Health Care Reform Before Congressional Budget Committee – How They Voted on Health Care Motions – The Details and the Disgust

An empty House Budget Committee Hearing Room - Image Rep. Spratt

As Obama’s extremely unpopular Health Care Reform bill has been pushed to the House, and members are being asked to sign onto a major overhaul of our Health Care System, sight unseen, the Budget Committee in hearings took a look at certain items thatmay or may not be included in the package. The Republican’s introduced several motions, all of which were summarily declined by the Democrat controlled Committee. These motions and how members voted are as follows:

1. Prevent Government from Interfering with Doctor-Patient Relationship
Mr. Hensarling moves that the Committee on the Budget direct its Chairman to request, on behalf of the Committee, the rule to be reported by the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives for the consideration of the Reconciliation Act of 2010 provide that the legislative text to be included in that Reconciliation measure that amends H.R. 3590, the Senate-passed health care bill, prohibit the use of comparative effectiveness research or other measures to restrict medical professionals from providing and/or prescribing the care they believe to be medically necessary.

Defeated: Straight Party Line

2. Put the Federal Government on a Sustainable Fiscal Path First
Mr. Campbell moves that the Committee on the Budget direct its Chairman to request, on behalf of the Committee, the rule to be reported by the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives for the consideration of the Reconciliation Act of 2010 provide that the legislative text to be included in that Reconciliation measure that amends H.R. 3590, the Senate-passed health care bill, delay the implementation of both legislative measures until Congress has enacted legislation to put the Federal budget and U.S. economy on a sustainable fiscal path.

Defeated: Straight Party Line

3. No Medicare Cuts to Pay for a New Entitlement
Mr. Ryan moves that the Committee on the Budget direct its Chairman to request, on behalf of the Committee, the rule to be reported by the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives for the consideration of the Reconciliation Act of 2010 provide that the legislative text to be included in that Reconciliation measure that amends H.R. 3590, the Senate-passed health care bill, prevent Medicare cuts from being use to offset or fund a new entitlement program, reduce new government spending in such legislation by that amount, and direct all Medicare savings to the Medicare program to make that program fiscally sustainable.

Defeated: With Two Democrats Voting Aye: Boyd, FL, and Edwards, TX

4. Prevent Government from Limiting Choice and Competition
Mrs. Lummis moves that the Committee on the Budget direct its Chairman to request, on behalf of the Committee, the rule to be reported by the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives for the consideration of the Reconciliation Act of 2010 provide that the legislative text to be included in that Reconciliation measure that amends H.R. 3590, the Senate-passed health care bill, prohibit the government from controlling health plan choices and restricting competition among health plans and delete any provision, including section 124 of H.R. 3590, that gives the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and a new Health Benefits Advisory Committee unprecedented power to create and change the requirements for “acceptable coverage.”

Defeated: Straight Party Line

5. Prohibit Federal Funding of Abortions
Mr. Jordan moves that the Committee on the Budget direct its Chairman to request, on behalf of the Committee, the rule to be reported by the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives for the consideration of the Reconciliation Act of 2010 provide for legislative text that amends H.R. 3590, the Senate-passed health care bill, by adding the language of the amendment offered by Representative Bart Stupak, offered on November 11, 2009 and numbered as House Amendment 509 to H.R.3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, to prohibit federal funding of abortions.

Defeated: Democrats Voting Aye: Kaptur (OH), Berry (AR) & Langevin (RI)

6. No Raising Taxes During a Recession
Mr. Nunes moves that the Committee on the Budget direct its Chairman to request, on behalf of the Committee, the rule to be reported by the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives for the consideration of the Reconciliation Act of 2010 provide that the legislative text to be included in that Reconciliation measure that amends H.R. 3590, the Senate-passed health care bill, protect American jobs and families by striking tax increases and mandates in both legislative measures that would hinder job creation and reduce workers and families income during a period of high unemployment and economic weakness

Defeated: Edwards (TX) Voting Aye

7. Health Care Reform Must Bend the Cost Curve
Mr. Garrett moves that the Committee on the Budget direct its Chairman to request, on behalf of the Committee, the rule to be reported by the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives for the consideration of the Reconciliation Act of 2010 provide that the legislative text to be included in that Reconciliation measure that amends H.R. 3590, the Senate-passed health care bill, make the provisions of both legislative measures contingent upon the Centers on Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Office of the Actuary issuance of a report that such measures will not increase national health care expenditures or increase the federal commitment to health care, and that such measures will succeed in bending the “health care cost curve” downward by lowering the projection of such expenditures.

Defeated: Straight Party Line

8. Require Up-to-Date Estimate on Full Cost of Bill
Mr. Simpson moves that the Committee on the Budget direct its Chairman to request on behalf of the Committee that the Committee on Rules not make in order consideration of the Reconciliation Act of 2010 or H.R. 3590, the Senate-passed health care bill, until a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate of both measures relative to its March 2010 baseline, including estimates of the budget impact of authorization of appropriations in such measures, and the text of such reconciliation legislation are made available to Members and the public at least 72 hours before being considered on the House floor and that there be separate votes on each measure.

Defeated: Edwards (TX) voting Aye

9. No Raising Health Insurance Premiums
Mr. McHenry moves that the Committee on the Budget direct its Chairman to request, on behalf of the Committee, the rule to be reported by the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives for the consideration of the Reconciliation Act of 2010 provide that the legislative text to be included in that Reconciliation measure that amends H.R. 3590, the Senate-passed health care bill, ensure that the Federal mandates in both legislative measures do not cause an increase in projected health care insurance premiums.

Defeated: Edwards (TX) voting Aye

10. Eliminate New Bureaucracies Devoted to Expanding the Federal Government
Mr. Latta moves that the Committee on the Budget direct its Chairman to request, on behalf of the Committee, the rule to be reported by the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives for the consideration of the Reconciliation Act of 2010 provide that the legislative text to be included in that Reconciliation measure that amends H.R. 3590, the Senate-passed health care bill, eliminate the creation or expansion of government bureaucracies in such measures.

Defeated: Straight Party Line

Therefore, in the last week of the latest Deadline imposed by the President on the Congress to pass a bill that will ensure his Party’s defeat in 2010 and 2012, certain members in the budget committee, feel that there is no time to discuss options, that the American Taxpayer is more than capable of taking on more in this economy and that their Senior Citizens do not merit protection (although most of these members are eligible for social security, Medicare and Medicare Advantage, no data on who is actually receiving checks and or benefits). Apparently, a few, but very few, do understand that the nation is not ready to move forward with this particular bill, and although reform is essential, would prefer more of a bi-partisan effort, one where everyone’s ideas are brought to the table – and a well crafted bill can be produced. Listed below are the members, their state and their district. It is easy enough to send a note of thanks to those who have the courage to stand up for the American people (speaking to those Democrats that voted Aye on some extremely sensible Motions, while the others should be summarily thrown out with the bathwater – for playing party politics over the needs of their constituents. A note stating such might be in order.

Where to find the addresses: congress.org – contact your officials

The members of the Committee Include: (Designation by Party, State and Congressional District)

John Spratt, SC - Chairman (D-SC 5th)
Allyson Schwartz, PA - Vice Chair (D-PA 13th)
Marcy Kaptur, OH – (D-OH 9th)
Xavier Becerra, CA (D-CA 31st)
Lloyd Doggett, TX (D-TX 25th)
Earl Blumenauer, OR (D-OR 3rd)
Marion Berry, AR (D-AR 1st)
Allen Boyd, FL (D-FL 2nd)
James McGovern, MA (D-MA 3rd)
Niki Tsongas, MA (D-MA 5th)
Bob Etheridge, NC (D-NC 2nd)
Betty McCollum, MN (D-MN 4th)
Charlie Melancon, LA (D-LA 3rd)
John Yarmuth, KY (D-KY 3rd)
Rob Andrews, NJ I(D-NY 1st)
Rosa DeLauro, CT (D-CT 3rd)
Chet Edwards, TX (D-TX 17th)
Robert "Bobby" Scott, VA (D-VA 3rd)
Jim Langevin, RI (D-RI 2nd)
Rick Larsen, WA (D-WA 2nd)
Tim Bishop, NY (D-NY 1st)
Gwen Moore, WI (D-WI 4th)
Gerald Connolly, VA (D-VA 11th)
Kurt Schrader, OR (D-OR 5th
Paul Ryan, WI - Ranking Member (R-WI 1st)
Jeb Hensarling, TX - Vice Ranking Member (R-TX 5th)
Scott Garrett, NJ (R-NJ 5th)
Mario Diaz-Balart, FL (R-FL 21st)
Michael Simpson, ID (R-ID 2nd)
Patrick McHenry, NC (R-NC 10th)
Connie Mack, FL (R-FL 14th)
John Campbell, CA (R-CA 48th)
Jim Jordan, OH (R-OH 4th)
Devin Nunes, CA (R-CA 21st)
Robert Aderholt, AL (R-AL 4th)
Cynthia Lummis, WY (R-WY – At Large)
Steve Austria, OH (R-OH 7th)
Gregg Harper, MS (R-MS 3rd)
Robert E. Latta, OH (R-OH 5th

Texas Takes Lead in Revising Social Studies Curriculum - Pundits Cry “Right-Wing” Re-writing of History - Analysis

The Texas State Board of Education recently voted on new curriculum standards for the subject of “Social Studies” (previously known as History). The revisions are being hailed as a controversial revision of historyhowever, one must ask two question – have not changes to all curriculum been made over the years and who is responsible for making these changes?

When it comes to history, very few outside of the university level of a history major, truly understand that revisions have been made across the board for years, in order to frame a “message” rather than to teach about the past. Some professors believe that history is for the “elite” (those who have a minimum of a four-year degree), and that the “masses” (the “rest of the population”) would be overwhelmed if they were to learn the “truth” – it is also of note that most of these individuals are political “Progressives”. One need only look at a history book from 1955, to understand the broad changes that were made in the 1970’s forward. History morphed from a single subject to the broader social studies, which takes a deep look at how decisions made by some, directly impact society.

Anyone over a certain age (40) knows that history was taught to be dates and facts about the glory of the United States. There was little to no mention of women in history, with the notable exceptions. Additionally, culture was not addressed. With the design to address cultural and social issues as they relate to history, the changes made over the years have startled some, but for the most part, have gone unnoticed by the majority. The U.S. was studiously painted as a villain, and suddenly those who were lauded as heroes, were found to be evil incarnate (See Christopher Columbus in new textbooks).

The Texas State Board of education made some conscious decisions to tweak the textbooks to include some figures which have been pushed to the wayside, disclude others with whom they felt were not necessary, and on cultural issues, chose to ignore the musical form of “hip-hop”.

Some revisions are: (Texas Statesman:

Civil rights movement
• Among his recommended revisions was a reference to the changes and events that resulted from the movement, "including increased participation of minorities in the political process and unrealistic expectations for equal outcomes."
America is Exceptional
• "The section in the high school U.S. government standards will explore why American values are unique from those of other nations and touch on Alexis de Tocqueville's five values crucial to America's success as a democratic republic.
Words Matter
• In all grades, most references to "capitalism" were eliminated. The term has a negative connotation, said Ken Mercer, R-San Antonio. Instead, the U.S. economic system is defined throughout as a "free enterprise" system.
• The standards were once littered with references to the U.S. as a democracy. No more. In an early draft, the U.S became a "democratic republic" but now will be termed a "constitutional republic."
• American "imperialism" in an early draft of the high school U.S. history standards became "expansionism" because the original term projected an inaccurately negative view of American policy. The word "propaganda" will be stricken in reference to America's entry into World War I.
The Middle East
• High school world history students will be expected to "explain how Arab rejection of the State of Israel has led to ongoing conflict" and no longer will be asked to "explain the origins and impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on global politics".

All revisions will be available online here at the Texas Board of Education.

The hue and cry that has been raised is based on the premise that Texas holds sway over the nations text book manufactures, as the state purchase the largest percentage of text books nationwide. That said, most states can no longer afford to purchase new textbooks, and many cities, refuse to supply students with textbooks, as they may become “lost” and they are too expensive to replace – ergo no homework (May account for some higher than average drop-out rates).

As the President produces national standards for education that has the Commonwelath of Massachusetts up in arms, as too low, one has to wonder why the Texas Board of Education’s decision to change their curriculum, has been such a huge story – after all, Texas, along with other states, will be required to follow standardized material handed down by the U.S. Government – albeit, lower standards.

Some truths about history and historians: From Social Studies textbooks to Presidential biographies, history is, as one might say, in the eye of the beholder. Generally speaking these books are written by individuals how have a specific political point of view, rather than a scientific point of view. History should be approached as a science, whereby certain facts are affirmed through the written record, and similar studies such as archeology. It’s dry stuff, boring to the point of tears for many. However, that said, those Historians who write the biographies, will either place the subject in a grand light or make the subject appear to be the worst of villains, all based on an individual political perspective. How easy it is to write and leave out facts that may either enhance or detract from one’s subject or one’s “cause”. That is exactly what has happened over the years, and the Texas Board has done nothing more or less than any other “group” that has played fast and loose with the education of the general public.

From this perspective, textbooks should be tested for fact over opinion, and fact-checked to include all specifics of an historical event or personage. As to adding hip-hop culture into a textbook – from this perspective, the hip-hop culture has done nothing to elevate the nation, and if it were to be included should point out how it denigrates women, and has had little positive impact on society. That said most hip-hop is great on the dance floor – who doesn’t like rap? Once one gets through all the expletives, it’s music, an art-form of sorts, but the impact of “hip-hop” on our culture, has yet to be determined, it is “too new” from this perspective, to be “history”.

Scott Brown (R-MA) Delivers Blazing GOP Weekly Address - Brown to Obama - Listen to the People!

The GOP Weekly address was delivered by the Jr. Senator from Massachusetts, Republican, Scott Brown. Brown spoke about our devastated economy and the Presidents unwillingness to let go of a huge government investment (take-over) in our health-care system - regardless of what the people want. He make it clear that he is in Washington at the behest of the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and that on January 19th, we, the people, sent a message to Washington through Scott Brown. He speaks for every one of us that is disenchanted and disgusted with the lack of regard paid to the electorate by those who feel power over the people, rather than power bestowed on them, by the people, to at least attempt to govern effectively. That has not been done - Obama and his Party, will pass a bill in haste, but they will, as a result, repent in the leisure of retirement - when Massachusetts sends a message, that is speaking volumes.






Transcript from: Gateway Pundit:

"Hello, I’m United States Senator Scott Brown from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

“When the people of my state elected me in January, they sent more than a senator to Washington – they sent a message. Across party lines, the voters told politicians in Washington to get its priorities right.

“And from my travels and conversation with people throughout this country, they told me that they want their President and Congress to focus on creating jobs and reviving America’s economy. Instead, for more than a year now, we have seen a bitter, destructive, and endless drive to completely transform America’s health care system.

“In January of last year, unemployment hit 7.2 percent and our economy was hurting badly. But, early in President Obama’s term, he and the Democratic leadership of Congress made takeover of health care their first priority.

“Today, times are even tougher across our nation when it comes to our economy. Nearly one in ten Americans are still out of work. And still, the President and Congress are focused on ramming through their health-care bill, whatever it takes, whatever the cost.

“Maybe you remember what President Obama promised in his State of the Union address. He said he was going to finally focus on jobs and the economy for the remainder of this year. I applauded him for that. Well, here it is, it’s almost spring. And what is he out there talking about again? That same 2,700-page, multi-trillion dollar health care legislation.

“So, an entire year has gone to waste. Millions of Americans have lost their jobs, and many more jobs are in danger. Even now, the President still hasn’t gotten the message.

“Somehow, the greater the public opposition to the health care bill, the more determined they seem to force it on us anyway. Their attitude shows Washington at its very worst – the presumption that they know best, and they’re going to get their way whether the American people like it or not.

“And, when politicians start thinking like that, they don’t let anything get in their way – not public opinion, not the rules of fair play, not even their own promises.

“They pledged transparency. Instead, we have a health care bill tainted by secrecy, concealed cost, and full of backroom deals– and that’s just not right. They should do better. The American people expect more.

“They pledged a true bipartisan effort. Instead, they have resorted to bending the rules, and they now intend to seize control of health care in America on a strict party-line vote.

“In speech after speech on his health care plan, the President has tried to convince us that what he is proposing will be good for America. But, how can it be good for America if it raises taxes by a half trillion dollars and costs a trillion dollars or more to implement? In addition, how can it be good if it takes another half a trillion dollars away from seniors on Medicare, and still includes all the backroom deals you have been hearing about for months?

“Well, for the past year or more, the new establishment in Washington has tried again and again to sell this plan to the American people. But the Americans aren’t buying it, and for good reason. And now, what’s going on is a last, desperate power play. They actually tell us that passing the bill is necessary, if only to prove that something can get done in Washington.

“Well, I haven’t been here very long, but, I can tell you this much already: Nothing has distracted the attention and energy of the nation’s capital more than this disastrous detour. And, the surest way to return to the people’s business is to listen to the people themselves: We need to drop this whole scheme of federally controlled health care, start over, and work together on real reforms at the state level that will contain costs and won’t leave America trillions of dollars deeper in debt.

“This, above all, was the message that the people of my state sent to the President and the Congress in the election over a month ago.

“You know some of my Democratic colleagues, you know, are being leaned on mighty hard right now. Speaker Pelosi and others are handing down their marching orders, telling them to vote for this bill no matter what. Rarely have elected leaders been so intent on defying the public will. For many members of Congress, the time for choosing is near – do what the party leadership demands, or do what the people have asked you to do. If my colleagues don’t mind some advice from a newcomer, I’d suggest going with the will of the people.

“After all, from the very beginning of this debate, the American people have called it correctly. In every part of the country, Republicans and Democrats have agreed on serious, straightforward, commonsense health care reform. They expect us in Washington to do the same – working together, acting fairly and by the rules, and staying focused on the need to make the American economy as strong as it can be. That is the business that brought me here on an unexpected journey to Washington. And, it’s the responsibility of everyone sent here to serve our country. We can do better – and I challenge my colleagues and the President to do just that.

“I’m Senator Scott Brown and thank you very much for listening.”