The House has their healthcare bill, and the senate has their version. In order for this bill to become law, the same version must pass through both houses. This means that during reconciliation, the 2 bills will have to be modified, meaning amendments can and probably will be stripped. Reid and Pelosi's job is to present a bill they feel they can get through both houses. This is one reason why cloture is so important in the senate. This is our legislative process. This has ALWAYS been the process. im sure both Dems and Rep amendments will be cut during reconciliation. It just sucks when you're not in a position where the rules work in your favor. The GOP is acting as if they feel the rules should change, just because they are in the minority.
You keep saying it makes no sense for the GOP towalk away. It actually makes perfect sense. They are not able to negotiate from any position of power. Negotiating 101 tells us it is not possible to negotiate from a position of weakness. The GOP is helpless right now. There only viable course of action are tactics outside of the Congress. Because while Congress is in session, they have limited influence. Including Reps in the process, doesn't meanthe Dems should cave on their positions.
The GOP is the minority party. Being the minority party in both bodys of Congress is about as low as you can get. Until they gain seats, the GOP will continue to have a very limited amount of say in the legislative process. Each Congressman, Dem or Rep, will have to answer to the people they represent.
IMO, the Dems have been more than accomodating. Personally, I think they've been to nice. If the GOP wanted to really go to work on this bill, I say fine, let them. But when you're saying upfront your intentions is to simply block a bill, thats fine too, because right now we dont need you pass it.
We got the stimulus through, healthcare through, a Supreme Court nominee confirmed, and probably will get 2 or 3 judges appointed to the Supreme Court. If we get EFCA through as well, Dems will have made much of their base VERY happy.
An all DEM bill means Dem will be responsible for it's success or it's failure. Thats the other side of being the majority party.
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