DeMint Moves To Block Socialized Medicine

Posted April 24, 2009 in Health Care, News

A South Carolina lawmaker introduced a motion Thursday that would allow Americans to keep their current health-care plans even if the Obama administration successfully passes universal health care.

“As Congress begins this critical debate on health care, we should make it clear that no American will lose the ability to keep their choice of doctor, keep their own health plan or ever be forced into a government-run plan that rations medical care,” said U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.

The motion could prevent Democrats from using a parliamentary tactic known as reconciliation, which would allow them to pass health-care reform without threat of a GOP filibuster.

If Democrats use reconciliation instructions, it would permit them to pass universal health care by 50 votes and not the filibuster vulnerable 60 votes. It would change the dynamic of the health-care debate, because it would greatly reduce the need to lobby swing votes. Rather, Democrats could ignore Republican objections and pass their legislation as is.

Reconciliation typically addresses budget issues and any extraneous amendments attached to the bill, such as health-care measures, are vulnerable to a point of order under the so-called “Byrd rule.”

If a point of order is raised, the offending provisions are removed from the bill, and it takes 60-votes to waive the rule.

Under Mr. DeMint’s proposal, the Senate would include a 60-vote point of order against any health-care legislation that socializes medicine. The 60-vote rule would prevent Democrats from including reconciliation instructions for health care and preserve the right of Americans to keep their health care coverage, choose their doctor and prevent government from forcing them onto government health programs.

“This vote cuts through the rhetoric and answers a simple question: Does this Congress intend to force Americans into a socialized health care system, where care is rationed and medical decisions are made by bureaucrats and politicians, not doctors and patients?” Mr. DeMint said.

“We have serious problems in our health-care system, but they are almost all created by government. Americans should be confident that Washington will not make matters worse by taking away their health care choices and access to quality care.”

Democrats have yet to reach a consensus on the use of reconciliation, but Republicans are already making their objections known. Republican leaders are promising to use any and all means necessary to prevent the Democrats from denying a debate on socialized medicine.

“If they go down that road, I think the fur is going to fly,” Senate Republican Conference Vice Chairman John Thune of South Dakota told Roll Call. “I suspect that there is going to be an awful lot of resistance, and we will exercise our prerogatives so that the rules of the Senate are respected.”

Republicans have stated they would respond to reconciliation by using other parliamentary measures to shut down other items included in the Democratic agenda. It is also expected such a move would break down what little communication is left between the two parties.

The Bulletin
Joe Murray