Sanders would support reconciliation to break Republican filibuster
source: http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/67123-sanders-would-support-reconciliation-...
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- WakeUpPeople
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A leading Senate Independent on Monday stressed he would support using reconciliation to break a filibuster and bring healthcare reform to a conclusive vote.
That affirmation, offered Monday night by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), slightly assauges Democratic leaders' concerns, but it leaves open the possibility that the Vermont lawmaker could still buck the majority party on a vote to end debate, complicating the healthcare bill's passage.
"I think the role that [Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.)] is now attempting to play on healthcare is very, very unfortunate," Sanders told MSNBC in an interview, noting Lieberman's intended filibuster is precisely why he wanted his fellow Independent sanctioned last year for stumping with GOP presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (Ariz.).
"The American people overwhelmingly want a public option for a variety of reasons," he added. "Correctly, they want a choice between a private insurance company and a Medicare-type plan. And they should have that choice."
And when asked whether he would support reconciliation in the event Lieberman and other Democrats blocked consideration of the bill, Sanders said: "Absolutely. Look, the trick here is to do the best that we can for the American people.
"And that is quality, affordable healthcare for all of our people," he added. "If we can't do it because we don't get 60 votes, then there are other ways that we have to proceed. And I would strongly support those other ways."
more at link...
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/67123-sanders-would-support-rec...
That affirmation, offered Monday night by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), slightly assauges Democratic leaders' concerns, but it leaves open the possibility that the Vermont lawmaker could still buck the majority party on a vote to end debate, complicating the healthcare bill's passage.
"I think the role that [Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.)] is now attempting to play on healthcare is very, very unfortunate," Sanders told MSNBC in an interview, noting Lieberman's intended filibuster is precisely why he wanted his fellow Independent sanctioned last year for stumping with GOP presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (Ariz.).
"The American people overwhelmingly want a public option for a variety of reasons," he added. "Correctly, they want a choice between a private insurance company and a Medicare-type plan. And they should have that choice."
And when asked whether he would support reconciliation in the event Lieberman and other Democrats blocked consideration of the bill, Sanders said: "Absolutely. Look, the trick here is to do the best that we can for the American people.
"And that is quality, affordable healthcare for all of our people," he added. "If we can't do it because we don't get 60 votes, then there are other ways that we have to proceed. And I would strongly support those other ways."
more at link...
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/67123-sanders-would-support-rec...
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jubal
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Sanders speaks truth. And I completely agree with Neocongo.
- 2 years ago
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jubal
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wayseeker
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This roller coaster ride with the health bill is keeping me confused about what Congress can and can't do with it. But I do think we need fewer men like lieberman and more men like Sanders.
- 2 years ago
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wayseeker
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Progresshiv
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Sanders is a statesman among midgets.
- 2 years ago
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Progresshiv
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neocongo
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We need more Democrats like this Independent, and less Democrats like the Republican, Ben Nelson.
- 2 years ago
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neocongo
