Rep. Weiner Identifies 55 Republicans On Medicare Who ‘Steadfastly Oppose’ The Public Option
Rep. Weiner Identifies 55 Republicans On Medicare Who ‘Steadfastly Oppose’ The Public Option
Rep. Anthony Weiner’s (D-NY) office today released an internal study showing that 151 members of Congress “currently receive government-funded; government-administered single-payer health care — Medicare.” Of those 151 members, 55 are Republicans who also happen to be “steadfastly opposed [to] other Americans getting the public option, like the one they have chosen.” Included on Weiner’s list are anti-public option crusaders Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Sen. Orin Hatch (R-UT), Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL), Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY), Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), and Rep. Peter King (R-NY).
This morning on C-Span, Weiner explained the idea behind the project:
WEINER: It’s more another way of looking at this debate, this discussion about the public option, to put it in focus. We went, just out of curiosity, looked at how many members of Congress get the public option. And I know a lot of people have said, “Well under the new bill, how many of you members of Congress would choose the public option?”
Well there already is one; it’s called Medicare. And we found 55 Republicans and 151 members of Congress are on Medicare right now. So they’re already getting the same type of public option that we’d like people who are without insurance to be able to get. And I guess the purpose of this list was to kind of point out some of the hypocrisy of this debate.
“You have members of Congress thumping their chest how they’re against government health care,” Weiner noted, adding, “and yet when it’s time for them to accept Medicare, they’re like, ‘Sign me up!’” Watch it:
Back in July, Weiner offered an amendment that would eliminate Medicare, saying at the time that it was “put-up or shut-up time for the phonies who deride the so-called ‘public option.’” Of course, no one voted for the measure.
“Even in a town known for hypocrisy,” Weiner said in a statement today releasing his study, “this list of 55 Members of Congress deserve some sort of prize. They apparently think the public option is ok for them, but not anyone else.”
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Go, Weiner!!!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:39 pmThis comment has been voted down. Click to read.
Chuck Grassley too? The guy was talking about death panels while enjoying govt. funded Medicare? Unbelievable.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:44 pmAnd we shall know their names.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:45 pmIf Weiner and Grayson typify the latest crop of Democrats to get to the Hill, our future looks good.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:45 pmThese guys seem fearless in their zeal to do the right thing and call out the phonies.
Hooray for them!
Oh look, my Senator’s name is on the list. Imagine my surprise.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:47 pmI love it when someone on TV says that Medicare is the public option. Hooray for Weiner and Grayson!
I think they are moving the debate our way.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:48 pmHow many of these same people voted against Franken’s bill, and FOR rape?
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:50 pmbig surprise there. a list of peepaws one hateful beyotch with (r’s) next to their names
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:52 pmThis needs to be headline news!
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:52 pmBadmoodman says:
Ya, i know what you mean, and it’s risky, but Grayson has a right and a reason to paint the Republicans the way he does. As long as he can portrait the Republicans accurately in his shocking ways he is helping. So far the Republicans show no sign of letting him down. i think he has them pegged.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:55 pmToo bad this info wasn’t published before the town hall meetings because it would have certainly been interesting to watch a few of these people choke when asked about their Medicare benefits. Nevertheless, a good journalist should be stalking these Republicans to ask them about their government run health care. It would make great ads for people who want to challenge these congressmen or to pressure them on the health care bill.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:56 pmregardless if they are receiving medicare or not, they are receiving a government run health care plan for being elected representitives courtesy of our tax dollars
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:59 pmGO Anthony GO!
This guy…Alan Grayson…I’m in love!
;-)
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:01 pmRepubs- sick, sick people (mentally),wanting everyone else to remain sick (physically) .
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:02 pmOnly those folks who collect a senator’s salary or higher should be allowed to enroll in Medicare.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:07 pmI’ve said this before: We want you not to have what we have because if there’s a suffering underclass, we come off as looking like the few at the top who made it; standing at the top of the pile of rubble in tip-top shape. Welcome to the new GOP … darwinism (yes, we are the biggest welfare queens in history, including those 7 banks obami is trying to hold to account. Don’t bring that up.) Doing so would comfort the terrorists .. and it would be socialism.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:15 pmSnuff this out, MSM! Don’t allow Weiner to spread this information through your free enterprise. We have astroturfers to keep fertile.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:17 pmThis comment has been voted down. Click to read.
This comment has been voted down. Click to read.
Republicans ‘Medicare beneficiaries’ spokesman:
“If we in the Congress use ‘Public Option’ and free taxpayers dollars to pay for our own health bills,then that is called Capitalism, but if you the taxpayers want to pay your own health bills, using tax money you paid then we call this Socialism.”
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:30 pmWhat’s the plan, Alejandro?
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:34 pmMcCain not only gets Medicare, he also gets VA, and the Senate healthcare.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:34 pmWhy do I need Medicare? I don’t need a power chair.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:35 pmWhy should birth control be covered? I don’t need it. I don’t have that type of crotch.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:38 pmI like the democratic plan to expand birth control, actually, because it expands the supply of college babes who want to get it on.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:39 pmThe G.O.P. has a base which will vociferously oppose programs that they themselves would benefit greatly from. This is just more preaching to the choir. With the subcultural Republican base hypocrisy by anyone on the right is acceptable. The G.O.P. have yet to recognize that they are caught in a rip-currant carrying them farther and farther away from main-stream America.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:40 pmHuh, K Street gives bar vouchers to congress critters to undermine their purported values as well
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:47 pmRepublicans don’t want us to have what they already have. They think they are above us and are the privileged. You know, as if they out class the rest of us…
Republicans think they worked hard to be polititians and giving Medicare to all would take away something from them. That’s just the way retards and republicans think.
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:52 pmSpeak English or Die Tryin says:
Oh no its detective weiner! LOL, retarded libs.
It was detective work alright for you to find that weiner. It gets pretty dark in the closet. Thanks again for the treat!
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:53 pmWeiner/Grayson 2016!!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:57 pmCan Weiner move to another state so he can be elected to the Senate?
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:58 pmYou dont find any of these 55 people hypocrites SEoDT?
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:58 pmRepublicans are entitled to government programs.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:02 pmLike Ronald Reagan said, “The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.”
I’d add: “… because we republicans keep using it.”
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:06 pmBut why not?
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:09 pmSpeak English or Die Tryin says:
…I think the age requirement should be a little higher.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Why? Please be specific.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:09 pmI think we need senate term limits.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:09 pmSpeak English or Die Tryin says:
No I don’t. I have no real problems with medicare however I think the age requirement should be a little higher.
Nevermind the public option would be markedly more expensive to individuals than all the parts of Medicare subject to monthly premiums combined (but still a savings over bloated private insurers).
You’re an airheaded parrot. Republicans change their tune for the moment and rely on those who aren’t good at history or pattern recognition. Congratulations, you’re one of the crowd.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:11 pmRaise age requirements? Is old ever old enough in my party? Must we exploit the labor of everyone from 12 through 85 years of age for $2 an hour and then tell ‘em sorry, feeble ass, I’ve got more young chickens to pluck, go pay for your own retirement. Your final paycheck of $70.50 will be in the mail.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:14 pmThis comment has been voted down. Click to read.
As an Iowan, I am so embarrassed by Chuck Grassley. My sweet little old mother-in-law thinks he’s senile. Heh.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:20 pmSo, they are two faced liars. You aren’t much better if any.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:21 pmSo … the flaky senators are stacking on the government bennies, because Gee golly, their taxpayer-subsized congressional health care isn’t enough.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:22 pmspeak with forked tongue is a coward apparently.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:25 pmWhy do republicans indulge themselves in government programs? Shouldn’t they practice that sweet n’ tangy conservative on themselves first? You know, to set an example.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:25 pmThe following is a “virtual vote” posted at my congress critters (Culberson (R) TX 7th Dist) website. By posting at progressive websites, I have reversed the numbers in this poll. Please keep up the pressure
by voting at: http://culberson.house.gov
Health Care Legislation H.R. 3200
After passing cap and trade legislation, which is likely to be the largest tax increase in American history, President Obama and the liberals in Congress are now pushing a $1.5 trillion health care plan that will raise taxes, ration care, and let government bureaucrats make decisions that should be made by you and your doctors. The White House has said this health care reform is “key to our fiscal future.” I think every American would agree that more taxes, more spending, and more government intervention is not the answer.
View the health care legislation proposed by House Democrats, then vote on H.R. 3200.
Would you vote for or against the proposed health care legislation?
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:40 pmFor 71% (375 votes)
Against 28% (151 votes)
Indifferent 1% (5 votes)
Total Votes: 531
Speak English or Die Tryin says:
No I don’t. I have no real problems with medicare however I think the age requirement should be a little higher.
So you’re a “communist”? Thanks for clarifying patsy! LOL! ;)
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:59 pmSpeak English or Die Tryin says:
Oh no its detective weiner! LOL, retarded libs.
The conservative “retard” thinks others are “retarded”! LOL! Hysterical projection patsy! LOL! ;)
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:00 pmAlejandro says:
So is he saying that the public option will be Medicare for everyone? Is that the plan?
So are you saying you want to do away with Medicare? Is that the GOP plan?
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:01 pmWhy do any of these people, especially John McCain, need to take Medicare? All of them, especially McCain, are sitting on piles of money.
Could it be because they are greedy?
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:11 pmIt’s a list of stupid, nasty partisans who have zero interest in the well-being of the average American.
They are too busy worrying about the well-being of the health insurance corporate elite.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:40 pmI thought all the Congress Critters have that super duper health insurance that us peons don’t have access too (but still have to pay for)?
How dare they enroll on Medicare! It’s not like they haven’t been paying for that ponzi scheme their whole working lives.
Anyway, it avoids the whole point, which is this: The democrats can pass anything they want to, cuz they have 60 votes!
Get your own party in order before complaining about the other side who has no power.
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:10 pmwow I had no idea this was that bad. I don’t watch Fox News but this has been going on since Jan.20th. How do these stupid people continue to talk bull and people listen to them. No wonder the White House has had enough. To think these people get paid is remarkable. Beck is so funny and so stupid it’s an SNL moment. What surprised me most is how African Americans on Fox can attack Obama as a racist while listening to their fellow guest talk about all Blacks. I guess some people will do anything for money even allowing themselves to be put down. Thank Goodness our troops aren’t listening to Fox News as I had to go to so many funnerals for soldiers of all races as they gave their lives to protect all Americans regardless of race. I guess Fox missed that news or their so stupid they wouldn’t understand anyway. We have a few idiots left and with God’s help that number will be reduced.
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:22 pmWe, as Progressives, must reframe the message. Medicare for all. Yes, you and I will pay more into Medicare, and I as an American am more than willing to pay more to help those amongst us (and myself if I want to change this career) to have insurance. That is what we pay for. I want my fellow humans to be able to access health care. Just for life and the quality of life.
The so called pro lifers are pro death. Fu(k em!
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:02 amHere’s the full list of 55 Republicans who receive Medicare:
If any “belong” to you write/call in hot rebuke:
http://www.senate.gov
http://www.house.gov
Rep. Ralph M. Hall
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:50 amRep. Roscoe G. Bartlett
Rep. Sam Johnson
Rep. C.W. Bill Young
Rep. Howard Coble
Sen. Jim Bunning
Sen. Richard G. Lugar
Rep. Don Young
Sen. Charles E. Grassley
Sen. Robert F. Bennett
Rep. Vernon J. Ehlers
Sen. Orrin G. Hatch
Sen. Richard C. Shelby
Rep. Jerry Lewis
Sen. James M. Inhofe
Rep. Ron Paul
Rep. Henry E. Brown
Sen. Pat Roberts
Sen. George V. Voinovich
Sen. John McCain
Rep. Judy Biggert
Sen. Thad Cochran
Rep. Harold Rogers
Rep. Dan Burton
Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon
Rep. Frank R. Wolf
Sen. Christopher S. Bond
Rep. Michael N. Castle
Rep. Joe Pitts
Rep. Tom Petri
Sen. Lamar Alexander
Rep. Doc Hastings
Rep. Cliff Stearns
Rep. Sue Myrick
Rep. John Carter
Sen. Mitch McConnell
Sen. Jon Kyl
Rep. Phil Gingrey
Rep. Nathan Deal
Rep. John Linder
Rep. Kay Granger
Rep. John L. Mica
Rep. Walter B. Jones
Sen. Jim Risch
Rep. Ed Whitfield
Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner
Rep. Virginia Foxx
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison
Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite
Sen. Saxby Chambliss
Sen. Michael B. Enzi
Rep. Elton Gallegly
Rep. Donald Manzullo
Rep. Peter T. King
Rep. Ander Crenshaw
To Zooey:
Below is the list of 30 Repub senators who voted against the Franken anti-rape amendment. I’ll let you do the match-up with list above..
Alexander (R-TN)
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:53 amBarrasso (R-WY)
Bond (R-MO)
Brownback (R-KS)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Corker (R-TN)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
Ensign (R-NV)
Enzi (R-WY)
Graham (R-SC)
Gregg (R-NH)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Isakson (R-GA)
Johanns (R-NE)
Kyl (R-AZ)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Risch (R-ID)
Roberts (R-KS)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shelby (R-AL)
Thune (R-SD)
Vitter (R-LA)
Wicker (R-MS)
Finally someone, that can’t be ridiculed by the corporate media by suggesting they look like a leprechuan, is doing what Dennis Kucinich has been doing all along.
If Kucinich had won the presidency, we would already have national healthcare and reform of anti-labor,anti-American pro-investment-class, pro-transnational corporate ceo ridiculous compensation crony trade schemes.
If Dennis was only about a foot taller, millions of Americans would not be suffering like they are.
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:24 amVote the hypocrites out!
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:51 amO boy, How will the RonPaulBots spin this one. Their messiah uses medicare!!!!!!
Get a life right wingers. No-one practices the small government BS anymore. Your all very alone.
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:54 amIt would be interesting to know ALL of the taxpayer subsidized health care each member of Congress received in the last two years:
1. Enrollment in Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
2. Enrollment in Medicare Parts A, B, C, & D.
3. Annual physicals or treatment by phyicians on the payroll of the House or Senate (not covered by Medicare).
4. Annual physicals or treatment at Walter Reed AMC or Bethesda NMC (not covered by Medicare).
5. Eligibility for treatment in VA facilities.
6. Eligibility for the retired military Tri-care program. (I have heard that Joe Wilson and his family are covered by Tri-care and that he absolutely loves the coverage. Are other members enjoying military retirement benefits?)
The “take-home” message here is that our Members of Congress enjoy much more “socialized medicine” than most of their constituents can ever expect to receive.
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:15 amHey Weiner, your a day late and a dollar short. I have been saying this from day one of the health care debate. If the republicans in congress think that the public option is Socialize medicine, then they should give up their government funded health care plan and turn to the private sector.
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:23 pm@56 & 57 – here’s the intersection:
Alexander (R-TN)
October 23rd, 2009 at 12:32 pmBond (R-MO)
Bunning (R-KY)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Cochran (R-MS)
Enzi (R-WY)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Kyl (R-AZ)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Risch (R-ID)
Roberts (R-KS)
Shelby (R-AL)
Republicans have been making the same point about Democrats. Many More Dems than Repubs have the usual gold-standard government insurance. Only Republicans want to allow more choice in allowing buying insurance across state lines. THAT would create the competition needed to drive downs insurance rates. Democrats keep voting down the Republican proposals to allow it.
October 25th, 2009 at 3:50 pm