Woolsey to introduce ‘robust public option’ bill

[NorthCarolina]

By Sahil Kapur
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 -- 8:35 am

WASHINGTON – What, did you think the fight for health care reform was over?

Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), co-chair of the progressive caucus, is making good on her promise to continue pushing for a public health insurance option after the enactment of sweeping reform legislation.

On Thursday afternoon, the Northern California congresswoman will announce the introduction of a bill offering consumers a choice between private plans and a "robust" public plan in the health insurance exchanges set up by the law.

"The robust public option offers lower-cost competition to private insurance companies," Woolsey told Raw Story. "This will make insurance more affordable for those who do not have it and keep insurance affordable for those who do. We are introducing the public option now so is will be available as a ready-made off set or deficit reducer in this or the next Congress."

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The bill currently has 121 co-sponsors in the House, Woolsey said, and has won strong praise from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

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Link: http://rawstory.com/rs/2010/0722/woolsey-robust-public-option/

[drm604]

1. I'm all for this

but realistically, does it stand any chance of coming to a vote in the Senate?

[NorthCarolina]

2. Reid can bring it to a vote, and he would be stupid not to....

The PO has already passed the House once before, so it is a safe bet it will pass a 2nd time. It is the Senate vote that they obviously want to publicize right before the November elections where the fallout will likely be 58-42, essentially along party lines, save for Nelson and Lieberman. DC knows that over 70% of the public favored a public option, so what better time to highlight those in the Senate that would obstruct such a highly popular program that benefits the public.

[zipplewrath]

4. I'd bet the "real" vote would be worse than that.

You may get 58 because they will know that it won't pass. But I strongly suspect there are more senators that don't want to see it, but don't want to publicly admit it. Insurance money goes into ALOT of campaigns.

[NorthCarolina]

6. You are probably right, the DLC New Dems will get a free pass

because they can safely vote against their will, without fear of passage, but it would still draw a spotlight to the GOP just prior to the elections.

[drm604]

7. Don't they need 60 to get past a filibuster?

:shrug:

[NorthCarolina]

8. I believe the Majority Leader can change those rules

if the spirit moves.

[derby378]

3. About fucking time...

...although I'm pretty certain it will die on the Senate floor unless we get some real Democrats to replace some Repukes in 2010.

[NorthCarolina]

5. Only 3 Recs so far out of 75+ views for the Public Option? On DU?

:wtf:

[zipplewrath]

9. I don't view recs as votes on an issue

I see them as votes on the quality of the post. Nice to know it's going to be done, but there's little there to peak interest.

[NorthCarolina]

10. Bringing the Public Option to the floor of the House is too little to peak interest around here???

Maybe I'm on the wrong site.

[Recursion]

12. Rec fatigue

It's not a popularity contest. Recs just mean people liked something about what you wrote. But if you want recs for news, next time you might try LBN?

[zipplewrath]

14. Sorta

One congress critter is going to do a bit of grandstanding and bring this up again, in the House, where it has passed before.

It's the dog bites man problem. When the man bites the dog, give me a call.

[FourScore]

11. Lynn Woolsey is wonderful. But I fear this bill is dead at the gate.

I would love to be wrong about that though.

[depakid]

13. Well, would you have a look at that- someone- a an up and coming leader is actually trying

to put forth responsible and effective public policy.