Kamala Harris to co-sponsor the Medicare for All bill

[DesertRat]

Link to tweet

[NurseJackie]

1. Outstanding! She's a great DEMOCRAT! She makes me PROUD to be a DEMOCRAT!

[DesertRat]

2. Me too! I see her as a rising star in the Democratic party

[Maven]

3. Yay! Go Sen. Harris! nt

[Bradshaw3]

4. Great to see a Democrat work with Bernie to get things done n/t

[HarmonyRockets]

6. I agree

But there were a few people on this site bashing this proposal back when Bernie proposed it. Lets see if they still do.

[sheshe2]

25. John Coyers introduced the bill in 2003.

He has continued to do so for 15 years. Did Bernie back it? Honest question as I have no clue and you seem to know more about him than I do.

[Lucky Luciano]

32. House and senate are different as far as this goes, but hopefully they can converge when...

...the time is right!

[sheshe2]

41. 15 years is a long time.

From what I hear it could be any day now...........or not. Yet a great talking point at rallies!!!!!

[Lucky Luciano]

48. Yes...unfortunately it is not likely anytime soon.

Must keep trying. I would have started some businesses if we had universal healthcare, but the cost of healthcare as it is blocked me. I have phenomenal coverage at a well paid job, but the health risks for my family and I are too great for me to venture out on my own while taking a 90% pay cut for the chance to make10-100 times more than I do now a few years down the road. Oh well!

[BainsBane]

62. It's definitely an impediment to entrepreneurship

and overall career risk taking. All of that hurts the economy, so even conservatives should want to do something about that.

[MontanaMama]

118. I left a job in health care

as an insurance biller for a private practice after 21 years. No insurance benefits were provided by my employer although my wage was excellent. I quit my job and went to work at the shop that my husband has owned for 29 years. Being totally self employed is a huge risk as is being self insured. We pay $1322 a month for a family of three on a Bronze plan. More than my mortgage!

I wish the Dems would talk more about small business and entrepreneurship in relationship to universal health care. The repukes ALWAYS claim to be the pro-business party and that is a lie. We took the leap of being totally self employed 4 years ago and I'm glad we did. We aren't eligible for ACA subsidies but some of our staff are. We've cobbled together a "health plan" of sorts for the 7 people we employ because don't want them to have health care worries themselves or for their families like we did for so many years. It works as long as the ACA is in place and because our staff is so young. As they age, the premiums will rise and my hope is that we can still cover them. Small business people as well as corporate America should be shouting from the roof tops supporting universal health care.

[beam me up scottie]

72. Yes, and this is Bernie's third Senate health care bill.

He also cosponsored the house bills and has been advocating single payer universal health care since he was elected in 1991.

Of course this doesn't stand a snowball's chance in hell of passing but Conyers and Sanders are both aware of that fact.

I'm just glad more people support single payer now.

[virtualobserver]

78. Kamala Harris signing on is a very good sign....she is a bellwether.

supporting single payer will soon be the new normal

[beam me up scottie]

82. It sure is. It's good to see the next generation pick up the torch.

After the majority of house Dems cosponsored Conyers' latest bill I had a feeling the tide was turning.

Hopefully the Senate bill will get as much support, even if senators aren't too keen on the details simply co-sponsoring these bills is important to show voters who's on their side. Eventually one of these bills will make it to the floor and they can hammer out the details when that happens.

[GaryCnf]

40. Actually he co-sponsored it

And did so every year he was in the House.

[sheshe2]

43. A link please.

Thanks in advance.

Oh....and, he has been out of the house for a long time. He still sponsored it?

[GaryCnf]

47. #33

You're welcome.

[DanTex]

99. Dunno about "bashing" but I still think it's not the best way to get to universal coverage

from where we are now. Single payer sounds good, and it currently polls well, but the problem is, and has always been, in the implementation. And that problem isn't going to go away regardless of who gets on board.

It's still a fact that single payer would result in the majority of Americans, who currently are satisfied with their health coverage, to be moved off that coverage. If it ever comes close to passing, you can be sure that its opponents will make that very clear and the current poll numbers will not hold up -- people don't like losing things they like.

It's still a fact that many hospitals and private practices would either have to shut down or else reduce the services they provide if they could only get medicare reimbursement rates. So either the quality of healthcare delivery is going to have to drop, or else the single payer will cost a lot more per person than medicare or medicaid.

But the thing is, to me, whether someone supports single payer is not a litmus-test issue. Unlike the people who previously (and some will continue to) bash Harris as a "neoliberal shill", I don't expect every politician I support to agree with me exactly on every issue. The important thing is electing Democrats, not the distinctions between different methods of attaining universal healthcare.

[Freddie]

130. Agree, there are issues

As others have suggested I think it should be phased in gradually to work out the bugs. 55 to 65, then 45 to 54, etc. However in the current climate "working out the bugs" (like the ACA) is virtually impossible.

[murielm99]

114. When Bernie proposed it?

This is Conyers' bill, and it always was. Before that, Bill Clinton tried to get health care for all. Hillary tried to work with him on that and was roundly criticized. Was Bernie there defending them?

Bernie didn't invent the wheel. He didn't originate the health care proposal either.

[sheshe2]

21. 2003 This. John Coyers.

John Conyers (D-MI) has sponsored the Medicare for All bill since 2003. Here he is explaining why:

Link to tweet

The current tally of 100 co-sponsors is the most this bill has ever had during Conyers’ relentless effort over 15 years to get it passed. The past high was in the 110th Congress, when the bill had 93 co-sponsors. The Democratic caucus was 233 members then, which meant less than 40% of Democrats supported Medicare For All. Today, we are over 51%. 

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/4/20/1654584/-HR-676-Medicare-for-All-has-100-co-sponsors-Over-51-of-Democratic-House-Caucus-now-supports-it

Great to see Bernie taking up the call that has been there since 2003.

[Bradshaw3]

30. Bernie's bill is a parallel bill in the senate. n/t

[sheshe2]

34. It was John Conyers first.

Why does Bernie not give him kudos and why did it take him 14 years to speak?

[Bradshaw3]

45. How do you know he hasn't and that it took him 14 years to speak?

I would say that as a democratic socialist Bernie has been for a similar system his whole political life and has been speaking out in favor of one the whole time. Do you have proof of the opposite? And why is it such a contest? Sounds to me like some are refighting the 2016 primary. Me, I'm in favor of Democrats winning in 2018 and 2020 by uniting around programs that help average, poor and working class Americans. If independents like Bernie and Angus King and others can join in those efforts and vote to caucus with Dems then let's all join together to win elections and move closer to a national healthcare system, along with other progressive goals.

[BainsBane]

53. It hasn't taken Conyers 14 years to speak

He has introduced that bill on the first day of every congress. You haven't been listening.

If you're in favor of Democrats fighting for working Americans, why are you so intent on erasing the contributions of those Democrats and making everything about Bernie?

[Bradshaw3]

132. I did no such thing

I have worked for, donated to and voted for Democrats all my life. My post did not in any way "make everything about Bernie." In fact, I supported Hillary in the primary. What you are doing is projecting. You and a few others on here make everything about the 2016 primary and bashing Bernie. I want liberals progressives and moderates to come together to elect Dems in 2018 and 2020, as I wrote; apparently your reading comprehension skills are clouded by this fight you bring to the forum. I have posted absolutely nothing to justify the charges you made so an apology is due.

[sheshe2]

54. Well first,

I thought you would have all that information at your fingertips. You seem to know him well.

Are you accusing me of refighting the primaries to try for a hide? I did no such thing. I am asking about Connors 2003 bill and what BS is holding rallies for in 2017. Nothing I have said has to do with the primaries and your implication otherwise is insulting.

"Sounds to me like some are refighting the 2016 primary."

As for 2018 and 2020, I look forward to it without the caucuses. Primaries rule!

[BlueMTexpat]

124. Hang in there, ss2!

Some are very sensitive still ...!

[sheshe2]

127. Hey, Blue...thank you.

back!

[Bradshaw3]

133. The info you request is in several posts including just down below

I notice you haven't responded to them even though they refute your claims. To acknowledge them would go a long way toward proving you are not one of those refighting the primary.

[Gore1FL]

49. He co-sponsored the same bill.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/108th-congress/house-bill/676/cosponsors

This is public record. He was speaking 14 years ago along side of Conyers. I don't understand the criticism.

Better questions include (but are not limited to):

* How come it has taken the rest of the Democratic Party so long to come around to this good idea?
* Why didn't we have support for this from anyone running as our party's presidential nominee since 2003?

[beam me up scottie]

56. Indeed. Here's Bernie speaking out on the house floor in 1993:

Not only did Bernie cosponsor Conyers' house bills he's also been introducing his own in the Senate:

In 2011:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/1782/text


And in 2013:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/1782/text

So it's not like this is new ground for Senator Sanders.

I don't understand the criticism either. Shouldn't we all be glad we have both congressmen and senators fighting for health care?

[BainsBane]

57. Or why did Bernie pronounce it dead in the water in 2009?

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) reminded the progressive media gathered on Capitol Hill today that single-payer health care reform was dead before it started in the Senate.

"It would have had 8 or 10 votes and that's it," he said, addressing a topic central in the minds of many who the bloggers and left wing talk show hosts gathered for the 4th annual Senate Democratic Progressive Media Summit in Washington reach everyday. . .


Sanders said it was still possible for single-payer to come to the U.S. eventually -- but he said the road will not begin in Washington. If a state like California or Vermont ever instituted a single-payer system on its own, Sanders said, it would eventually lead to national adoption of universal coverage.


http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/sanders-single-payer-never-had-a-chance

Because it couldn't pass, obviously. But I realize actually passing legislation is utterly irrelevant.

[Gore1FL]

59. So Conyer's efforts are irrelevant?

I disagree.

[BainsBane]

60. How about Hillary Clinton's in the 90s?

I recall being told that those were not only irrelevant, they were bad.

[Gore1FL]

67. Her what in the 90s?

She was elected to the Senate in 2000 and took her place as a Senator in 2001.

What 1990s legislation are you confusing?

[beam me up scottie]

70. !

[BainsBane]

83. She was in charge of the Clinton administration's effort to established universal healthcare

As you well know. It's interesting that you suggest she had no role in an effort she headed, where as she's totally to blame for the crime bill, as opposed to those who actually voted for it, who bear no responsibility.

So yeah, this is exactly how I know issues don't matter one iota.

[Gore1FL]

86. This has nothing to do with the topic at hand.

Instead of coming up with weird unrelated diversions as a way to justify criticizing Sanders, perhaps we should rejoice that people like Harris, Conyers, and Sanders are doing good things.

Maybe do that instead of trying to change the subject?

[yardwork]

97. The Clinton Health Care plan is not a "weird unrelated diversion."

[Gore1FL]

100. It is to what I am talking about. It sure isn't medicare for all.

Let's stay on topic!

[yardwork]

101. Nonsense. We're talking here about decades of Democratic attempts to provide health care to people.

Bill and Hillary Clinton's plan in the 1990s is highly relevant.

[Gore1FL]

120. In what way is it related to Harris' sponsored bill?

Did it influence her sponsorship in some way that she isn't saying? Please enlighten.

[LiberalLovinLug]

119. Yes, this exactly

Its like an elementary school yard in here sometimes.
Who cares who was first to get across the monkey bars? Just get behind the effort and support it. Take Kamala's lead and do it...not because "your guy" sponsored it first,... but because "its the right thing to do".

[LanternWaste]

129. Health care propositions have NOTHING at all to do with health care propositions.

"This has nothing to do with the topic at hand..."
Health care propositions have NOTHING at all to do with health care propositions.

Seems a most absurd sentiment, but I dig how you rationalize it to yourself.

[Gore1FL]

135. Please explain what the 1993 proposition has to do with the bill Harris has sponsored.

I look forward to your explanation.

[betsuni]

92. Why is the fact that Hillary tried to establish better healthcare for Americans in the early 90s

some sort of secret history not to be mentioned? It's nutty. It's stupid. But she gave a speech about a crime bill and she's evil whereas the actual Senators who voted for it have no responsibility at all. Nutty and stupid.

[BainsBane]

104. It doesn't count

1) it's not single payer (although people use that term for systems that aren't single payer at all, that do include what Clinton tried to pass); and 2) she's a girl.

[betsuni]

105. Ah, of course.

[Gore1FL]

123. It's not a secret. It's simply not topical.

As hard to believe as it may seem, there are some things in U.S. politics that don't involve the Clintons.

[R B Garr]

81. Yes! I remember Hillary Clinton fighting for health care

in the 90's as FLOTUS. That's interesting that Hillary is diminished and ridiculed if she didn't get legislation passed, but other politicians don't have to meet that standard.

[BainsBane]

84. Whereas she is to blame for legislation

that passed while she was first lady, while those who actually voted for it are absolved of responsibility.

[yardwork]

102. That pattern is familiar to every single working woman in this country.

[Gore1FL]

125. Including, apparently, Sen. Harris.

It seems the bill she is sponsoring cannot stand on it's own without the mention of an unrelated effort a quarter of a century ago.

[R B Garr]

126. +1, there are already posts insinuating single payer has to pass for her

to be taken seriously. She's a 6-month United States Senator.

[betsuni]

93. +1

[BainsBane]

61. You might have a word with the person who claims Conyers has been silent

for fourteen years, presumably because that poster hasn't seen him all over corporate media, which seems to be the sole means to determine if something exists.

[Gore1FL]

66. You are confused.

I was pointing out that your criticism of Sanders inherently is criticism of Conyers.

I will try to be more obvious in the future.

[BainsBane]

85. You clearly didn't follow my point

It wasn't a criticism of Sanders. It was an excerpt from an article that quoted him used to counter the other poster's criticism about why Democrats didn't see single payer as a viable option in 2009. I didn't say Sanders rhetorical support for it was irrelevant. It was a comment about how too many care only about what politicians say and not at all about what they do.

But of course I understand the goal is to boost Sanders. I've been around long enough to know that is all that has ever mattered. The fact that this thread was immediately turned into yet another opportunity to promote him demonstrates the low priority placed on healthcare, or any other issue.

[Gore1FL]

87. I am not that other user. Perhaps make those arguments with them

My posting is about Harris and Conyers and Sanders doing the right thing. It is not about whatever the fuck you are talking about.

[GaryCnf]

42. Bernie was a co-sponsor in 2003

And every year after as long he was in the House.

[Bradshaw3]

46. Thanks

I made my post above before seeing this.

[R B Garr]

122. And Thirty-Seven DEMOCRATS were co-sponsers.

So DEMOCRATS have been at this for awhile, yes indeed.

[GaryCnf]

134. As I noted

Here:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=9535880

In another string where you've bashed away, BUT, apparently in your haste to make another member look like they were not acknowledging the Democrats who actually have been in this fight since the beginning, forgot to read.

[SMC22307]

112. I'm rather enjoying the heartburn it's causing in some circles.

Kudos to the elders -- Conyers and Sanders -- for not giving up. And to the younger generation for taking up the cause...

[HarmonyRockets]

5. Good for her

It looks like leftist activism produces results after all. This is exactly why progressives should always be at work pushing Democrats to the left. Just to recap: Booker goes from opposing drug reimportation to supporting, Gillibrand backs off anti-BDS bill, and Harris backs Bernie's Medicare-For-All. This is working.

[Not Ruth]

12. Single payer by 2018!

[George II]

13. You should look into Booker's reasons for his vote - he NEVER opposed drug importation.

[Expecting Rain]

103. What results?

[mcar]

7. So she's not a corporatist,turd way

Neoliberal shill anymore?

I get confused.

[HarmonyRockets]

9. Not if she keeps moving to the left like this

This is exactly why we need to keep being critical of Democrats when necessary. I was critical of her being considered one of the top candidates before, but will accept her with open arms if she keeps backing more of Bernie Sanders' plans like this.

[NastyRiffraff]

107. So, you accept her only if she agrees with Sanders?

Got it. Thanks.

[HarmonyRockets]

139. Nope

I accept her if she takes progressive positions.

That isn't too hard to understand, is it?

[SunSeeker]

115. She'd have to move to the right to agree with all of Bernie's positions on guns.

She opposes the law giving special immunities to gun manufacturers, unlike Sanders.

[HarmonyRockets]

140. Just to clarify

I meant his progressive policies such as Medicare-for-all and free college, not necessarily every single position he has ever taken.

[BannonsLiver]

19. No need to be confused

Only people who don't understand politics called her those things. Most people here know talent and ability when they see it.

[DesertRat]

20. I hope this will quiet the critics

who've been attacking her for weeks, calling her corrupt, etc. This bill is good for Democrats and for the American people.

[betsuni]

8. K&R

[UtahLib]

10. K&R

[GaryCnf]

11. Love it when Democrats

join in the fight for REAL DEMOCRATIC principles.

Thank you Senator Harris.

P.S. When you get accused of naivety or of promising things you can't deliver or of being a radical Communist just remember there are still people aligned with the Party to whom you can talk.

[Beartracks]

74. Yes, many glibly referred to "pie in the sky promises"...

... when it came to single-payer propositions from Bernie Sanders in the past.

Perhaps now they'll suddenly decide the pie is real.

============

[George II]

14. Good for her. Just when is this bill going to be written and introduced? Is this the one....

....we've been hearing about since early this year?

[sheshe2]

39. Sssssh.

Soon. Very soon. I think. Maybe. Someday in the near future?

[GaryCnf]

44. So sorry that

Senator Sanders and Senator Harris aren't "serious" enough about this bill to make you happy.

[R B Garr]

121. lol, Senator Harris has been in office for 6 months, but it's all on her now?

Interesting.

[mvd]

15. Woohoo!

Thank you, Sen. Harris. It's always good when prominent Democrats get out in front with progressive causes. I plan on being more supportive of our nominee next time no matter who it is (and I hope Bernie or someone like him would get the same treatment with others), but it would be nice to get excited about our candidate.

[NurseJackie]

16. Who wrote the bill?

[DesertRat]

17. I believe it was Dem. Congressman John Conyers. nt

[NurseJackie]

18. John Conyers wrote it. Good to know. I hope...

... nobody tries to take credit for Conyers' work.

[sheshe2]

22. I posted it above.

2003 John Conyers.

[NurseJackie]

50. John Conyers, DEMOCRAT!! (Love it!)

[sheshe2]

55. I love that man, Jackie.

He is for ALL AMERICANS!

[NurseJackie]

95. He's not in it for the "fame-and-glory". He's not ruled by his ego...

... and that's a characteristic of an honest and honorable politician. I like his demeanor. He's a good man. We need more like him.

[SunSeeker]

116. Conyers is the real deal.

[NurseJackie]

117. I like his demeanor. He's the kind of DEMOCRAT that I like. A man I can trust.

[WoonTars]

63. Conyers is in the House, this is Bernie Sander's bill in the Senate.

Glad to see her make this move.

[sheshe2]

64. What are toys?

[zentrum]

23. Harris-Schiff ....

...2020!

Warren would actually be my choice for a Harris-Warren or Warren-Harris ticket but doubt we can have two women running at once.

Even though it's the 21st Century, good old USofA just isn't ready for that.

[DesertRat]

28. I'd like to see Harris/Franken or Harris/Kennedy

I agree that this country probably isn't ready for two women on a ticket. But I'm encouraged that we have a lot of good Democrats for 2020!

[zentrum]

65. I like the idea of Harris-Kennedy

I'm worried that Franken is too laconic. We need to exude energy.

He's been great but is almost unlisten-able-to at times with that slow, nasal drawl.

[herding cats]

24. This is great news!

K&R!

[leftstreet]

26. Her tweet an hour later...

Link to tweet

Kamala Harris?Verified account @SenKamalaHarris 2h2 hours ago

As I said tonight in Oakland, I intend to cosponsor the Medicare for All bill. Health care is a right, not a privilege.

[DesertRat]

58. Awesome! nt

[deurbano]

76. My daughter was at the Town Hall meeting in Oakland!

[Chasstev365]

27. Who is the cosponsor?

[leftstreet]

31. Bernie Sanders n/t

[Chasstev365]

35. BUT, BUT; He's not a Democrat!

[leftstreet]

36. You!

[George II]

52. I don't even think it's been written yet.

[Honeycombe8]

29. Well, that catches MY attention! nt

[GaryCnf]

33. Rep. Conyers has been introducing

The Medicare for All bill since 2003, co-sponsored every year he was in the House by then-Representative Sanders and John Lewis, Tammy Baldwin and others.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/108th-congress/house-bill/676/all-info#cosponsors-content

During those years, no Senator introduced a parallel bill in the Senate. Now we have at least two, now-Senator Sanders and Senator Harris.

Senator Warren was spot on about the direction of OUR PARTY.

[Me.]

37. Great News

It gives me hope it will actually get done, at least it has a better chance than all the yaya talk being bandied about by others.

[BigmanPigman]

38. YEAH! She is my rep. I'll tell my family and we will all call her.

[QC]

51. Good work! n/t

[Jamaal510]

68. K&R

[MadDAsHell]

69. Does this include a provision for making Medicare reimbursements sustainable for providers?

The skilled nursing facility my sister works at is reimbursed less than half of their daily cost for Medicare patients. I don't like the commercial insurers anymore than anyone else does, but they're the only reason the facility still exists. If all of their patients were reimbursed by Medicare they would've closed their doors years ago.

"Medicare For All" is a great theory, but is just a bumper sticker slogan until someone comes up with a reimbursement method that won't bankrupt half of providers in the first six months.

[ucrdem]

77. So far it's a slogan.

There was a recent Calif bill that died due to inadequate funding. It took 100 years to get the ACA passed and there's no chance of any similar legislation being seriously considered currently. Basically it's a third-party meme used to club Democrats into defeat and worked well in 2016. By getting in front of it Harris is taking control of the narrative, among other things. Very smart.

[SunSeeker]

89. Exactly. nt

[ucrdem]

71. Smart move and Kamalacare has a nice ring.

[JHan]

88. OH fuck...I wasn't ready ....

[MrsCoffee]

98. I like it.

[Starry Messenger]

73. Looking forward to contacting her tomorrow with thanks.

Maybe this will shift CA dems on the stalled single-payer bill in our state, or at least shift the ground. A good big development.

[Cary]

75. K & R

[R B Garr]

79. Maybe she can help get it passed in Vermont!

[ucrdem]

80. ...

[SunSeeker]

90. Now can we all agree she'd be a great presidential candidate? nt

[Hieronymus]

138. Yes

[Warren DeMontague]

91. Kick and Rec

[The Polack MSgt]

94. K&R. Nt

[brer cat]

96. K&R

[NastyRiffraff]

106. It's great to see a real DEMOCRAT

doing this. Others may jump on her bandwagon, but Kamala rocks!

[Gothmog]

108. K&R

[yodermon]

109. GREAT Hope it finally gets a CBO score. n/t

[workinclasszero]

110. This is how we WIN in 2018

and 2020!!! Go Kamala Harris!!!!!!

[Heartstrings]

111. Tammy Baldwin and Mark Pocan

My reps, here in WI, are also in support of this.....proud of them!

[DesertRat]

113. You are fortunate to be represented by these Democrats!

[sheshe2]

128. Great OP, DR.

Thank you!

[DesertRat]

131. It's encouraging news!

I'm happy to share!

[LongTomH]

136. I will say: this is a positive step by Sen. Harris.

She is getting positive comments from my fellow progressive Democrats. She has increased the chances that I can support her in 2020.

[DesertRat]

143. I really hope that this gains traction in the Senate

We know that the American people support it!

[Hieronymus]

137. Thank you, Senator Harris.

[Warren DeMontague]

141. can't we just talk about this without the inconvenient mention of who she's co-sponsoring it with?

I mean, like, totally EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

[DesertRat]

142. I have no problem with that

I just posted her tweet yesterday as soon as I saw it!