Pop Quiz: How many Senators does it take to kill the Public Option that 72% of Americans say they want?
Answer:15.
Despite the fact that the majority of Americans say they support a public health insurance option, today the Senate Finance Committee, voted to kill it.
Two different public option amendments were rejected by the committee, the one offered by Senator John D. Rockefeller, was voted down 15-8, and the one introduced by Senator Charles Schumer was voted down 13-10.
Committee Chairman Senator Max Baucus, a Democrat, voted against both amendments, saying he feared that a bill including either one would not get the 60 votes it would need for passage by the full Senate.
Our own John Cornyn also voted against both amendments as did all of his fellow Republicans.
For his part, Rockefeller says he will continue to fight for a public option, and it is a fight that is far from over. The final legislation is expected to pass in the Fall, when Both the House and Senate will vote on different versions of proposed legislation. The final bill will undoubtedly be a compromised combination of both the House and Senate versions.
It’s not too late to contact your representatives and tell them you support, or oppose, a public option.
Of coarse we know not all Democrats support the public option, and we are interested to know how the Democrats in our area feel.
Use the comments section below to tell us what you think about Finance Committee’s decision, Max Baucus, Blue Dogs, and health care reform in general.
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To all members of Congress: Stop being so selfish and allow your fellow Americans to enjoy a little piece of the insurance coverage you all get for free! Remember, those Americans who can’t afford health/dental insurance are the very same people who help PAY FOR YOUR INSURANCE. It would be fairer to cancel all of Congress’ insurance to pay for insurance for the American people.