Photo courtesy of Ben Nelson’s office
–After so many months of vitriolic debate and soap-operatic drama, one might be skeptical when they hear this is the week health reform faces its ultimate test. But it is. House markup of the reconciliation package is scheduled to begin at 3 pm today. The final CBO score is forthcoming. The …
David Axelrod is responsible for crafting the master narrative that can most minimize Democratic losses this fall. His plan, as it is currently formulated, depends on Democrats getting off playing defense on process, and mounting a full scale attack on health policy if a bill is passed. Karen posted the PowerPoint yetserday. Here is that …
If the House does succeed in passing this health care bill, that’s a big step. But it is just the beginning of the battle for many members.
The next thing the Democrats will have to do is convince a very divided and skeptical public that they did the right thing. We were reminded of how difficult that can be by Marjorie Margolies, …
We’ve got a new feature here on Swampland. It’s a weekly podcast where you get to listen in to a few of our reporters talk about the stories they’ve been working on and the highlights of the week. Today’s call features Karen and Kate discussing Arlen Specter’s re-election battle and (of course) everything health care. Enjoy:
The Slaughter Solution? Another name might be the Dreier Doctrine.
Don Wolfensberger, director of the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Congress Project (and former staff director of the House Rules Committee), took a look at this whole business of self-executing rules a few years back. He argues that it’s not at all unusual in these partisan …
I’m convinced there are no new arguments in Washington; the only thing that changes is the side that is making them.
As House Democratic leaders consider their options for passing the health care bill, there is going to be a lot of talk about the use of the “self-executing rule” — or, as Republicans are taking to calling it, because …
After all the missed deadlines, I’m hesitant to say this, but here goes:
Next week is the week.
The House Democratic leadership now expects to schedule a vote on the Senate health care bill and send it to President Obama’s desk next Friday, March 19, or Saturday, March 20.
After that, assuming the bill passes, the House will …
Official White House photo by Pete Souza
–President Obama has decided to delay his trip to Asia, originally scheduled to begin March 18, in order to work on health care. He is now slated to depart March 21. The window is still tight; the House has just nine days before he leaves to pass the Senate bill and the final CBO score has …
Okay, call it more of the same. But this story by David Hilzenrath (page A4 of the Washington Post) is an important reminder that it’s ugly out there, even for those of us lucky enough to have the very best coverage:
There has been a lot of intrigue on the Hill today about what’s happening in the health reform saga. For those of you dozing off, perk up. Next week is shaping up to be a big one.
* Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid officially informed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, via letter, that Senate Democrats intend to use …
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
–Vice President Biden gave a speech at Tel Aviv University today, a tricky balancing act after Israel’s settlement snub. Laura Rozen highlights five takeaways.
–Former Bush aide Dan Senor is being encouraged to take a run at Gillibrand’s Senate seat in New York, and he’s “seriously …
This is just a gut feeling, but…is the health care debate turning in the Democrats’ direction? Some data points: the insane rise in health care premiums is being used to great effect by President Obama and Kathleen Sibelius this week–bad timing by the insurance companies! Glenn Beck’s Eric Massa debacle –and Rush Limbaugh’s threat to …
As the Massa implosion fades, Capitol Hill returns today to health care reform with both chambers considering obscure parliamentary procedures in order to pass legislation before Easter recess, which officially starts March 28. The House is on a shorter leash, with the White House pushing them to get something done before President Obama …
