend Medicare solvency and also offset the cost of this new program. That's double counting.
And so when you take a look at all of this; when you strip out the double-counting and what I would call these gimmicks, the full 10-year cost of the bill has a $460 billion deficit. The second 10-year cost of this bill has a $1.4 trillion deficit.
. . . [P]robably the most cynical gimmick in this bill is something that we all probably agree on. We don't think we should cut doctors [annual federal reimbursements] 21 percent next year. We've stopped those cuts from occurring every year for the last seven years.
We all call this, here in Washington, the doc fix. Well, the doc fix, according to your numbers, costs $371 billion. It was in the first iteration of all of these bills, but because it was a big price tag and it made the score look bad, made it look like a deficit . . . that provision was taken out, and it's been going on in stand-alone legislation. But ignoring these costs does not remove them from the backs of taxpayers. Hiding spending does not reduce spending. And so when you take a look at all of this, it just doesn't add up.
. . . I'll finish with the cost curve. Are we bending the cost curve down or are we bending the cost curve up?
Well, if you look at your own chief actuary at Medicare, we're bending it up. He's claiming that we're going up $222 billion, adding more to the unsustainable fiscal situation we have.
And so, when you take a look at this, it's really deeper than the deficits or the budget gimmicks or the actuarial analysis. There really is a difference between us.
. . . [W]e've been talking about how much we agree on different issues, but there really is a difference between us. And it's basically this. We don't think the government should be in control of all of this. We want people to be in control. And that, at the end of the day, is the big difference.
Now, we've offered lots of ideas all last year, all this year. Because we agree the status quo is unsustainable. It's got to get fixed.
It's bankrupting families. It's bankrupting our government. It's hurting families with pre-existing conditions. We all want to fix this.
But we don't think that this is the . . . the solution. And all of the analysis we get proves that point.
Now, I'll just simply say this. . . . [W]e are all representatives of the American people. We all do town hall meetings. We all talk to our constituents. And I've got to tell you, the American people are engaged. And if you think they want a government takeover of health care, I would respectfully submit you're not listening to them.
So what we simply want to do is start over, work on a clean-sheeted paper, move through these issues, step by step, and fix them, and bring down health-care costs and not raise them. And that's basically the point.
From the Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703807904575097394068626652.html?mg=com-wsj
Paul Ryan v. the President
The Republican dissects ObamaCare's real costs. Democrats stay mute.
'Every argument has been made. Everything that there is to say about health care has been said, and just about everybody has said it," President Obama declared yesterday as he urged Democrats to steamroll his plan through Congress. What hasn't been heard, however, is even a shred of White House honesty about the true costs of ObamaCare, or its fiscal consequences.
Nearby, we reprint Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan's remarks at the health summit last week, which methodically dismantle the falsehoods—there is no other way of putting it—that Mr. Obama has used to sell "reform" and repeated again yesterday. No one in the political class has even tried to refute Mr. Ryan's arguments, though he made them directly to the President and his allies, no doubt because they are irrefutable. If Democrats are willing to ignore overwhelming public opposition to ObamaCare and pass it anyway, then what's a trifling dispute over a couple of trillion dollars?
At his press conference yesterday, Mr. Obama claimed that "my proposal would bring down the cost of health care for millions—families, businesses and the federal government." He said it is "fully paid for" and "brings down our deficit by up to $1 trillion over the next two decades." Never before has a vast new entitlement been sold on the basis of fiscal responsibility, and one reason ObamaCare is so unpopular is that Americans understand the contradiction between untold new government subsidies and claims of spending restraint. They know a Big Con when they hear one.
Mr. Obama's fiscal assertions are possible only because of the fraudulent accounting and budget gimmicks that Democrats spent months calibrating. Readers can find the gory details in Mr. Ryan's pre-emptive rebuttal nearby, though one of the most egregious deceptions is that the bill counts 10 years of taxes but only six years of spending.
The real cost over a decade is about $2.3 trillion on paper, Mr. Ryan estimates, and even that is a lowball estimate considering how many people will flood to "free" health care and how many businesses will be induced to drop coverage. Mr. Obama claimed yesterday that the plan will cost "about $100 billion per year," but in fact the costs ramp up each year the program exists. The far more likely deficits are $460 billion over the first 10 years, and $1.4 trillion over the next 10.
What Mr. Ryan calls "probably the most cynical gimmick" deserves special attention, which is known in Washington as the "doc fix." Next month Medicare physician payments are scheduled to be cut by 22% and deeper thereafter, though Congress is sure to postpone the reductions as it always does. Failing to account for this inevitability takes nearly a quarter-trillion dollars off the ObamaCare books and by itself wipes out the "savings" that the White House continues to take credit for.
Some in the liberal cheering section now claim that this Medicare ruse isn't Mr. Obama's problem because it was first promised by Republicans and Bill Clinton in 1997. But then why did Democrats include the "doc fix" in all early versions of the bill to buy the support of the American Medical Association, only to dump this pricey item later when hiding it would make it easier to fake-reduce the deficit?
The President was (miraculously) struck dumb by Mr. Ryan's critique, and in his response drifted off into an irrelevant tangent about Medicare Advantage, while California Democrat Xavier Becerra claimed "you essentially said you can't trust the Congressional Budget Office." But Mr. Ryan was careful to note that he didn't doubt the professionalism of CBO, only the truthfulness of the Democratic gimmicks that the budget gnomes are asked to score.
Yesterday Mr. Obama again invoked the "nonpartisan, independent" authority of CBO, which misses the reality that if you feed the agency phony premises, you are going to get phony results at the other end.
The President also claimed the reason his plan is in trouble, and the reason Democrats must abuse the Senate's rules to ram this plan into law, is that "many Republicans in Congress just have a fundamental disagreement over whether we should have more or less oversight of insurance companies." So most of Mr. Obama's first year in office has been paralyzed over nothing more than minor regulatory hair-splitting. This is so preposterous that the President can't possibly believe it.
Congress's spring break begins on March 29, and Democratic leaders plan on jamming this monster through Congress before then.
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From the Galen Institute - Health Policy Matters
Thursday, March, 4, 2010
One Simple Agenda
By Grace-Marie Turner
Let's cut to the heart of the matter: First, let's start by setting aside the extraordinary complexity of thousands of pages of health reform legislation. Next, let's throw out the labyrinth of details about the Senate reconciliation process. Not important.
Only one thing matters. And that is convincing the House to pass the Senate bill. Everything else is a side show at best.
If the House passes the Senate bill in a straight up or down vote -- "a simple majority," to quote the president -- ObamaCare becomes the law of the land. Nothing else matters.
The president wants the House to act by March 18, promising that problems would be fixed in subsequent legislation.
But if the House passes the Senate bill, then President Obama would be able to sign comprehensive health reform in the form of the Senate bill the next day, and the job is done. Any promises that it would be fixed after that aren't worth the paper they might, or might not, be written on.
The White House is desperately trying to find every vote possible to get to the current majority number of 216 votes in the House to pass ObamaCare. The president cleared his schedule this afternoon for marathon meetings with House members.
Rep. Bart Stupak, Democrat of Michigan, said on ABC this morning that he and 11 colleagues who voted for the earlier version of the House bill will vote "no" this time if abortion language isn't changed from the Senate version.
"Let's face it, I want to see health care," Stupak said. "But we're not going to bypass some principles and beliefs that we feel strongly about."
But they and others are being told that if they want health reform, they have to take the first vote so the leadership has a bill to fix.
The package of fixes being negotiated between the House and the Senate is a distraction at best.
Once House members take the vote on the Senate bill, they have absolutely no control over what the Senate does next. The Senate may or may not be able to get a second bill passed to address concerns of the House.
And that means House Democrats will be on the hook this fall for a vote for:
The Cornhusker Kickback, the Louisiana Purchase, and every other vote-buying deal buried in the Senate bill.
Abortion language that clearly allows federal funding for abortion and which the U.S. Conference of Bishops solidly opposes.
The Cadillac tax on high-cost health insurance policies that labor unions hate.
Weak enforcement provisions for the individual mandate that health insurers say will cause pools to disintegrate, causing premiums to skyrocket for those still buying policies.
And that's just for starters.
It would be the dupe of all time if House members were to be convinced that they must go first to keep the process moving forward, only to find that ObamaCare passes the finish line in the form of the Senate bill.
It will be interesting to watch them this fall trying to explain to constituents, who already have told them in no uncertain terms that they hate this legislation, that they were promised that they would have a second chance to take a vote to fix it.
In this game, there will be no second chances.
Pickett's Charge: President Obama's speech on Wednesday was anything but the game-changer congressional leaders desperately needed. He offered not a single new idea, and he trashed bipartisanship by suggesting his health overhaul be passed through the ultra-partisan reconciliation process.
The Washington Examiner aptly called this all-or-nothing gambit "Pickett's Charge."
Worse, the president argued for his plan by dusting off the same arguments he's been using for a year but which have since been discredited by numerous independent studies -- that you can keep your current coverage, health costs will be lower, and the deficit is reduced.
Let's look at these three examples: (Continue reading for more.)
Ryan's Charge: Our video of the week features remarks by Rep. Paul Ryan at last week's summit that is a must-view if you haven't seen it. The Wall Street Journal today publishes excerpts from his point-by-point critique of the claims the president is making about his health plan.
In the paper's lead editorial, "Paul Ryan v. the President," also today, the Journal concludes, "The President was (miraculously) struck dumb by Mr. Ryan's critique."
It was an astonishing moment. Neither the president nor his advisers laid a glove on Ryan's fact-based analysis.
Ryan absolutely agreed that health reform is essential -- for individuals and families, businesses, and the government -- but he cited independent analyses of the Senate bill (which is the basis for Mr. Obama's plan) that show, "This bill does not control costs. This bill does not reduce deficits. Instead, this bill adds a new health care entitlement when we have no idea how to pay for the entitlements we already have." And Ryan added, "It bends the cost curve up, not down."
The American people are engaged as never before in the health reform debate. They are focusing on the details. They know that the numbers just don't add up and that the legislation itself breaks the promises the president is making.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said today the next step is for the House to pass the Senate bill so the process of reconciliation can move forward. The President says he wants this to happen by March 18 -- two weeks from now.
The American people are watching in utter amazement as the Congress makes plans to pass health reform in a stealth maneuver in full view of the nation.
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From TakeBackMedicine.com
Stop Speaker Pelosi From Getting 216 Votes
http://www.takebackmedicine.com/action-center/stop-speaker-pelosi-from-getting-216-votes.html
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 9:45PM
Nancy Pelosi needs 216 "Yes" votes to pass the Senate's healthcare reform bill in the House. As long as the House Republicans stand united, 38 Democrat "No" votes will be needed to defeat the bill. President Obama has asked the House to vote by Thursday, March 18th. The WSJ takes a detailed look at the math behind the possible upcoming vote.Targeted House Members: 1) According to Representative Tom Price, M.D., the Democrats that need to be targeted are the 37 Democrats who voted "No" last year and 31 others who voted "Yes" but are still considered undecided or are particularly vulnerable this time around.
Dr. Price recommends visiting http://www.nrcc.org/CodeRed/targets/ for a list of these targeted members including links to obtain their contact information.
Tell them to "VOTE NO."(39 Democrats voted "No" last year, however Rep. Massa has resigned and Rep. Griffith changed parties and is now a Republican.)
2) The Hill has published a list (CLICK HERE TO VIEW) of 24 Democrats who are a "Firm No, Leaning No, or Likely No" and 80 who are "Undecided." Please thank the "No" votes for making the right decision and tell the undecideds to do the right thing and "vote NO."Those on The Hill list marked with an "*" voted for the Stupak anti-abortion amendment last November. They need to be reminded that "the Senate bill cannot be fixed if the House votes for it."
The Capitol Switchboard is: (202) 224-3121. Call and tell the operator which office you would like to be connected to. More contact information can be found at http://www.contactingthecongress.org/ and http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml .
3) Also the Tea Party Patriots have a target contact list that includes district contact information. CLICK HERE to view their list .Upcoming Events:March 13, 2010: Defending the American Dream Summit, Wisconsin Dells, WI. Doctors wear your lab coats if you are attending. More info at: http://www.fightbackwisconsin.com/index.php?PageID=62 . AAPS physician members are attending and will speak at the event.
March 13, 2010: "Kill the Bill Rally" with Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann on Saturday, March 13 in St. Paul, MN. AAPS member and former Canadian Lee Kurisko, M.D. will be a featured speaker at the rally. http://www.minnesotamajority.org/Hidden/KillTheBillRally/tabid/199/Default.aspx
March 16, 2010: The "People's Surge to D.C." People are coming from all across the country to look their Congressmen and Senators in the eye and make it clear that this is not what is good for our families, businesses, and our country. The people will not back down and they want their voices to be heard!
More information on this event and other events across the country will be available at http://www.americangrassrootscoalition.org/ and http://www.teapartypatriots.org .
March 24-25, 2010: Docs4PatientCare Washington DC Policy Conference and House Calls on Congress: http://docs4patientcare.org/events .
((Doctors who are willing to attend, please contact the organizers! And don't forget your white coats - no "prop" coats will be distributed!))
March 27-April 15, 2010: The Tea Party Express III. "Just Vote Them Out" Tour: http://www.teapartyexpress.org/.
2010: AAPS Workshop, "Building a Healthy Independent Practice," Atlanta, GA. You can break out of the Third-Party Payment Strait Jacket, before healthcare "reform" puts you to work for big insurance or the govt! http://www.aapsonline.org/atlanta/
September 16-18, 2010: AAPS 67th Annual Meeting, Salt Lake City featuring Canadian physician and hero of medical freedom, Jacques Chaoulli, M.D. http://www.aapsonline.org/2010am/
Targeted Congressmen according to Tea Party Patriots www.teapartypatriots.org
SCROLL DOWN FOR CONTACT INFO
The best intelligence we have is that we must have the original people who voted No on the bill vote no again. They are:Bobby Bright (Ala. 2)Parker Griffith (Ala. 5)Artur Davis (Ala. 7)Mike Ross (Ark. 4)Betsy Markey (Colo. 4)Allen Boyd (Fla. 2)Suzanne Kosmas (Fla. 24)Jim Marshall (Ga. 8)John Barrow (Ga. 12)Walt Minnick (Idaho 1)Ben Chandler (Ky. 6)Charlie Melancon (La. 3)Frank Kratovil Jr. (Md. 1)Travis Childers (Miss. 1)Gene Taylor (Miss. 4)Collin C. Peterson (Minn. 7)Ike Skelton (Mo. 4)Mike McIntyre (N.C. 7)Larry Kissell (N.C. 8)Heath Shuler (N.C. 11)Harry Teague (N.M. 2)Michael E. McMahon (N.Y. 13)Scott Murphy (N.Y. 20)Eric Massa (N.Y. 29)John Boccieri (Ohio 16)Dennis J. Kucinich (Ohio 10)Dan Boren (Okla. 2)Jason Altmire (Pa. 4)Tim Holden (Pa. 17)Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (S.D.)Lincoln Davis (Tenn. 4)Bart Gordon (Tenn. 6)John Tanner (Tenn. 8)Chet Edwards (Tex. 17)Jim Matheson (Utah 2)Glenn Nye (Va. 2)Rick Boucher (Va. 9)Brian Baird (Wash. 3)Then we need to focus on the following Congressmen to turn their Yes votes to No votes:Congressman Marion Berry (AR)Congressman Harry Mitchell (AZ)Congressman Gabrielle Giffords (AZ)Congressman Dennis Cardoza (CA)Congressman Jim Costa (CA)Congressman Paul Hodes (NH)Congressman Michael Arcuri (NY)Congressman Tim Bishop (NY)Congressman Dan Maffei (NY)Congressman Bill Owens (NY)Congressman Brad Ellsworth (IN)Congressman Joe Donnelly (IN)Congressman Baron Hill (IN)Congressman Mark Schauer (MI)Congressman Earl Pomeroy (ND)Congressman Dina Titus (NV)Congressman Kurt Schrader (OR)Congressman Steve Driehaus (OH)Congressman Zach Space (OH)Congressman Charlie Wilson (OH)Congressman Chris Carney (PA)
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Our friends at the Citizens’ Council on Health Care will be presenting signatories on this Declaration at the "Kill the Bill Rally" with Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann on Saturday, March 13 in St. Paul, MN. You may want to sign and to pass it on. AAPS member Lee Kurisko, M.D. will be a featured speaker at the rally. A former Canadian physician, he is the author of Health Reform: The End of the American Revolution? . His presentation at the 2009 AAPS Annual Meeting can be viewed here: http://www.aapsonline.org/2009amppt.php .
Another upcoming event featuring AAPS members is the Defending the American Dream Summit also on March 13th in Wisconsin Dells, WI. If you are a physician attending this event, please wear your lab coat. The agenda, registration and other information can be found here: http://www.fightbackwisconsin.com/index.php?PageID=62 .
Message from the Citizens’ Council on Health Care Please sign the Declaration of Health Care Independence!At Saturday's health care rally in Minnesota with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, CCHC would like to present her with the LARGEST stack of petitions imaginable against government-run health care!
Please click here to sign the Declaration!http://www.cchconline.org/petition/healthcare-independence.php
Also please let all your friends know about this EASY opportunity to support Congresswoman Bachmann's fight against the government takeover of health care!
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from Docs4PatientCare.com
In his final push for entire control of the American healthcare system, the President is in full campaign mode traveling the nation peddling his ill-conceived healthcare agenda. In order to accommodate his schedule, the White House has set another arbitrary deadline of March 18 for House members to vote on this bill. Our friends on Capitol Hill tell us that the White House has effectively mobilized their 9 million citizen activists and the congressional telephone lines are buzzing with calls to pass this healthcare bill. Our silence will NOT stop this disastrous legislation. We have proven over the past year that our calls, faxes, emails and visits to congressmen have beaten back this effort every time. By all accounts, this is the final act in the healthcare drama, as polls demonstrate that Americans are fatigued by the process and are more concerned about jobs and our struggling economy. If the US House passes the Senate bill as written, we WILL have government healthcare. This is end game. There will be NO reconciliation. It is a smokescreen and the citizens and US House members who voted YES will have been deceived. More importantly, language buried deep within the Senate bill makes it virtually impossible to repeal. This is what we need to do NOW until vote time:
1. Contact every US Representative on this list and tell them to VOTE NO on the bill or face the consequences in November. Please try to contact every one of them, regardless of state, as their vote will impact you and your family.
2. Doctors: Every doctor reading this email needs to be in Washington on March 24-25th for our “House Calls On Congress”, especially if your congressman's name appears on this list. You need to bring as many physician colleagues from your district as possible, since it will be impossible to get an appointment with these officials unless we have you with us. Sitting in your office, wishing this away is NOT helping your patients or the profession. This will be our sixth trip to DC. Believe us when we say patients will understand and applaud your sacrifice to travel to Washington on their behalf. Go here for details and hotel discounts.At the very least, we need you to visit www.docs4patientcare.org and sign the SERMO.com “Physicians Petition to the President and Congress” that we will deliver to the majority leadership on March 25th. We want to have 10,000 signatures by the 25th. Please recruit as many doctors to sign and every one of you need to tell concerned patients to contact Congress and tell them to VOTE NO.
3. Friends: Keep doing the amazing job you have been doing since we began this effort. Maintain the communications barrage on the congressman listed here and call every one of your doctors and have them join and donate to www.docs4patientcare.org. Please tell them about our trip to Washington and urge them to go with us. Also, inform friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers how their healthcare quality and decisions are in jeopardy and get them to call Congress. Refer them to the D4PC website, where they can click on “How You Can Stop the Final Push for Government Controlled Healthcare”.The President, Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid recognize this is most likely their last chance to impose this destructive bill on the American people. They also understand that they CANNOT, under any circumstance, permit congressmen to go home and face angry voters on Spring break without passing their federal takeover of healthcare. This is a defining moment in our nation. Please take the above actions and help us live another day so patients and their doctors can continue the fight for responsible, affordable and sustainable healthcare reform. Respectfully,The Executive Board of Docs4patientCare.org
http://docs4patientcare.org/final-push
This week the President held another press conference in the latest attempt to pass his idea of healthcare reform. While the media will have you believe the end game will be reconciliation in the US Senate, this is a ploy to distract us. The real action and determining factor on this issue will take place in the US House. It is all about head count and if Speaker Pelosi can muster 218 Yes votes, we WILL have government-controlled healthcare. If you believe we will be able to overturn passage of this legislation with a shift in control of Congress in 2010, think again. For all practical purposes, once businesses opt to pay the 8% healthcare tax and shift millions of employees to the government exchange, we will never be able to repeal this new entitlement program. History has proven that. Majority leaders in Congress and the White House want an up or down vote by March 18th, when Congress adjourns for Spring break and will return home to face their angry constituents. The longer this process takes, the more time congressmen have to consider their vote, which is bad for the congressional leadership. Our primary focus needs to be on STOPPING THIS BILL IN THE HOUSE by exerting pressure on the US Representatives in the 2 lists below.
We have information that the White House is using their 7 million Facebook members and 2 million Twitter contacts to bombard congressional offices urging passage of this bill. We need to mount an even greater barrage of emails, faxes, calls and visits on these elected officials. This is a defining moment in our history and the effort we make now will determine whether we adopt universal, government-controlled healthcare. Please make your calls and urge every one of your physicians, family and friends to do the same.
US House Blue Dog Democrats
Rep. Michael Arcuri, New York, 24thhttp://arcuri.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3665, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1891Local Office Number: (315) 252-2777/2778, Local Fax Number: (315) 252-2779 Rep. John Boccieri, Ohio, 16thhttp://boccieri.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3876, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3059Local Office Number: (330) 489-4414, Local Fax Number: (330) 489-4448 Rep. Allen Boyd, Florida, 2ndhttp://boyd.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5235, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5615Local Office Number: (850) 561-3979, Local Fax Number: (850) 681-2902 Rep. Christopher Carney, Pennsylvania, 16thhttp://carney.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3731, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-9594Local Office Number: (570) 585-9988, Local Fax Number: (570) 585-9977 Rep. Gerald "Gerry" Connolly, Virginia, 11thhttp://connolly.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225-1492 DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3071Local Office Number: (703) 256-3071, Local Fax Number: (703) 354-1284 Rep. Henry Cuellar, Texas, 28thhttp://cuellar.house.gov/DC Office Number: 202-225-1640, DC Fax Number: 202-225-1641Local Office Number: (210) 271-2851, Local Fax Number: (210) 277-6671 Rep. Steve Driehaus, Ohio, 1sthttp://driehaus.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2216, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3012Local Office Number: (513) 684-2723, Local Fax Number: (513) 421-8722 Rep. Chet Edwards, Texas, 17thhttp://edwards.house.gov/DC Office Number: 202-225-6105, DC Fax Number: Fax: 202-225-0350Local Office Number: (979) 691-8797, Local Fax Number: (979) 691-8939 Rep. Brad Ellsworth, Indiana, 8thhttp://www.ellsworth.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4636, DC Office Fax: (202) 225-3284Local Office Number: (812) 465-6484, Local Fax Number: (812) 422-4761 Rep. Bob Etheridge, North Carolina, 2ndhttp://etheridge.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4531Local Office Number: (919) 829-9122 Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Arizona, 8thhttp://giffords.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2542, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-0378Local Office Number: (520) 881-3588, Local Fax Number: (520) 322-9490 Rep. Deborah "Debbie" Halvorson, Illinois, 11thhttp://halvorson.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3635, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3521Local Office Number: (815) 726-4998, Local Fax Number: (815) 726-8024 Rep. Paul W. Hodes, New Hampshire, 2ndhttp://hodes.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5206, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2946Local Office Phone: (603) 223-9814, Local Fax Number: (603) 223-9819 Rep. Jay Inslee, Washington, 1sthttp://www.house.gov/inslee/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6311, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-1606Local Office Number: (360) 598-2342, Local Fax Number: (360) 598-3650 Rep. Paul Kanjorski, Pennsylvania, 11thhttp://kanjorski.house.gov/DC Office Number: 202-225-6511, DC Fax Number: 202-225-0764Local Office Number: 570-825-2200, Local Fax Number: 570-825-8685 Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Ohio, 9thhttp://www.kaptur.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4146, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7711Local Office Number: (419) 259-7500, Local Fax Number: (419) 255-9623 Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona, 1sthttp://kirkpatrick.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2315, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-9739Local Office Number: (928) 226-6914, Local Fax Number: (928) 226-2876 Rep. Ron Klein, Florida, 22ndhttp://www.klein.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225.3026, DC Fax Number: (202) 225.8398Local Office Number: (561) 544-6910, Local Fax Number: (561) 544-2864 Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, Florida, 24thhttp://www.kosmas.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2706, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-6299Local Office Number: (407) 208-1106, Local Fax Number: (407) 208-1108 Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich, Ohio 10thhttp://kucinich.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5871Local Office Number: (216) 228-8850 Rep. Jim Langevin, Rhode Island, 2ndhttp://langevin.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2735, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5976Local Office Number: (401) 732-9400, Local Fax Number: (401) 737-2982 Rep. Stephen Lynch, Massachusetts, 9thhttp://www.house.gov/lynch/DC Office Number: 202-225-8273, DC Fax Number: 202-225-3984Local Office Number: 617-428-2000, Local Office Fax: 617-428-2011 Rep. Daniel B. Maffei, New York, 25thhttp://maffei.house.gov/DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3701, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4042Local Office Number: (315) 423-5657, Local Fax Number: (315) 423-5669 Rep. Ed Markey, Massachusetts, 7thhttp://markey.house.gov/DC Office Number: 202-225-2836Local Office Number: 781-396-2900 Rep. Alan B. Mollohan, West Virginia, 1sthttp://www.mollohan.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4172, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7564Local Office Number: (304) 292-3019, Local Fax Number: (304) 292-3027 Rep. Glenn C. Nye III, Virginia, 2ndhttp://nye.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225-4215, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4218Local Office Number: (757) 326-6201, Fax: (757) 326-6209 Rep. Tom Perriello, Virginia, 5thhttp://perriello.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225-4711, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5681Local Office Number: (434) 293-9631, Local Fax Number: (434) 293-9632 Rep. Gary Peters, Michigan, 9thhttp://peters.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225-5802, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-2356Local Office Number: (248) 273-4227, Local Fax Number: (248) 273-4704 Rep. Nick Rahall, West Virginia, 3rdhttp://www.rahall.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225-3452Local Office Number: (304) 325-6222 Rep. Laura Richardson, California, 37thhttp://richardson.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-7924, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7926District Office Number: (202) 225-7924, District Fax Number: (202) 225-7926 Rep. Ciro Rodriguez, Texas, 23rdhttp://www.rodriguez.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4511, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2237Local Office Number: (830) 757-8398, Local Fax Number: (830) 752-1893 Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, Maryland, 2ndhttp://dutch.house.gov/DC Office Number: 202-225-3061, DC Fax Number: 202-225-3094Local Office Number: 410-628-2701, Local Fax Number: 410-628-2708 Rep. Linda Sanchez, California, 39thhttp://lindasanchez.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6676Local Office Number: (562) 860-5050 Rep. Kurt Schrader, Oregon, 5thhttp://schrader.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225-5711, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5699Local Office Number: (503) 588-9100, Local Fax Number: (503) 588-5517 Rep. Adam Smith, Washington, 9thhttp://adamsmith.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-8901Local Office Number: (253) 593-6600, Local Fax Number: (253) 593-6776 Rep. Peter Visclosky, Indiana, 1sthttp://www.house.gov/visclosky/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2461, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2493Local Office Number: (219) 795-1844, DC Fax Number: (219) 795-1850 Rep. David Wu, Oregon, 1sthttp://www.house.gov/wu/DC Office Number: (202) 225-0855, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-9497Local Office Number: (503) 326-2901, Local Fax Number: (503) 326-5066Rep. John Adler, New Jersey, 3rdhttp://adler.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4765, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-0778Local Office Number: (732) 608-7235, Local Fax Number: (732) 608-7268 Rep. Jason Altmire, Pennsylvania, 4thhttp://www.altmire.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2565, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-2274Local Office Number: (724) 378-0928, Local Fax Number: (724) 378-6171 Rep. Brian Baird, Washington, 3rdhttp://www.baird.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3536, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2478Local Office Number: (360) 695-6292, Local Fax Number: (360) 695-6197 Rep. John Barrow, Georgia, 12thhttp://www.barrow.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2823, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3377Local Office Number: (706) 722-4494, Local Fax Number: (706) 722-4496 Rep. Melissa Bean, Illinois, 8thhttp://www.house.gov/bean/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3711, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7830Local Office Number: (847) 517-2927, Local Fax Number: (847) 517-2931Rep. Marion Berry, Arkansas, 1sthttp://www.house.gov/berry/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4076, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5602Local Office Number: (870) 972-4600, Local Fax Number: (870) 972-4605Rep. Rick Boucher, Virginia, 9thhttp://www.boucher.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3861, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-0442Local Office Number: (276) 628-1145Rep. Dennis Cardoza, California, 18thhttp://www.house.gov/cardoza/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6131, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-0819Local Office Number: (209) 383-4455, Local Fax Number: (209) 726-1065Rep. Travis Childers, Mississippi, 1sthttp://childers.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4306, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3549Local Office Number: (662) 841-8808, Local Fax Number: (662) 841-8845Rep. Jim Costa, California, 20thhttp://www.house.gov/costa/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3341, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-9308Local Office Number: (559) 495-1620, Local Fax Number: (559) 495-1027Rep. Artur Davis, Alabama, 7thhttp://www.house.gov/arturdavis/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2665, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-9567Local Office Number: (205) 752-5380, Local Fax Number: (205) 752-5899Rep. Joe Donnelly, Indiana, 2ndhttp://donnelly.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3915, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-6798Local Office Number: (574) 288-2780, Local Fax Number: (574) 288-2825Rep. Parker Griffith, Alabama, 5thhttp://griffith.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4801, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4392Local Office Number: (256) 551-0190, Local Fax Number: (256) 551-0194Rep. Baron Hill, Indiana, 9thhttp://baronhill.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5315, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-6866Local Office Number: (812) 288-3999, Local Fax Number: (812) 288-3873Rep. Steve Kagen, Wisconsin, 8thhttp://kagen.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5655, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5729Local Office Number: (920) 437-1954, Local Fax Number: (920) 437-1978Rep. Daniel Lipinski, Illinois, 3rdhttp://www.lipinski.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5701, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1012Local Office Number: (312) 886-0481, Local Fax Number: (773) 767-9395Rep. Jim Marshall, Georgia, 8thhttp://jimmarshall.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6531, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3013Local Office Number: (478) 464-0255, Local Fax Number: (478) 464-0277Rep. Jim Matheson, Utah, 2ndhttp://www.house.gov/matheson/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3011, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5638Local Office Number: (801) 486-1236, Local Fax Number: (801) 486-1417Rep. Michael E. McMahon, New York, 13thhttp://mcmahon.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3371, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-1272Local Office Number: (718) 351-1062, Local Fax Number: (718) 980-0768Rep. Michael Michaud, Maine, 2ndhttp://michaud.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6306, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2943Local Office Number: (207) 942-6935, Local Fax Number: (207) 942-5907Rep. Harry Mitchell, Arizona, 5thhttp://mitchell.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2190Local Office Number: (480) 946-2411Rep. Collin C. Peterson, Minnesota, 7thhttp://collinpeterson.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2165, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1593Local Office Number: (218) 847-5056Rep. Mike Ross, Arkansas, 4thhttp://ross.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3772, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1314Local Office Number: (870) 881-0681, Local Fax Number: (870) 881-0683Rep. Ike Skelton, Missouri, 4thhttp://www.house.gov/skelton/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2876Local Office Number: (816) 228-4242Rep. Bart Stupak, Michigan, 1sthttp://www.house.gov/stupak/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4735, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4744Local Office Number: (906) 786-4504, Local Fax Number: (906) 786-4534Rep. Gene Taylor, Mississippi, 4thhttp://www.house.gov/genetaylor/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5772, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7074Local Office Number: (228) 864-7670, Local Fax Number: (228) 864-3099US House Members Who Voted NO on Original BillRep. Harry Mitchell, Arizona, 5thhttp://mitchell.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2190Local Office Number: (480) 946-2411Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Arizona, 8thhttp://giffords.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2542Local Office Number: (520) 881-3588Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona, 1sthttp://kirkpatrick.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2315Local Office Number: (928) 226-6914Rep. Jerry McNerney, California, 11thhttp://mcnerney.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-1947Local Office Number: (925) 833-0643Rep. John Salazar, Colorado, 3rdhttp://www.house.gov/salazar/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4761Local Office Number: (970) 245-7107Rep. Jim Himes, Connecticut, 4thhttp://himes.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5541Local Office Number: (866) 453-0028Rep. Alan Grayson, Florida, 8thhttp://grayson.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2176Local Office Number: (407) 841-1757Rep. Bill Foster, Illinois, 14thhttp://foster.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2976Local Office Number: (630) 406-1145Rep. Baron Hill, Indiana, 9thhttp://baronhill.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5315Local Office Number: (812) 288-3999Rep. Mark Schauer, Michigan, 7thhttp://schauer.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6276Local Office Number: (517) 780-9075Rep. Gary Peters, Michigan, 9thhttp://peters.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5802Local Office Number: (248) 273-4227Rep. Dina Titus, Nevada, 3rdhttp://titus.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3252Local Office Number: (702) 256-3462Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, New Hampshire, 1sthttp://www.shea-porter.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5456Local Office Number: (603) 743-4813Rep. Tim Bishop, New York, 1sthttp://timbishop.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3826Local Office Number: (631) 696-6500Rep. John Hall, New York, 19thhttp://johnhall.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5441Local Office Number: (845) 225-3641 x49371Rep. Bill Owens, New York, 23rdhttp://owens.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4611Local Office Number: (315) 782-3150Rep. Mike Arcuri, New York, 24thhttp://arcuri.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3665Local Office Number: (315) 793-8146Rep. Dan Maffei, New York, 25http://maffei.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3701Local Office Number: (315) 423-5657Rep. Earl Pomeroy, North Dakotahttp://www.pomeroy.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2611Local Office Number: (701) 224-0355Rep. Steven Driehaus, Ohio, 1sthttp://driehaus.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2216Local Office Number: (513) 684-2723Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy, Ohio, 15thhttp://kilroy.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2015Local Office Number: (614) 294-2196Rep. Zack Space, Ohio, 18thhttp://space.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6265Local Office Number: (330) 364-4300Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, Pennsylvania, 3rdhttp://www.dahlkemper.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5406Local Office Number: (814) 456-2038Rep. Patrick Murphy, Pennsylvania, 8thhttp://www.patrickmurphy.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4276Local Office Number: (215) 826-1963Rep. Christopher Carney, Pennsylvania, 10thhttp://carney.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3731Local Office Number: (570) 585-9988Rep. Paul Kanjorski, Pennsylvania, 11thhttp://kanjorski.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6511Local Office Number: (570) 825-2200Rep. John Spratt, South Carolina, 5thhttp://spratt.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5501Local Office Number: (803) 327-1114Rep. Tom Perriello, Virginia, 5thhttp://perriello.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4711Local Office Number: (276) 656-2291Rep. Alan Mollohan, West Virginia, 1sthttp://www.mollohan.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4172Local Office Number: (304) 623-4422Rep. Nick Rahall, West Virginia, 3rdhttp://www.rahall.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3452Local Office Number: (304) 252-5000Rep. Steve Kagen, Wisconsin, 8thhttp://kagen.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5665Local Office Number: (920) 437-1954
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From The Hill - ((fascinating analysis of where people stand....))
WHIP COUNT: House Democrats' positions on the healthcare reform bill
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/85693-whip-watch-the-hills-survey-of-house-dems-positions-on-healthcare-
By The Hill staff - 03/09/10 12:56 PM ET
The Hill's survey/tracking of House Democrats' positions on healthcare reform legislation. UPDATED: 3/11/10 at 12:35 a.m.
House Democrats not on this list are expected to vote yes. However, some members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus who are not mentioned below have threatened to vote no unless the Senate's immigration-related provisions are changed.
All House Republicans are expected to vote no.
Firm No, Leaning No, Likely No (25)
John Adler (N.J.) Waiting to see bill. Sounded like a no on Fox News, saying House and Senate bills fail to address cost containmentMichael Arcuri (N.Y.) (Y) Some reports have him as firm no, but Rules Committee member hasn't closed the door yetJohn Barrow (Ga.) * Voted no last year in committee and on floor. Likely noDan Boren (Okla.) * Won't be changing his mind -- firm noBobby Bright (Ala.) * Voted against House health bill, stimulus and climate change. Firm noTravis Childers (Miss.) * In tossup reelection raceArtur Davis (Ala.) * Running for governor, but will make sure to return to D.C. to vote no Lincoln Davis (Tenn.) * Voted no first time, and most expect him to vote no again Chet Edwards (Texas) Perennial GOP target. Likely no againLarry Kissell (N.C.) GOP target, but reelection chances on the rise. Firm noFrank Kratovil (Md.) Voted for climate change; says he will vote noDennis Kucinich (Ohio) Progressive was on the fence before House vote last fall -- not this time. He's a firm noStephanie Herseth Sandlin (S.D.) Congresswoman told the Rapid City Journal she's a no, noting that she is not a fan of reconciliation Tim Holden (Pa.) * Voted against healthcare and climate change in 2009. Jim Marshall (Ga.) * Perennial GOP target, but favored to win reelection. Told The Hill he's a noJim Matheson (Utah) * President Obama this year tapped brother for post, but Matheson still a likely no Mike McIntyre (N.C.) * Seven-term lawmaker rejected House health bill and climate change. Spokesman tells The Hill McIntyre is a no. Expected to win reelection easily even though Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) won district. Mike McMahon (N.Y.) Told the Staten Island Advance he's a noCharles Melancon (La.) * Senate hopeful voted no in November and no in committee. Likely noWalt Minnick (Idaho) One of the House's most conservative members. Firm noCollin Peterson (Minn.) * Ag chairman not shy in bucking leadership. Firm noMike Ross (Ark.) * Voted for bill in committee, but not since. Firm noIke Skelton (Mo.) * GOP targeting his seat. Armed Services Committee chairman is a firm noGene Taylor (Miss.) * Has been a firm no all Congress Harry Teague (N.M.) * Told The Hill that he will review bill to see if final bill brings costs down. If "we are in the same place -- a no."
Firm Yes (2) Dale Kildee (Mich.) * (Y) Not one of Congressman Stupak's dozen Silvestre Reyes (Texas) * (Y) Intelligence panel chairman on board
Leaning Yes (2)Russ Carnahan (Mo.) (Y) In competitive race this fall, but should win Gerry Connolly (Va.) (Y) If he votes no, bill will not pass. Likely yes
Undecided (79) Jason Altmire (Pa.) * Many view Altmire as key to passage. He said on Fox News he has "open mind." Voted no in committee and on floor but bottom line is that his yes vote is gettable Joe Baca (Calif.) * (Y) Must have for leadershipBrian Baird (Wash.) Retiring member who bucked party on Iraq war surge Melissa Bean (Ill.) (Y) Conservative Democrat well positioned for midterm electionMarion Berry (Ark.) * (Y) Has been critical of the president since announcing his retirement Sanford Bishop (Ga.) * (Y) Favors Stupak provision Tim Bishop (N.Y.) (Y) Must have vote for leadershipJohn Boccieri (Ohio) * GOP target Rick Boucher (Va.) GOP target Allen Boyd (Fla.) Facing primary challengeDennis Cardoza (Calif.) * (Y) Secured language for district before last year's vote Chris Carney (Pa.) * (Y) A no vote here would be a setback for leadershipBen Chandler (Ky.) * Keeps cards close to vest; voted no in November Jim Cooper (Tenn) * (Y) Has had up-and-down relationship with Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) Jim Costa (Calif.) * (Y) Secured project for his district before November vote Jerry Costello (Ill.) * (Y) Was a late yes in the fall Joe Courtney (Y) Wary of excise tax, but likely yesHenry Cuellar (Texas) * (Y) Supported health bill and climate change, surprising some on Capitol HillKathleen Dahlkemper (Pa.) * (Y) GOP target. Her yes vote is key to passageJoe Donnelly (Ind.) * (Y) Among the Stupak dozen -- will vote no unless abortion language in Senate bill is changed, according to The Rochester Sentinel Mike Doyle (Pa.) * (Y) Must have vote for leadership; not politically vulnerableSteve Driehaus (Ohio) * (Y) In tossup race in November Bob Etheridge (N.C.) * (Y) Passed up Senate runBrad Ellsworth (Ind.) * (Y) Senate hopeful Bill Foster (Ill.) (Y) GOP target Gabrielle Giffords (Ariz.) (Y) GOP targetBart Gordon (Tenn.) * Retiring committee chairman Raul Grijalva (Ariz.) (Y) Despite many threats, Arizona liberal expected to vote yes John Hall (N.Y.) (Y) Democratic leaders may lose other Dems from N.Y., but need to keep Hall on boardDebbie Halvorson (Ill.) (Y) Politically vulnerable, but favored to win her reelection race Baron Hill (Ind.) * (Y) Passed up Senate run Jim Himes (Conn.) (Y) Must have vote for leadership. Likely yesSteve Kagen (Wis.) (Y) Told Fox 11 in Wisconsin that he prefers more incremental approach; doesn't trust Senate Paul Kanjorski (Pa.) * (Y) GOP target ((Kanjorski is being challenged for the third time by Hazleton Mayor - and my high school classmate - Lou Barletta. Rumor has it that this will be Barletta's strongest challenge yet.))Marcy Kaptur (Ohio) * (Y) Voted with leadership first time around, but doesn't toe the party lineMary Jo Kilroy (Ohio) (Y) In tossup race this NovemberRon Kind (Wis.) (Y) Represents competitive district. Voted against bill in committeeAnn Kirkpatrick (Ariz.) (Y) GOP target Ron Klein (Fla.) (Y) GOP target Suzanne Kosmas (Fla.) Easily won her race in 2008; her 2010 race will be tighterJim Langevin (R.I.) * (Y) Langevin's seat not in danger this fall. He has previously fended off primary challenges Daniel Lipinski (Ill.) * (Y) Will not vote for abortion language in Senate bill, but has other concerns as well. Democratic leaders cannot count on LipinskiDan Maffei (N.Y.) (Y) Former Ways and Means aide is seen as gettable Betsy Markey (Colo.) Was a late no last time. In early March, Markey declined to be interviewed by Denver Post on her position on bill. Likely target for Democratic leadersJerry McNerney (Calif.) (Y) Waiting for final language. There are false reports of him being a firm noMichael Michaud (Maine) * (Y) Likely yes Walt Minnick (Idaho) Probable no vote Harry Mitchell (Ariz.) (Y) GOP target Alan Mollohan (W.Va.) * (Y) In November, seat was considered safe. Now, he's in a tight race Dennis Moore (Kan.) (Y) Retiring this yearChris Murphy (Conn.) (Y) GOP target Scott Murphy (N.Y.) Reelection race looks good, for nowRichard Neal (Mass.) * (Y) Better vote yes if he wants to take Ways and Means gavel; fan of Stupak language Glenn Nye (Va.) In tossup raceJim Oberstar (Minn.) * (Y) Wants to vote yes, but also wants Stupak languageDavid Obey (Wis.) * (Y) Waiting to review bill language; likely yes Solomon Ortiz (Texas) * (Y) Was a late yes last time around Bill Owens (N.Y.) (Y) One of first votes in Congress was "yes" on House health bill; media reports have him as undecidedTom Perriello (Va.) * (Y) In tossup race this fall; Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) had long talk with the Virginia Democrat on March 10 on the House floorEarl Pomeroy (N.D.) * (Y) Voted against bill in committee, and for it on the House floor Nick Rahall (W.Va.) * (Y) Another panel chairman on the fence Ciro Rodriguez (Texas) * (Y) Considered by Cook Political Report to "likely" retain seat Tim Ryan (Ohio) * (Y) Opposes anti-abortion rights John Salazar (Colo.) * (Y) GOP target Loretta Sanchez (Calif.) (Y) Was a late yes in November Mark Schauer (Mich.) (Y) In tossup race this fall Carol Shea-Porter (N.H.) (Y) In tossup race, according to Cook Political Report Heath Shuler (N.C.) * Doesn't hold his tongue when he opposes Democratic leaders. Critic of reconciliationVic Snyder (Ark.) * (Y) Not seeking reelection. Seen as likely yesZack Space (Ohio) * (Y) Voted yes in committee and yes on the floor last yearJohn Spratt (S.C.) * (Y) Budget Committee chairman is in competitive reelection raceBart Stupak (Mich.) * (Y) More optimistic about brokering a deal on abortion with House leaders, but time is running out Betty Sutton (Ohio) (Y) GOP targetJohn Tanner (Tenn.) * House deputy whip not running for reelection, but he still will need to be convinced to get to yes. Voted no in committee and on floorDina Titus (Nev.) (Y) One of three female House Democrats to vote no last November. She also voted no at committee levelPaul Tonko (N.Y.) (Y) Waiting for CBO numbersCharlie Wilson (Ohio) * (Y) Considered less vulnerable this fall than other Ohio DemocratsDavid Wu (Ore.) (Y) Was undecided for three hours during 2003 Medicare drug vote, then voted with the GOPJohn Yarmuth (Ky.) (Y) Considered a team playe. Likely yes
* — Voted for Stupak amendment in November(Y) — Voted yes in November
Note: Spokesmen for Berry, Driehaus, Lipinski and Stupak said their bosses will vote against the bill unless the Stupak language is adopted. Stupak has said a dozen lawmakers who voted for the House measure could change their votes based on the abortion provisions.
Bob Cusack, Jared Allen, Jeffrey Young, Molly K. Hooper, John Owre, Jennifer Swift, Drew Wheatley, Jurgen Boerema and Tony Lange contributed to this list.
PLEASE EMAIL \n ' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ' ); //--> " href="mailto:%20%3Cscript%20language='JavaScript'%20type='text/javascript'%3E%20%3C!--%20var%20prefix%20=%20'ma'%20+%20'il'%20+%20'to';%20var%20path%20=%20'hr'%20+%20'ef'%20+%20'=';%20var%20addy28780%20=%20'bcusack'%20+%20'@';%20addy28780%20=%20addy28780%20+%20'thehill'%20+%20'.'%20+%20'com';%20document.write(%20'%3Ca%20'%20+%20path%20+%20'\''%20+%20prefix%20+%20':'%20+%20addy28780%20+%20'\'%3E'%20);%20document.write(%20addy28780%20);%20document.write(%20'%3C\/a%3E'%20);%20//--%3E\n%20%3C/script%3E%20%3Cscript%20language='JavaScript'%20type='text/javascript'%3E%20%3C!--%20document.write(%20'%3Cspan%20style=\'display:%20none;\'%3E'%20);%20//--%3E%20%3C/script%3EThis%20e-mail%20address%20is%20being%20protected%20from%20spambots.%20You%20need%20JavaScript%20enabled%20to%20view%20it%20%3Cscript%20language='JavaScript'%20type='text/javascript'%3E%20%3C!--%20document.write(%20'%3C/'%20);%20document.write(%20'span%3E'%20);%20//--%3E%20%3C/script%3E" mce_href="mailto: ' ); //-->\n ' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ' ); //--> ">Bob Cusack WITH UPDATES.
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Sign-up for a Honk Against The Health Care Takeover Rally!
http://honkno.com/2010/03/04/sign-up-for-a-honk-no-rally/
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
This week, the president actually said the nation is “waiting for [Washington] to act” on the health care issue. This is arrogance and political posturing at its worst. Like us, the president knows the truth. Every reputable public opinion poll for months has clear majorities of the American people saying “NO” to the health care “reform” coming out of Washington, D.C.
Now is the time to finish the job of protecting this most personal freedom by stopping the Democrats’ Washington takeover of our health care in the U.S. House of Representatives.
On March 16 at 12 noon your time, we’re asking you to drive to your nearest congressional district office and drive around honking your horn. Our goal is to have Americans across the nation telling the politicians to keep their hands off our health care through this “Honk Against the Health Care Takeover” effort.
To show people why you’re honking, when you register we’ll send you a “Honk Against the Health Care Takeover” bumper sticker. To receive the bumper sticker in time for the March 16th event, you need to register by 8am March 11th. Orders after will be mailed but might not get to you in time for the event.
Click here to find your representative’s local office that is nearest to you, and use the form to register below so we can send you a bumper sticker.
AFP Urges Constituents to ‘Honk No’
Monday, March 8th, 2010
For Immediate Release – March 5, 2010Contact: Amy Payne, (703) 224-3200 or (703) 585-4584 (cell)
Americans for Prosperity Urges Constituents to ‘Honk No’ Outside Congressional District Offices
March 16 effort puts pressure on House members as critical health care vote looms
ARLINGTON, Va. – Americans for Prosperity, whose project Patients First has held hundreds of rallies against a Washington takeover of health care, is encouraging Americans to make their voices – and their horns – heard on March 16.
“Our hard-working activists can’t make it to Washington to rally every time Congress makes a move on this disastrous health care bill, but that’s okay,” said AFP President Tim Phillips. “We’re asking folks to drive around their members’ district offices and let them know they’re ‘honking no’ against this health care takeover.”
“The House’s vote on the Senate’s bill, coming up in the next two weeks, is the most critical vote – it’s a do-or-die situation,” Phillips said. “This bill would kill jobs, hurt patients and doctors, erode our freedoms and raise taxes to do it all.”
What: Honking Against the Health Care Takeover
Where: District offices of your members of Congress
When: March 16 at Noon local time
What to do: Drive around the block for about 15 minutes with a bumper sticker or sign on your car, letting people know why you are honking.
Register at http://honkno.com/ to receive a free bumper sticker, and download a sign to tape in your car window.
For more information, and to find the district office nearest you, please visit http://honkno.com/.
Patients First is a project of Americans for Prosperity, focused on real health care reform that will lead to more choices for patients and affordable health care options for all. Patients First is not affiliated in any way with Patient First Neighborhood Medical Centers.
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP has more than 975,000 members, including members in all 50 states, and 30 state chapters and affiliates. More than 60,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial investment in AFP or AFP Foundation. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org
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((From one of health care's most effective champions, former AMA President, Dr. Donald Palmisano, who always has "inside" information....))
DJP Update 3-9-2010
AMA & The Final Vote in Congress on Health System Reform;
Background info DJPNEWS on Twitter
ITEM ONE: AMA & The Final Vote in Congress on Health System Reform
Tick Tock, Tick Tock; Time is of the essence. The advocates in the Administration and in Congress are having closed door meetings to try and get a majority vote in the House to pass the Senate bill. The moment the necessary number of votes are in favor there will be an immediate vote. As of this moment, there are not enough votes in the House of Representatives to pass the Senate bill. But lots going on behind the scenes. Remember the revelations when the Senate bill was passed as the public read the fine print of the 2700 page disaster in the details bill that emerged. Can't get the book "Animal Farm" out of my mind when I review the actions of Congress: some are more equal than others.
Now our AMA. AMA has been silent of late as to AMA position of the vote about to be taken in the House of Representatives. AMA was not at the last President Obama press conference on stage with the other stage doctors and I did not see a representative of AMA in the audience of white coats.
It is time for AMA to state to the public and send a letter to Congress that AMA opposes the Senate bill. Do a clear and unequivocal press release that states opposition. All along AMA kept saying it is working to get changes in the bills. Well, the changes did not come.
One of many examples of items AMA opposed in the Senate bill. Still in the bill!
Independent Medicare Advisory Board
AMA policy specifically opposes any provision that would empower an independent commission to mandate payment cuts for physicians, who are already subject to an expenditure target and other potential payment reductions under the Medicare physician payment system. Therefore, we oppose the Independent Medicare Advisory Board as currently designed in H.R. 3590, and we look forward to working with you on significant changes to the proposal.
(This except above from AMA: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/health-system-reform/news/december-2009/ama-comments-hr-3590.shtml )
The better fix for payment is for AMA to boldly state no price-fixing by government! Let government decide what it can pay and let doctors and patients negotiate the rest. I am tired of people saying doctors can't be trusted!
Time to enter the arena, AMA!
Time for AMA to enter the field of battle. Doctors are looking for warriors to save the patient-physician relationship and the Senate bill will not decrease cost, will not increase quality, and will give a false sense of access: an insurance card that has no doctor on the other end to do the treatment. In addition, the funny math will bankrupt this Country.
Let this bill fail and put forth a bill that truly addresses the current problems. Allow health insurance purchase across state lines, get real proven medical liability reform and put some penalty on those attorneys who file suits without merit, use tax credits, convert Medicaid that currently is bankrupting states into a defined contribution, allow private contracting without penalty, and more: FOLLOW SPECIFIC AMA POLICY!
It is tough trying to convince members not to quit AMA. Give us some help, AMA! ((I hear you on that, Donald. In its misguided efforts to protect doctors, the AMA is consigning itself to even lower membership and less relevance - which will give it considerably less power in future fights to protect doctors and patients. My advice to frustrated physicians it NOT to quit, but to get involved at the local level and take the AMA BACK - much like grassroots Americans are mounting an effort to take Congress back....))
ITEM TWO: Go to http://twitter.com/djpNEWS to see recent postings on the funny math Congress is using.
Especially see: DJPNEWS: Importance of analysis! RT @bridgettwagner How government lies about cost ’savings’ Kyle Wingfield: http://bit.ly/bo7ix7
((Here's a follow up to the previous message))
DJP Update 3-10-2010
AMA waits for "legislative language..." Meanwhile others take action!This type of letter below from the Medical Association of Georgia is being sent out from multiple state and specialty medical societies. Meanwhile, AMA waits on the sidelines with the following reply today to a member of the House of Delegates and copied by AMA to many.
AMA Chair says, in part, "Only after legislative language is available and analyzed will a position on the legislation be released." Congress is not waiting. At any moment, the Senate bill may be voted in the House. I am having a deja vu of Hurricane Katrina and the failure to act timely!Go to www.mag.org to read various letters and MAG's press release.
FOR RELEASE MARCH 9, 2010
Contact Tom Kornegay at 678.303.9260 or tkornegay@mag.org
MAG JOINS NATIONAL COALITION THAT’S FOCUSED ON PRESERVING PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND PATIENT-PHYSICIAN RELATIONSHIPATLANTA –
Faced with federal legislation that will undermine the world’s best medical care, the MedicalAssociation of Georgia (MAG) has joined the Coalition of State Medical and National Specialty Societies topreserve the practice of medicine and the patient-physician relationship, according to MAG President Gary C.Richter, M.D.
The coalition has 11 charter members that represent more than 70,000 physicians, numbers Dr.Richter expects to grow.In terms of critical action, Dr. Richter says the coalition is calling on every American patient and physician tocontact members of the U.S. House of Representatives to urge them to oppose the Senate version of the healthbill that they’ll consider in the coming days because it lays the foundation for government-controlled health care.
What’s more, he says the coalition sent a March 4 letter to congressional leaders asking them to repeal theSustainable Growth Rate (SGR) – which serves as the basis for Medicare payment for physicians – because ofthe disastrous effects it’s having on patient access to care.Dr. Richter reports that the coalition believes, “We shouldn’t be talking about an expanded role for governmentin health care when the government programs we have are unsustainable. We are convinced that the majority ofpracticing physicians in this country believe the key to reforming our health care system is reforming the medicalpayment system, which is a message we’ve been advocating on behalf of our patients for more than a year.”In terms of solutions, Dr. Richter says the coalition’s mission is based on three core principles, including…
• The right to privately contract without third party interference or penalty. The coalition refers to this as a“touchstone of American freedom and liberty.”
• The determination of the quality of medical care must be made by the profession of medicine – not by thegovernment or other third party payers.
• Medical liability reform that’s based on proven policies is an essential part of any health care reform. Thecoalition believes this will ensure that all patients have access to quality, affordable health care.
The coalition includes the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, the Medical Society of the District ofColumbia, the Medical Association of Georgia, the Florida Medical Association, the Kansas Medical Society,the Medical Society of New Jersey, the South Carolina Medical Association, the American Academy of FacialPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the American Societyof General Surgeons, and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
((LOVE those neurosurgeons - they're a powerful and constant voice for physicians' and patients' rights....))
With more than 6,000 members, MAG is the leading voice for physicians in Georgia.
Go to www.mag.org formore information. Also follow MAG on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MAG1849.###-----------
Stay well,Donald
P.S. Stop by http://twitter.com/djpNEWS and sign up for DJPNEWS to get tweet alerts that may not make it into DJP Updates.Also, recent selected DJP Updates can be found at: http://www.intrepidresources.com/html/djp_update/Donald J. Palmisano, MD, JD
DJP@intrepidresources.com
http://www.intrepidresources.com/
http://www.onleadership.us/
This DJP Update goes to 2209 leaders in Medicine representing all ofthe State Medical Associations and over 100 Specialty Societies plussome other friends.You can share it with your members and it has the potential to reach800,000 physicians.To join the list, send me an email stating "Join DJP Update"To get off the list, state " Remove DJP Update" in subject line.
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From the PHILADELPHIA TEA PARTY PATRIOTS
There has been a recent movement in the last 24 hours from Yes to Undecided and toward NO. What that means is our efforts are having an effect. Please keep up the good work. We cannot let up now. The current vote count at this writing is: 192 Y /190 N / 49 Undecided
Pelosi needs 216 votes for passage
She is 24 votes short.
We added 8 NO votes in the last 24 hours
TURN THE HEAT UP
Now is the time to turn the heat up and put pressure on the House Members to vote against government takeover of health care. Tea Party Patriots has an action plan laid out for the next one and a half weeks. Our plan of action is called "Tea Party Patriots Operation Urgent Care". Here is an outline of what we are planning:
March 9 - 18 - Continue local rallies at district offices and concentrate your visits during morning and evening drive times for maximum visibility
March 9 - 18 - Phone Calls and emails to Congressional offices
March 9 - 18 - Make appointment to visit your Congressman/Congresswoman in person
March 9 - 18 - Call your Governor's Office and ask them to put pressure on the State House Delegation to vote against the healthcare bill. Monday, March 15, 2010 Day of Prayer
Tuesday, March 16 Operation Urgent Care, The People's Surge to DC
Details for this outline are below as well as the list of targeted House members.
There has been a recent movement in the last 24 hours from Yes to Undecided and toward NO. What that means is our efforts are having an effect. Please keep up the good work. We cannot let up now. The current vote count at this writing is:192 Y /190 N / 49 Undecided Pelosi needs 216 votes for passageShe is 24 votes short. We added 8 NO votes in the last 24 hoursWe need to make sure she does not get those votes.
Health Care Plan for Week of March 8, 2010
We are focusing on the Blue Dogs and Pro Life Dems, many of which supported the Stupak amendment in November. Continue local rallies at district offices concentrate your visits during morning and evening drive times for maximum visibility.
1. For those that attend, one by one enter the office and ask to speak with the representative about your opposition to health care.
2. If they are not there, speak to the local staffer, and ask to make an appointment to speak with the representative when they are next in their district.
3. Note the staffers response to your request and contact the media/write letters to the editor/blog/tweet about your treatment if they refuse to make an appointment or are rude.
4. As one visitor leaves the next one should enter to repeat the process.During this hour, ask those at home or work to call or fax the office. Make sure to continue to call and fax the targeted Representatives at their local offices during the day as well as calling their DC offices.
March 12-15
During this time many House Members will be returning to their districts. Sometime this week call and make an appointment to see your Congressman when they return. Attempt to fill their calendar while they are home. Go to the appointment, if the Congressman meets with you, make the most of this opportunity. If they do not, or cancel your appointment make sure that gets out to the press and blogs, and write a letter to the editor/blog/tweet about it Note your treatment by the staffers and report bad treatment to the press. If your Representative is not at their office, go to them wherever they are in the district. Find out their schedule and take the rally to the Representative at the events they are attending. If you cannot find out this info, stage a WHERE IS MY REP?" rally at the local media outlets. By locating your rally outside (on public property) of major media locations you increase the likelihood of coverage. Newspapers, and TV stations are great as they have photographers/camera crews just inside that they can send out for pictures. Local radio stations may send out a reporter with a live mic. On Monday the 15th we are calling for a day of prayer. In this time of great peril for our nation, many have asked that we take a moment to remember that the natural rights for which we are fighting are a gift of our Creator. This could take the form of private prayer,or a moment of silence or personal contemplation, or if your group prefers, a candle light vigil. If you decide for a vigil, again hold it for maxium visibility outside district offices or media outlets during evening news hours.
TUESDAY MARCH 16 OPERATION URGENT CARE: THE PEOPLE'S SURGE TO D.C.
As the vote becomes imminent we are asking for a SURGE TO D.C. This is not a rally or a march. This is a drop off, meet and surge event. The goal is to take the constituent visits to the Representatives D.C. offices. The goal is to fill the halls of the office buildings with citizens waiting to see their Reps and express their opposition to the health care bill.
We realize at this time of economic strife the cost of a trip is beyond the reach of many patriots; so if you can not go to D.C, please call or visit the local offices. WE CAN KILL THIS BILL IN THE HOUSE. Especially needed in D.C. are patriots from the targeted Reps districts. For more details on this event, visit this website for information
Peoples Surge and RSVP for the event.
PEOPLE'S SURGE
The surge is scheduled for the 16th but the vote may not be until later in the week. We will need a patriots present in DC to visit their Reps and be present on the Hill through from the 16th until they hold the vote, or adjourn for break. If you cannot attend on the 16th feel free to come and visit your Rep in D.C.anytime between now and the vote if you are able. If you go, attempt to get a meeting, and wait all day if necessary to get it. Be peaceful and respectful, but firm. Make sure the staff know you are a constituent, and you wish to have your voice heard on your opposition to the health care bill.
During this time IT IS VITAL that we continue to pressure the local offices as well. The events in D.C. are an EXTENSION of our local efforts not in place of them. All local activities need to continue in order to keep the bill from passing
Questions?
Email these individuals. Please put into the subject line, "Healthcare Action Alert".
Healthcare Fight Committee: Diana Reimer - philatppatriots@gmail.comDebbie Dooley - debbie0040@yahoo.comJudy Pepenella - csa.1776@yahoo.comRobin Stublen - nelbuts5256@gmail.com Scott Boston - scottsboston@gmail.com
REMEMBER THIS.... Only Chickens Avoid Constituents
REPRESENTATIVES
TARGETS BY STATE
ALABAMA
Rep. Bobby Bright, Alabama 2ndhttp://www.bright.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2901, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-8913Local Office Number: (334) 794-9680, Local Fax Number: (334) 671-1480Chief of Staff: Jason Buckner email: jason.buckner@mail.house.govVoted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition
ARIZONA
Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, Arizona, 1sthttp://kirkpatrick.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2315, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-9739Local Office Number: (928) 226-6914, Local Fax Number: (928) 226-2876Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
Rep. Harry Mitchell, Arizona 5thhttp://mitchell.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2190Local Office Number: (480) 946-2411Voted Yes on Health Care, Currently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Arizona, 8thhttp://giffords.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2542, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-0378Local Office Number: (520) 881-3588, Local Fax Number: (520) 322-9490 Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership ARKANSAS
Rep. Marion Berry, Arkansas 1sthttp://www.house.gov/berry/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4076, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5602Local Office Number: (870) 972-4600, Local Fax Number: (870) 972-4605Listed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
Rep. Mike Ross, Arkansas 4thhttp://ross.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3772, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1314Local Office Number: (870) 881-0681, Local Fax Number: (870) 881-0683Voted Yes on Stupak, Voted No on Health Care, Currently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
CALIFORNIA
Rep. Dennis Cardoza, California 18thhttp://www.house.gov/cardoza/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6131, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-0819Local Office Number: (209) 383-4455, Local Fax Number: (209) 726-1065Voted Yes on Health Care, Currently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
Rep. Jim Costa, California 20thhttp://www.house.gov/costa/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3341, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-9308Local Office Number: (559) 495-1620, Local Fax Number: (559) 495-1027Voted Yes on Health Care, Currently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
Rep. Laura Richardson, California, 37thhttp://richardson.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-7924, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7926District Office Number: (202) 225-7924, District Fax Number: (202) 225-7926
Rep. Linda Sanchez, California, 39thhttp://lindasanchez.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6676Local Office Number: (562) 860-5050
COLORADO Rep. Markey, Colorado 4thhttp://betsymarkey.house.gov/DC Office Number: 202-225-4676, DC Fax Number: 202-225-5870Local Office Number: 970-221-7110, Local Fax Number: 970-221-7240Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition
FLORIDA
Rep. Allen Boyd, Florida, 2ndhttp://boyd.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5235, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5615Local Office Number: (850) 561-3979, Local Fax Number: (850) 681-2902Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
Rep. Ron Klein, Florida, 22ndhttp://www.klein.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225.3026, DC Fax Number: (202) 225.8398Local Office Number: (561) 544-6910, Local Fax Number: (561) 544-2864 Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, Florida, 24th http://www.kosmas.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2706, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-6299Local Office Number: (407) 208-1106, Local Fax Number: (407) 208-1108Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
GEORGIA
Rep. Jim Marshall, Georgia 8thhttp://jimmarshall.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6531, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3013Local Office Number: (478) 464-0255, Local Fax Number: (478) 464-0277Voted Yes on Stupak, Voted No on Health Care, Currently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
Rep. John Barrow, Georgia 12thhttp://www.barrow.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2823, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3377Local Office Number: (706) 722-4494, Local Fax Number: (706) 722-4496Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
IDAHO
Rep. Walt Minnick, Idaho 1sthttp://minnick.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6611, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3029Local Office Number: (208) 888-3188, Local Fax Number: (208) 888-0894Chief of Staff: Kare Haas email: kate.haas@mail.house.govVoted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently No on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition
ILLINOIS
Rep. Daniel Lipinski, Illinois 3rdhttp://www.lipinski.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5701, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1012Local Office Number: (312) 886-0481, Local Fax Number: (773) 767-9395
Rep. Melissa Bean, Illinois 8thhttp://www.house.gov/bean/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3711, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7830Local Office Number: (847) 517-2927, Local Fax Number: (847) 517-2931
Rep. Deborah "Debbie" Halvorson, Illinois, 11th http://halvorson.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3635, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3521Local Office Number: (815) 726-4998, Local Fax Number: (815) 726-8024
INDIANA
Rep. Peter Visclosky, Indiana, 1sthttp://www.house.gov/visclosky/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2461, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2493Local Office Number: (219) 795-1844, DC Fax Number: (219) 795-1850
Rep. Joe Donnelly, Indiana 2ndhttp://donnelly.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3915, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-6798Local Office Number: (574) 288-2780, Local Fax Number: (574) 288-2825Voted Yes on Health Care, Currently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
Rep. Brad Ellsworth, Indiana, 8thhttp://www.ellsworth.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4636, DC Office Fax: (202) 225-3284Local Office Number: (812) 465-6484, Local Fax Number: (812) 422-4761Listed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
Rep. Baron Hill, Indiana 9thhttp://baronhill.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5315, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-6866Local Office Number: (812) 288-3999, Local Fax Number: (812) 288-3873Voted Yes on Health Care, Currently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership KENTUCKY
Rep. Ben Chandler, Kentucky 6thhttp://chandler.house.gov/contact/index.shtmlDC Office Number: (202) 225-4706, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2122Local Office Number: (859) 219-1366, Local Fax Number: (859) 219-3437Chief of Staff: Denis Fleming email: denis.fleming@mail.house.govVoted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition
LOUSIANA Rep. Charlie Melancon, Lousianahttp://www.melancon.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4031, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-3944Local Office Number: (985) 876-3033, Local Fax Number: Chief of Staff: Joe Bonfiglio email: joe.bonfiglio@mail.house.govVoted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently No on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition
MAINE
Rep. Michael Michaud, Maine 2ndhttp://michaud.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6306, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2943Local Office Number: (207) 942-6935, Local Fax Number: (207) 942-5907Listed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
MARYLAND
Rep. Frank Kratovil, Maryland 1sthttp://kratovil.house.govDC Office Number: 202-225-5311, DC Fax Number: 202-225-0254Local Office Number: (410) 420-8822, Local Fax Number: (443) 262 - 9713Chief of Staff: Tim McCann email: tim.mccann@mail.house.govVoted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition
Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, Maryland, 2ndhttp://dutch.house.gov/DC Office Number: 202-225-3061, DC Fax Number: 202-225-3094Local Office Number: 410-628-2701, Local Fax Number: 410-628-2708
MASSACHUSETTS
Rep. Ed Markey, Massachusetts, 7thhttp://markey.house.gov/DC Office Number: 202-225-2836Local Office Number: 781-396-2900 Rep. Stephen Lynch, Massachusetts, 9thhttp://www.house.gov/lynch/DC Office Number: 202-225-8273, DC Fax Number: 202-225-3984Local Office Number: 617-428-2000, Local Office Fax: 617-428-2011 MICHIGAN
Rep. Bart Stupak, Michigan 1sthttp://www.house.gov/stupak/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4735, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4744Local Office Number: (906) 786-4504, Local Fax Number: (906) 786-4534Voted Yes on Stupak, Voted Yes on Health Care, Currently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
Rep. Mark Schauer Michigan 7thhttp://schauer.house.govDC Office Number: (202) 225-6276, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-6281Local Office Number: (517) 780-9075, Local Fax Number: (517) 780-9081Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided
Rep. Gary Peters, Michigan, 9thhttp://peters.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225-5802, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-2356Local Office Number: (248) 273-4227, Local Fax Number: (248) 273-4704
MINNESOTA
Rep. Collin C. Peterson, Minnesota 7thhttp://collinpeterson.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2165, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1593Local Office Number: (218) 847-5056Voted Yes on Stupak, Voted No on Health Care, Currently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
MISSISSIPPI
Rep. Travis Childers, Mississippi 1sthttp://childers.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4306, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3549Local Office Number: (662) 841-8808, Local Fax Number: (662) 841-8845Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
Rep. Gene Taylor, Mississippi 4thhttp://www.house.gov/genetaylor/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5772, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7074Local Office Number: (228) 864-7670, Local Fax Number: (228) 864-3099 Voted Yes on Stupak, Voted No on Health Care, Currently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
MISSOURI
Rep. Ike Skelton, Missouri 4thhttp://www.house.gov/skelton/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2876Local Office Number: (816) 228-4242Voted Yes on Stupak, Voted No on Health Care, Currently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
NEW JERSEY
Rep. John Adler, New Jersey 3rdhttp://adler.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4765, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-0778Local Office Number: (732) 608-7235, Local Fax Number: (732) 608-7268Voted Yes on StupakVoted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote high priority
NEW MEXICO
Rep. Martin Heinrich, New Mexico 1sthttp://heinrich.house.govDC Office Number: (202) 225-6316, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4975Local Office Number: (505) 346-6781, Local Fax Number: (505) 346-6723Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided Rep. Harry Teague, New Mexico 2ndhttp://teague.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2365, DC Fax Number: Local Office Number: (575) 393-0510, Local Fax Number: Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
NEW YORK
Rep. Tim Bishop, New York 1sthttp://timbishop.house.govDC Office Number: (202) 225-3826, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3143Local Office Number: (631) 696-6500, Local Fax Number: (631) 696-4520Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided
Rep. Michael E. McMahon, New York 13thhttp://mcmahon.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3371, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-1272Local Office Number: (718) 351-1062, Local Fax Number: (718) 980-0768Voted Yes on Stupak, Voted No on Health Care, Currently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
Rep. Scott Murphy, New York 20thhttp://scottmurphy.house.gov/Contact/ContactForm.htmDC Office Number: (202) 225-5614, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1168Local Office Number: (518) 828-3109, Local Fax Number: (518) 828-3985Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition
Rep. Bill Owens, New York 23rdhttps://owens.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4611, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-0621Local Office Number: (315) 782-3150, Local Fax Number: (315) 782-1291Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
Rep. Michael Arcuri, New York 24thhttp://arcuri.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3665, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1891Local Office Number: (315) 252-2777/2778, Local Fax Number: (315) 252-2779Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently No Vote on Health CareListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
Rep. Daniel B. Maffei, New York, 25thhttp://maffei.house.gov/DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3701, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4042Local Office Number: (315) 423-5657, Local Fax Number: (315) 423-5669
NEVADA Rep. Dina Titus, Nevada 3rdhttp://titus.house.govDC Office Number: (202) 225-3252, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2185Local Office Number: (702) 387-4941, Local Fax Number: (702) 837-0728Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided NEW HAMPSHIRE
Rep. Paul W. Hodes, New Hampshire, 2ndhttp://hodes.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5206, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2946Local Office Phone: (603) 223-9814, Local Fax Number: (603) 223-9819
NORTH CAROLINA
Rep. Bob Etheridge, North Carolina, 2ndhttp://etheridge.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4531Local Office Number: (919) 829-9122 Rep. Mike McIntyre, North Carolina 7thhttp://www.house.gov/mcintyreDC Office Number: (202) 225-2731, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5773Local Office Number: (910) 323-0260, Local Fax Number: (910) 323-0069Chief of Staff: Dean Mitchell email: dean.mitchell@mail.house.govVoted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition
Rep. Larry Kissell, North Carolina 8thhttp://kissell.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3715, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4036Local Office Number: (704) 786-1612, Local Fax Number: (704) 782-1004Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently No on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
Rep. Heath Shuler, North Carolina 11thhttp://shuler.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6401, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-6422Local Office Number: (828) 252-1651, Local Fax Number: (828) 252-8734Chief of Staff: Hayden Rogers email: hayden.rogers@mail.house.govVoted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition NORTH DAKOTA Rep. Earl Pomeroy, North Dakotahttp://www.pomeroy.house.govDC Office Number: (202) 225-2611, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-0893Local Office Number: (701) 224-0355, Local Fax Number: (701) 224-0431Chief of Staff: Bob Siggins email: bob.siggins@mail.house.govVoted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition
OKLAHOMA Rep. Dan Boren, Oklahoma 2ndhttp://www.boren.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2701, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3038Local Office Number: (918) 687-2533, Local Fax Number: (918) 686-0128Chief of Staff: Jason Buckner email: jason.buckner@mail.house.govVoted Yes on StupakListed on Blue Dog Coalition
OHIO
Rep. Steve Driehaus, Ohio, 1sthttp://driehaus.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2216, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3012Local Office Number: (513) 684-2723, Local Fax Number: (513) 421-8722Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote Rep. Charlie Wilson, Ohio 6thhttp://www.charliewilson.house.govDC Office Number: (202) 225-5705, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5907Local Office Number: (330) 533-7250, Local Fax Number: (330) 533-7136Chief of Staff: Candace Abbey email: candace.abbey@mail.house.govVoted Yes on Health CareCurrently UndecidedListed on Blue Dog Coalition
Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Ohio, 9thhttp://www.kaptur.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4146, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7711Local Office Number: (419) 259-7500, Local Fax Number: (419) 255-9623 Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich, Ohio 10thhttp://kucinich.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5871Local Office Number: (216) 228-8850Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently NO vote on Health Care (http://rawstory.com/2010/03/defiant-kucinich-rips-health-bill-insurance-industry-bailout/) Rep. Betty Sutton, Ohio 13thhttp://sutton.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3401, DC Fax Number: Local Office Number: (330) 865-8450, Local Fax Number: Chief of Staff: Nichole Reynolds email: nichole.reynold@mail.house.gov or nichole.reynolds@mail.house.govVoted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided
Rep. John Boccieri, Ohio, 16thhttp://boccieri.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3876, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3059Local Office Number: (330) 489-4414, Local Fax Number: (330) 489-4448Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote Rep. Zack Space, Ohio 18thhttp://space.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6265, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3394Local Office Number: (330) 364-4300, Local Fax Number: (330) 364-4330Chief of Staff: Stuart Chapman email: stuart.chapman@mail.house.govVoted Yes on Health CareCurrently UndecidedListed on Blue Dog Coalition
OREGON
Rep. David Wu, Oregon, 1sthttp://www.house.gov/wu/DC Office Number: (202) 225-0855, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-9497Local Office Number: (503) 326-2901, Local Fax Number: (503) 326-5066 Rep. Kurt Schrader, Oregon, 5thhttp://schrader.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225-5711, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5699Local Office Number: (503) 588-9100, Local Fax Number: (503) 588-5517Listed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership PENNSYLVANIA
Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, Pennsylvania 3rdhttp://www.dahlkemper.house.govDC Office Number: (202) 225-5406, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3103Local Office Number: (814) 456-2038, Local Fax Number: (814) 454-0163Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided
Rep. Jason Altmire, Pennsylvania 4thhttp://www.altmire.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2565, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-2274Local Office Number: (724) 378-0928, Local Fax Number: (724) 378-6171Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
Rep. Paul Kanjorski, Pennsylvania, 11thhttp://kanjorski.house.gov/DC Office Number: 202-225-6511, DC Fax Number: 202-225-0764Local Office Number: 570-825-2200, Local Fax Number: 570-825-8685Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
Rep. Christopher Carney, Pennsylvania, 16thhttp://carney.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3731, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-9594Local Office Number: (570) 585-9988, Local Fax Number: (570) 585-9977Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
Rep. Tim Holden, Pennsylvania 17thhttp://holden.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5546, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-0996 Local Office Number: (610) 921-3502, Local Fax Number: (610) 921-3504Chief of Staff: Trish Reilly email: trish.reilly@mail.house.govVoted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition
RHODE ISLAND
Rep. Jim Langevin, Rhode Island, 2ndhttp://langevin.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2735, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5976Local Office Number: (401) 732-9400, Local Fax Number: (401) 737-2982
SOUTH CAROLINA Rep. John Spratt, South Carolina 5thhttp://spratt.house.gov/DC Office Number: 202-225-5501, DC Fax Number: 202-225-0464Local Office Number: 803-327-1114, Local Fax Number: 803-327-4330Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided SOUTH DAKOTA Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, South Dakotahttp://hersethsandlin.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-2801, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5823Local Office Number: (605) 367-8371, Local Fax Number: (605) 367-8373 Chief of Staff: Tessa Gould email: tessa.gould@mail.house.govVoted No on Health CareCurrently No on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition TENNESSEE
Rep. Lincoln Davis, Tennessee 4thhttp://www.house.gov/lincolndavisDC Office Number: 202-225-6831, DC Fax Number: 202-226-5172Local Office Number: 931-490-8699, Local Fax Number: 931-490-8675Chief of Staff: Beecher Fraiser email: beecher.frasier@mail.house.govVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition
Rep. Bart Gordon, Tennessee 6thhttp://gordon.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4231, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-6887Local Office Number: (615) 896-1986, Local Fax Number: Chief of Staff: Donna Pignatelli email: donna.pignatelli@mail.house.govVoted No on Health CareCurrently Yes on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Rep. John Tanner, Tennessee 8thhttp://tanner.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4714, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-1765Local Office Number: (731) 885-7070, Local Fax Number: (731) 885-7094Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition TEXAS
Rep. Chet Edwards, Texas, 17thhttp://edwards.house.gov/DC Office Number: 202-225-6105, DC Fax Number: Fax: 202-225-0350Local Office Number: (979) 691-8797, Local Fax Number: (979) 691-8939Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
Rep. Ciro Rodriguez, Texas 23rdhttp://www.rodriguez.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4511, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2237Local Office Number: (830) 757-8398, Local Fax Number: (830) 752-1893 Rep. Henry Cuellar, Texas 28thhttp://cuellar.house.gov/DC Office Number: 202-225-1640, DC Fax Number: 202-225-1641Local Office Number: (210) 271-2851, Local Fax Number: (210) 277-6671Listed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
UTAH
Rep. Jim Matheson, Utah 2ndhttp://www.house.gov/matheson/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3011, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5638Local Office Number: (801) 486-1236, Local Fax Number: (801) 486-1417Voted Yes on Stupak, Voted No on Health Care, Currently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership
VIRGINIA
Rep. Glenn C. Nye III, Virginia, 2ndhttp://nye.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225-4215, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-4218Local Office Number: (757) 326-6201, Fax: (757) 326-6209Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover VoteListed on Blue Dog Coalition Membership high priority
Rep. Tom Perriello, Virginia, 5thhttp://perriello.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225-4711, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5681Local Office Number: (434) 293-9631, Local Fax Number: (434) 293-9632Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
Rep. Rick Boucher, Virginia 9thhttp://www.boucher.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3861, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-0442Local Office Number: (276) 628-1145 Voted Yes on StupakVoted No on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote Rep. Gerald "Gerry" Connolly, Virginia, 11thhttp://connolly.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225-1492 DC Fax Number: (202) 225-3071Local Office Number: (703) 256-3071, Local Fax Number: (703) 354-1284Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote WASHINGTON STATE
Rep. Jay Inslee, Washington, 1sthttp://www.house.gov/inslee/DC Office Number: (202) 225-6311, DC Fax Number: (202) 226-1606Local Office Number: (360) 598-2342, Local Fax Number: (360) 598-3650
Rep. Brian Baird, Washington 3rdhttp://www.baird.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3536, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-2478Local Office Number: (360) 695-6292, Local Fax Number: (360) 695-6197Voted Yes on StupakVoted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
Rep. Adam Smith, Washington, 9thhttp://adamsmith.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-8901Local Office Number: (253) 593-6600, Local Fax Number: (253) 593-6776
WEST VIRGINIA
Rep. Alan B. Mollohan, West Virginia, 1sthttp://www.mollohan.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-4172, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-7564Local Office Number: (304) 292-3019, Local Fax Number: (304) 292-3027Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Yes on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
Rep. Nick Rahall, West Virginia, 3rdhttp://www.rahall.house.gov/index.htmlDC Office Number: (202) 225-3452Local Office Number: (304) 325-6222Voted Yes on health CareCurrently Yes on Next Health Care Takeover Vote
WISCONSIN Rep. Dave Obey, Wisconsin 7thhttp://www.obey.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-3365, DC Fax Number: Local Office Number: (715) 842-5606, Local Fax Number: Voted Yes on Health CareCurrently Undecided Rep. Steve Kagen, Wisconsin 8thhttp://kagen.house.gov/DC Office Number: (202) 225-5655, DC Fax Number: (202) 225-5729Local Office Number: (920) 437-1954, Local Fax Number: (920) 437-1978 You are the heart and soul of the Tea Party Movement. Thank you for promoting the causes of fiscal responsibility, constitutionally limited government, and free markets with us!
Your Tea Party Patriots National Coordinator Team,Debbie Dooley, Mike Gaske, Rob Gaudet, Ryan Hecker, Jenny Beth Martin, Mark Meckler, Sally Oljar, Diana Reimer, and Dawn Wildman
Jenny Beth Martin (jennybethm@gmail.com, 770-878-1550)Dawn Wildman (dmwtpp11@yahoo.com)Mark Meckler (mark.grassroots@gmail.com)Debbie Dooley (debbie0040@yahoo.com)Diana Reimer (philatppatriots@gmail.com)
Sincerely,
Diana Reimer
National Coordinator and PA State Coordinator Tea Party Patriots
Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots
www.philateapartypatriots.com
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