Senate Quartet Urges Reid To Pass Public Plan Via Reconciliation

[cal04]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/16/senate-quartet-urges-reid_n_464077.html

Four senators have signed a letter urging Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to pass a public option for insurance coverage through the use of reconciliation.

The list of signatories includes both usual and somewhat unusual suspects, from the progressive wing of the party -- Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) -- to less ideological lawmakers who find themselves in primary election contests -- Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Col.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).

"Dear Leader Reid," the letter says:

We respectfully ask that you bring for a vote before the full Senate a public health insurance option under budget reconciliation rules.
There are four fundamental reasons why we support this approach - its potential for billions of dollars in cost savings; the growing need to increase competition and lower costs for the consumer; the history of using reconciliation for significant pieces of health care legislation; and the continued public support for a public option.




Reconciliation Alive Despite Health Care Summit
http://www.rollcall.com/issues/55_90/news/43258-1.html

Reconciliation Still on the Table for HCR
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/2/16/837583/-Reconciliation-Still-on-the-Table-for-HCR

Dem Senators Call On Reid To Use Reconciliation To Pass HCR With A Public Option
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/02/dem-senators-call-on-reid-to-use-reconciliation-to-pass-hcr-with-a-public-option.php?ref=fpb

Remember the Public Option? Dem Senators Make One Last Push
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2010/02/remember-the-public-option-dem-senators-make-one-last-push.html
UPDATE: Reid spokesman Jim Manley said in response to the letter: “We are continuing to work with the House and the White House to pass the strongest bill possible.”

[soleft]

1. I'm starting to like GIllibrand

[aquart]

2. This is why I insist on a primary for her.

If this keeps up, I shall be happy to give her my primary vote and then my general election vote. But I'll be damned if I'll vote for a mere appointee in the general.

[Soylent Brice]

3. K&R

here's to hoping
:beer:

[Echo In Light]

4. K&R

[UTUSN]

5. K&R #7 n/t