Think Progress

House Passes Historic, Bipartisan Health Reform Legislation

Moments ago, the House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act by a vote of 220-215, with one Republican — Rep. Joseph Cao (R-LA) — voting for the measure. Once the bill reached the needed threshold of 218 votes, the chamber erupted in applause. Members excitedly counted down the last few seconds of the vote. Watch it:

At the “House Call” tea party protest on Capitol Hill this week, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) pledged to the right-wing activists: “Be assured not one Republican will vote for this bill.” Cao’s vote must have surprised Cantor.

Cao has previously been touted by House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) once as “the future” of the GOP. The White House had reportedly “been in constant contact” with him prior to the vote. “Rahm is going all in to get him,” one aide told Roll Call, referring to White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

The House also approved, by a vote of 240-194, an amendment introduced by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), which imposed tighter restrictions on abortion coverage. A GOP substitute failed in a vote of 178-258, with a single Republican, Rep. Tim Johnson (R-IL) voting against the legislation.

Update During debate of the health care bill, Rep. George Miller (D-CA) noted that after 12 years of controlling the House and 8 years in control of the White House at the same time, Republicans "left behind 37 million Americans without health insurance." He continued, "And now they come forward with a plan for the future, and over the next decade, they're going to leave behind 50 million Americans! Wanna buy it? Wanna try it? Wanna sell it? Come on America, buy this one. You're guaranteed to be left behind if you're left behind today." Watch it:

Update Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) said the Republican's "do nothing" alternative means that the GOP now "stands for Grandstand, Oppose, and Pretend."
Update Matt Yglesias reminds us that "the Senate's the thing."


165 Responses to “House Passes Historic, Bipartisan Health Reform Legislation”

  1. Shayne says:

    OK senators, do the right thing.


  2. margarine says:

    Could do without Stupak’s addition, but good news so far.


  3. P.D. says:

    It is a moment in History. The devil is in the details, but after a summer of ‘Tea-Baggers’, ‘Birthers’ and ‘912ers’ I will take ANY victory against the Repugs. They are truly the Party of NO.


  4. Shayne says:

    Now Palin will campaign against Cao and a Democrat can take that seat too.


  5. Shayne says:

    Thanks Igor for putting up this late breaking news.


  6. Midland says:

    Since Stupak has admitted he was bluffing in threatening to vote against the bill if he didn’t get his amendment in, stripping it out in the conference committee shouldn’t be a problem.


  7. P.D. says:

    Shayne@4, LOL! Let Sarah take down ALL the Moderates. She has been a trainwreck for the GOP since McCain picked her. She seems to be the one who is bringing down the GOP. Talk about Karma.


  8. Underoath says:

    Now is the time to push the Senate


  9. Shayne says:

    I didn’t think Boehner could look any dumber after his little Constitution/Declaration of Independence debacle … but I was wrong … snort …


  10. chrislvb says:

    And now on to the Senate, where good ideas go to die.


  11. Shayne says:

    So true P.D. but really McCain should pay for picking her by losing his next run for office.


  12. katy says:

    one Republican — Rep. Joseph Cao (R-LA) — voting for the measure.

    well… how ’bout that! congratulations, sir, finally stood up…

    watch yer back… we’ll help with that too…

    and that stupid shadegg (or shitbagg) amendment, as i said at C&L:

    with Shadegg voting present.

    with Shadegg voting present.?!?!?!!!

    what is that about???


  13. katy says:

    wait.

    i am obviously confused.

    never mind.


  14. P.D. says:

    chris@10, True, but I got a buzz on because of the victory. Don’t bring me down my friend.


  15. Shayne says:

    Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) said the Republican’s “do nothing” alternative means that the GOP now “stands for Grandstand, Oppose, and Pretend.”

    Franken and Grayson led the way and now we can watch the others follow. It’s about time.


  16. Mugsy says:

    I watched the last two hours.

    Most notable at the end of the debate was watching a parade of Republicans coming out “in defense of Medicare”, seeking to save it from “cuts” by the evil nasty Democrats.

    Of course, not one Republican actually called it by its true name: “Medicare ADVANTAGE” Gee, I wonder why?

    Listening to these hypocrites… who have been fighting against Medicare for 44 years… and recently even advocating PRIVATIZING it… suddenly want everyone to believe they are the ones trying to SAVE it???


  17. OutstandingInMyField says:

    Somewhere FDR and LBJ are smiling. This is a victory for every working man and woman in America. Now keep the momentum going Senate, and give the American worker the security they need and deserve.


  18. Marie says:

    The abortion compromise is disappointing, but for now we should enjoy this hard-won victory.
    The vote in the Senate should be even more grueling, but there is hope.


  19. Shayne says:

    And we all need to drink a toast to Teddy Kennedy.


  20. Marie says:

    The one republican vote qualifies this as bipartisan.
    I’d like to see the list of Dems who voted with repugs – it’s not anywhere I have looked.


  21. EmTee says:

    When will the senate vote?


  22. Ms_Joanne says:

    I fully expect Stupek to be stripped in committee. They had to vote on that abomination to get the needed 218. This has been and will continue to be an uphill battle but slowly and surely we are getting there.


  23. Shayne says:

    Marie, it’s at the link above but not broken down by party.


  24. OutstandingInMyField says:

    #19…lifting a glass to that great man, sorry it’s not Irish whiskey.


  25. P.D. says:

    Shayne@19, Yes we should. After Teddy’s death, the GOP used him. Then of course those awful signs that said, ‘Bury Obama Care with Kennedy’ was appalling. Of course MSM barely mentioned it, but I will NEVER forget it.


  26. chrislvb says:

    P.D. says: chris@10, True, but I got a buzz on because of the victory. Don’t bring me down my friend.

    I don’t mean to cheapen this victory at all. I am ecstatic about it just as everyone else here appears to be. I just hope seeing the Dems and 1 Repub vote for this will embolden the Dems in the Senate to grow spines and pass this all the way through so President Obama can sign it into law and make this a truly historic event.


  27. Ms_Joanne says:

    Marie, 38 dems voted nay.


  28. Progressive101 says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  29. delafield says:

    Over 100 million uninsured Americans and Americans with pre-existing conditions are one step closer to receiving affordable health care…

    … and Republicans are furious.


  30. Shayne says:

    Kucinich voted no but. It’s broken down Democrats in “Roman” and Republicans in “Italic”. Most of the No Democrats are little known.


  31. Progressive101 says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  32. Shayne says:

    Progressive101 says:

    This bill will line the insurance industry’s pockets with more money,

    THAT’S WHY WE NEEDED A PUBLIC OPTION. NOW STFU.


  33. Shayne says:

    Kucinich would be right if the whole country was as progressive as we are. But they’re NOT. Are we going to act like Republiscum and think the politicians will give US everything WE want? It’s time to grow up.


  34. P.D. says:

    @31, Are you really a ‘Progressive’? I wonder. For the first time in decades, we are closer to a Health Care Bill that will bring millions of Middle class Americans and the poor to true reform, and you sh*t on it. I wonder, are you a smart troll (we don’t get a lot of them) or serious. I wonder…


  35. katy says:

    maybe this will help:

    Betsy mccaughey Is Wrong About Health Reform — Again!

    Huffington Post
    – [Linda Bergthold Health policy consultant]

    Saturday in the Wall Street Journal, Betsy McCaughey, well known for her distortion of health reform in 1993 as well as recently, made the following points about the health reform bill, HR 3962, which is being debated and voted on as I write this. As usual, she sprinkles some truth in among her assertions, which give them the patina of authenticity.

    As I have done before, I am analyzing her points, one by one, so that you can better understand some of what is REALLY in this bill. …


  36. Shayne says:

    HF – Horse Fellatior?


  37. Shayne says:

    Progressive101, if you’re a progressive I’m the freakin’ queen of England. Troll.


  38. Shayne says:

    HF says:

    Was Kucinich one of the “screamers?”

    NO, but you are biatch.


  39. Shayne says:

    HF says:

    Shayne says:

    ——————————————————————————–

    HF – Horse Fellatior?

    FLAGGED!

    That’s funny you copied it. Now even if I get deleted it’s still up there. Dumber than a box of rocks aren’t you?


  40. delafield says:

    Without a strong public option, Senator Russ Feingold said that he will vote against this legislation.

    http://feingold.senate.gov/healthreform.html


  41. Shayne says:

    HF says:

    Most of the No Democrats are little known.

    That matters how? Little known to you, maybe.

    WAS I TALKING TO YOU? That’s rhetorical idiot.


  42. OutstandingInMyField says:

    How in the heck do the naysayers plan to diminish this victory by crying that this is a bill to line the pockets of insurers? Sure, it’s not perfect, and if I believed there were “death panels”, I would surely request that one be convened for the health insurance industry, but we’ve been lining the pockets of the insurance companies as long as I can remember. They’ve repaid us in recission, denial, and death. This is the first step towards a fairer, sustainable health care delivery system and I am delighted that we have taken it.


  43. Bluedahlia says:

    I am a progressive and I absolutely agree with Progressive101. People, don’t buy all rhetoric. This bill isn’t what you think it is. it has been stripped of all good things and is now just lining in the pockets of insur. cos. Let’s do a little investigation and critical thinking. That’s what WE do. Please.


  44. katy says:

    aw c’mon… it’s a 12 yr old… so not worth it…

    .

    seth just announced this news on SNL Update…

    ha!


  45. lexslamman says:

    I really hope somebody high-fived Joseph Cao tonight. He deserves it for this vote.


  46. LeftisRight says:

    *holds up a glass* A toast to us, for helping to make this happen!


  47. flight says:

    My early take; if all but one Republican voted against this bill, it has to be the real thing.

    Not that I think Republicans are unAmerican or idiots; just saying


  48. Shayne says:

    If we wait for the perfect bill we’ll never get change. This is a start until the low information voters realize it will be good for them.


  49. had enough says:

    Update Matt Yglesias reminds us that “the Senate’s the thing.”

    Unlike the House, the Senate has been the problem.


  50. delafield says:

    Can the Senate alter this bill so that it includes a single payer option or a very strong public option?


  51. Death Counselor says:

    If it lined the insurance pockets, you a$$holes, then why have the insurance companies been spending $20 million a day to fight it. You fukcing clowns just never make sense.

    FUKCING TOOLS OF THE MONIED INTERESTS IS ALL YOU ARE. Go gobble some more jism from your Mamon masters.


  52. Death Counselor says:

    dela, the Senate has to have an up or down vote on their bill, which gets cobbled together from the three committees versions, and THEN it goes into committee to hammer out the differences with this House bill.
    AFAIK


  53. delafield says:

    Thank you, Death Counselor.


  54. Progressive101 says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  55. Liz Morrison says:

    HF? That’s the ONLY troll they could dig up?


  56. Death Counselor says:

    Progressive101 blabs:

    I thought this was a progressive site, but it appears to be another …. Time to take your rose colored glasses off.

    No, its time for you to leave.

    Dickhead


  57. Liz Morrison says:

    Progressive101 says:
    I thought this was a progressive site…

    It wasn’t until you arrived.

    Thanks!


  58. delafield says:

    Progressive101 says, “I thought this was a progressive site, but it appears to be another Moveon.org site that praises or excuses every Democratic action no matter how much it is against public interest.”

    One step at a time, my friend. Let’s wait and see what the final bill looks like before we shoot it down. This thing still has a long way to go.


  59. Liz Morrison says:

    I’m going to have some popcorn and watch HF convulse.

    This should be fun :)


  60. okie dokie says:

    Outstanding @24, I’m making my toast with single malt bourbon,
    in honor of my yellow dog dad,with kentucky roots, that didn’t live to see this day.
    He forsaw the fight and prejudice that Obama would be up against,
    that I didn’t want to see.
    We’re almost there.
    Salute!


  61. Death Counselor says:

    Progressive101

    Is neither a Progressive, nor a neophyte requiring 101 level edumacation.

    Progressive101 is a dyed in the wool Neo-con traitorous scumbag who comes here to sew discord and tell us how terrible we screwed things up. But, yet, their rhetoric never matches the reality as I posted above.

    “If it lined the insurance companies’ pockets, then why have the insurance companies been spending $20 million a day to fight it?”

    It does not make sense to tool trolls.

    I think your moniker should be Troll101, that would truth in advertising.


  62. Harold Melvin says:

    Mahalia Jackson
    Good News, The Chariot’s Coming

    Good news, the chariot’s coming,
    Good news, oh, the chariot’s coming
    Good news, the chariot’s coming,
    Yeah, I don’t want to be behind.

    Long white robe in heaven, I know
    Long white robe in heaven, I know
    Long white robe in heaven, I know
    Yeah, I don’t want to be left behind.

    Good news, the chariot’s coming,
    Good news, oh, the chariot’s coming
    Good news, the chariot’s coming,
    Yeah, I don’t want to be behind.

    Golden slipper in heaven, I know
    Golden slipper in heaven, I know
    Golden slipper in heaven, I know
    And I don’t want to be left behind.

    Starry crown in heaven, I know
    Starry crown in heaven, I know
    Starry crown in heaven, I know
    And I don’t want to be left, Lord,
    I don’t want to be left behind.


  63. had enough says:

    Bluedahlia says:

    This bill isn’t what you think it is. it has been stripped of all good things and is now just lining in the pockets of insur.

    Nicole Sandler on AAR and Kucinich have also stated that. I was sickened when Pelosi took Kucinich’s HR 3200 out which would give the states the choice of single payer – the way Canada started theirs. If we are mandated to purchase insurance from the insurance industry, or if they get government give a ways for those that can not afford it, then it is lining their pockets.

    We will have to see what the Senate does and I am not very impressed with them at this point.


  64. Liz Morrison says:

    68, DC, well duh! Why do you think we’re laughing at him?

    This is so much fun, I’m loving every minute of it.


  65. Death Counselor says:

    Imagine if all the energy, talent and money spent on religious, pious crap would be spent on actaully performing human actions that benefit humans and not just stroke the egos of the people doing the “preaching”, singing or prostelytizing, this world would have wiped out all human suffering many times over since the rehashing of the fictional human called Jesus.


  66. Baby Maddie says:

    This bill isn’t what you think it is!


  67. Ms_Joanne says:

    Shayne, I’m totally with you. We have to start somewhere and passage of something is better than rejection of perfection.

    That reminds me of Republican purism which is resulting in less and less of them (thank goodness).

    It’s a start. And I am overjoyed at that.


  68. Baby Maddie says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  69. flight says:

    I want to see how the insurance company stocks perform Monday.
    It will be interesting, and we will know for sure the merits of this bill.

    We win or they win!


  70. Shayne says:

    To paraphrase Voltaire, “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”


  71. USCKitty says:

    HF says:
    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.

    LeftisRight says:

    You have no idea what you are even toasting too, do ya?

    Let me guess, you Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Dick Armey, Freedom Works have an idea…


  72. okie dokie says:

    Progressive 101 obviously hasn’t been to a “move on” meeting.
    Diversity in progressive ideology is alive and well,
    when being active locally.


  73. Shayne says:

    Right MsJ, if everybody agreed with us Kucinich would be President.


  74. Jim Wolf359 says:

    This Bill isn’t perfect. Far from it. But it is a start of something that could become what i think we all, ultimatly want. That this even occured is by itself a sea change.
    What is important now is to put pressure on the Senate to pass something identical or close and then meld the two into a bill that the President can sign and we can live with.
    To the Progeressives who don’t like this Bill: I understand where your coming from. I was where you are now. The reality is that a Bill like that was not going to happen. But this is just the start. Don’t give up. If more Progressives are elected to the Congress, we’ll get closer to the idea of reform that we all want.


  75. Shayne says:

    This bill has gotten close to total failure. Republicans keep stalling because they know the later this gets in the election cycle the harder it will be to pass anything. It is an imperfect world.


  76. Baby Maddie says:

    flight, I want to see how crazy Beck, The Club for Growth, The US Chamber of Commerce, the Koch brothers, Michele Bachmann, et al get. Then we will know for sure the merits of this bill.

    We win or they win!


  77. Game of Life says:

    Progressive101

    It’s called a public option.


  78. Jim Wolf359 says:

    I just noticed that my Congressman, John Salazar (CO-D) voted for the Stupack Amendment.
    Time to have a little chat with Mr. Salazar.


  79. Game of Life says:

    Shayne

    repugs thought we would give up a long time ago.

    repugs: this isn’t the 90s and your bs isn’t even up to par for that decade.

    repugs are useless and fools.

    It’s the 21st Century baby!


  80. evangenital says:

    No guts, no glory…

    Good for the Dems…

    They are finally showing some backbone.

    Screw the repiggie trash, and screw the teabaggers, useless dead weight and all-around flotsam.

    Now, on to the Senate…


  81. Ms_Joanne says:

    GoL, and how many times did the villagers say the public option is dead? Yeah, it sucks now (are you happy with your insurance or if you’re uninsured are the only “options”… What about I’m not happy with my insurance! But in time) but we have to start somewhere.

    Baby M…sure sweetie. Just call me MsMom. :-)


  82. bluesunflower says:

    HF says:

    ——————————————————————————–

    This is the bill that OBAMA wants.

    No, actually. It’s a bill *I* want. I – along with 53% of the voting public – hired Obama to do it for me.


  83. okie dokie says:

    Did you see Rep. Steny Hoyer, refusing to concede to the repug’s objections, and outing their corporate loyalty agenda?
    As Harold Melvin might say:
    “Oh baby, bring it on home!”


  84. Briseadh na Faire says:

    I’d like to take a moment and reflect:

    If it weren’t for Michael Moore’s movie, “Sicko” this debate would not have occurred.

    Thank you, Michael, for getting this whole thing started.</blockquote>


  85. Finn says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  86. LibertyLover says:

    Strip the Stupak, Senate.


  87. evangenital says:

    HF is a moron who reflexively and uncritically posts all that repiggie crap.

    Doesn’t the stupid GOPshite know that the more crap he posts, the more entrenched we progressives become?

    We are sick of the teabagger bullies and the shameless liars masquerading as patriots.

    A lot of those retards have no medical insurance themselves.

    Go figure.

    Even the repiggie dingalings will have a crack at the medical system, thanks to the public option.

    They too need access to health care, even if they are too goddamned stupid to realize it.


  88. jwmuiyaai says:

    The bill isn’t perfect, but it’s a start. It least the majority of people will get basic care. The rest can be worked out next session. Does anyone actually get help from this immediately or do we still have to let 45000 die for a few more years before this gets started? And does Congress have to accept the same coverage as the rest of us? That would go a long way in getting great healthcare for all asap.


  89. flight says:

    Baby Maddie @ 83,
    I am an optimist and I think America won tonight.
    I am looking forward to all the screaming, ranting and a nice little slide of medical insurance stock prices on Monday.


  90. lux says:

    Yay our guys –

    It’s a start.. and yes – the prospects of getting this past the senate…not good.

    But.. it was a victory -

    a victory for Obama
    a victory for Pelosi
    a victory for the Democrats.. and whether they know it yet or not.. a victory for all Americans.


  91. pags2 says:

    The House vote puts pressure on the Senate. Dems in the Senate cannot afford for this bill to go down. If they do they will be unemployed because many Dems will stay home in the next election. It is time for people to get in contact with their Senators. I already know that both of my Senators, Durbin and Burris are going to vote for the bill. So now we need to pressure the fence sitters. We need more representatives like Miller and Grayson to put the heat on the conservaDems who had no problem voting for war appropriations.


  92. lux says:

    #95 jwmuiyaai -

    I don’t believe any of the benefits kick off until 2013..at least that’s what I remember from HR 3200..

    crazy right?

    but if you think about that year – you can probably figure out the political reasons for it =)

    possibly they will push that date ahead once it gets passed.. we’ll see.


  93. SP Biloxi says:

    “Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) said the Republican’s ‘do nothing’ alternative means that the GOP now ’stands for Grandstand, Oppose, and Pretend.’”

    And ain’t that the truth. Senate is next up to bat for the healthcare reform bill. I hope folks remember those Senators who voted against and dragged out the unemployment extension bill when those same ones vote for the healthcare reform bill. This healthcare reform bill will be a battle in the Senate.

    Glad the healthcare bill passed in the Congress. No, it is not perfect but I am glad that public option is in the bill which will be interesting on how the Senators from both parties who are anti-public option will vote.


  94. Intrepid says:

    HF says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.

    This is the bill that OBAMA wants. He has been bought and paid for!

    Bought and paid for…. by who, little shitstain?


  95. Intrepid says:

    HF says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.

    This is the bill that OBAMA wants. He has been bought and paid for!

    Bought and paid for…. by who, little clown show ringmaster?


  96. Chicano2nd says:

    Jim Wolf359 says:

    “I just noticed that my Congressman, John Salazar (CO-D) voted for the Stupack Amendment.
    Time to have a little chat with Mr. Salazar.”

    Touché!


  97. lux says:

    #91 Briseadh na Faire says:

    If it weren’t for Michael Moore’s movie, “Sicko” this debate would not have occurred.

    I think we still would be pushing for health care reform – but definitely Moore did a great job of getting the truth to the mainstream audience. Many more people would watch it in that format than would sit and watch a documentary on pbs..

    Moore deserves a helluva lot of credit though.. He does serve a crucial function – the new movie ‘Capitalism’ revealed to us the fact that Wal-mart and many other major stores take life insurance policies out on their employees… It’s unimaginable that this is somehow legal. Disgraceful.


  98. Perry logan says:

    I object to calling the bill “bipartisan,”. Why on earth are we trying to give credit to the Repubs for our accomplishment?


  99. bluesunflower says:

    Ha! The John Q at Fox is going crazy with the news. Tons of fun. :D

    http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/07/house-passes-health-care


  100. candide says:

    Lots of lives will be saved, lots of bankruptcies avoided, lots of misery never lived once this bill gets approved by the Senate and it becomes law. It is the proverbial sausage you don’t want to see made, but what a glorious victory for Nancy Pelosi and the House Democrats.

    I remember when Medicare was enacted, and there was a feeling among many that it was not enough. It wasn’t enough. There will be many who rightly say this isn’t enough. It isn’t. But it is a fantastic, huge step in the right direction.


  101. njlib says:

    i agree with stupak, lets eliminate all the health care plans he chooses from that have abortion coverage. how can we check what all the reps have in their coverage that the government funds. does the VA coverage fund it? who can answer these qusestions? TP?


  102. TheAntichrist says:

    @Igor Volsky

    Can you clarify something for us?

    Is it true that the government will give us a criminal record if we decide not to get health care?

    Now I’m a pretty liberal guy but that’s insane. Fox News and the TeaBaggers are gonna have a field day with that one…

    If that is true the Senate has got to strip that out of the bill.

    Can somebody please tell me I’m wrong because I hope I am…


  103. johnny dol1ar says:

    @ 109

    May I ask where did you hear that load?

    Because if you heard it from the teabaggers and the Fox gNOpig Propaganda Network and they HAVEN’T made into a scare tactic talking point YET, then I am pretty sure it just paranoid BS.

    Just like when they were filling their diapers with “they are going to pull the plug on grandma!”


  104. johnny dol1ar says:

    addendum to my own post at 110

    The giggles found a page dated September 26, 2009.

    I’m not wasting any more time on that subject.


  105. Nat says:


    Is it true that the government will give us a criminal record if we decide not to get health care?
    -TheAntichrist

    If you decide not to buy insurance and your income is above a certain threshold, a tax will be imposed upon you. And just like any other tax, if you don’t pay it you face civil and/or criminal penalties.


  106. Nat says:

    And why are you watching FOX “News”?


  107. EnnuiDivine says:

    I don’t think there’s a single person* here who thinks this is an ideal bill. Progressives would much rather have single payer. What some fail to realize is that this is a step in the right direction. We’re still many years away from convincing the masses that single payer IS the only viable solution to our healthcare problems, but now we have the beginnings of a path towards it. I don’t blame Kucinich and Massa for refusing to sacrifice their beliefs…it IS a shame that the remaining Dems who voted against it are in swing/GOP dominated districts. It makes little sense trying to primary them out (a progressive candidate would get swamped) and any Repub that would replace them would be infinitely worse (case in point: Larry Kissel in NC. Replaced Robin Hayes…known for starting a McCain rally by yelling about how liberals hate god and america and work)

    *i.e., NOT a troll


  108. SeeTheLight2 says:

    Even tho’ we didn’t get the Single Payor amendment in….this is a very BIG beginning. Fine tuning will come in time. We just have to keep bugging the hell out of our respective Congressperson’s to push now for S.P. But WOW…what a mile stone. Now, the uphill battle of taking on the Senate to do the right thing. Hound the heck out of them….let them know we ARE! paying attention. The rightwing idiots can not prevail, nor do we want this to be pushed into next year. NOW, is the time for the Dem’s to kick butt, and Pres. Obama to put some nails in their coffen if they don’t!


  109. regular_joe says:

    “Cao has previously been touted by House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-CopperTone) once as “the future” of the GOP.”

    If the GOP has a future, it will have to be people like Cao. Smart Repugs need to wake up and smell the coffee: Boner’s GOP has NO future.


  110. Dr. Hussein Matt says:

    O/T, Eye-witness to Fort Hood Shooter:

    There have been several media reports that the Fort Hood shooter yelled “Allahu Akbar!” during his rampage, but my correspondent says, “He was silent in my presence.”


  111. Cats r Flyfishn says:

    Congratulations to Speaker Pelosi and the rest of the Democrats and Rep. Cao that voted FOR the American people. My representative, Tim Holden (D) voted “nay”. The Democrats in his district have already recruited a popular progressive to challenge Holden in the primary. We will support the progressive. Holden is now on his own. Good luck with Holden because the “tea baggers” already have you targeted.



  112. nisticom says:

    Why do you call it “bipartisan”??? Come on, it’s not at all that. Please don’t be like them, twisting the truth. One Republican voted for the bill, that does not make it a bipartisan bill…


  113. Dr. Hussein Matt says:

    The pro-American/Democratic Party made every attempt to have fruitful discussions with the inbred hicks across the aisle, but those GOPigs refused to contribute. It’s not the pro-American/Democrats fault that reich-wingers hate America.


  114. Cats r Flyfishn says:

    When walking, we proceed one step at a time. The same thing happens with change. Health Care Reform can now move forward one step at a time. If we want a single payer plan, then we need to support and vote for more progressives to fill the chambers in Congress. This bill is one step closer to single payer.

    “First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win.” Mahatma Gandhi


  115. Bozo The Neoclown says:

    memo to batshit blaaaccchhhman,
    you lose, you traitorous beyotch


  116. SlappyBastinado says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  117. Bozo The Neoclown says:

    hey slaptard,
    where were you when the reject known as the 43rd president was running two wars off the books for eight years. selling our souls to the communist chinese to run them and bankrupting our country?

    at least with health care reform we get something other than the destruction of an unarmed nation for our tax dolalrs.


  118. Briseadh na Faire says:


    nisticom says:

    Why do you call it “bipartisan”??? Come on, it’s not at all that. Please don’t be like them, twisting the truth. One Republican voted for the bill, that does not make it a bipartisan bill…

    Um….yes. It does.

    From Merriam-Webster.com:

    Main Entry: bi·par·ti·san
    Pronunciation: \(?)b?-?pär-t?-z?n, -s?n, -?zan, chiefly British ?b?-?pär-t?-?zan\
    Function: adjective
    Date: 1895
    : of, relating to, or involving members of two parties ; specifically : marked by or involving cooperation, agreement, and compromise between two major political parties.

    Given the amount of compromising the Democratic Party did to accomodate the Republican Party, and given the fact that at least one Republican voted for the compromise bill, it is, by definition, a bipartisan bill.


  119. Leftside Annie says:

    Hey Slappy – sucks to be you, don’t it?

    BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!


  120. Ms_Joanne says:

    EnnuiDivine says: November 8th, 2009 at 9:16 am

    WORD!!!

    The only reason I like to call it bipartisan is to watch heads (like Slappy above) explode. I love the sound of wingnut heads exploding in the morning with my coffee. Ah, so so sweet!   

    It’s a shame for all of us, though, that the opposition party didn’t live up to doing their jobs because real discussion and debate would have been best for all of us. I wish I could get paid $180,000 to do nothing (with the best benefits in the country!)


  121. Peter C says:

    I wonder what it is about the authors of our trolls that makes them fashion their characters after Holden Caulfield. I suppose it is just easier to spew incoherent nonsense than write rational prose in clear sentences.


  122. Baby Maddie says:

    Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!

    Slappy loses again.


  123. kasinca says:

    Only one republican congressman with enough scruples to vote for in the best interest of those who elected him over corporate interests and the teabagging loser party.


  124. SlappyBastinado says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  125. Harold Melvin says:

    Watching Sappy suffer is schadenfreude and I should feel guilty about it.

    I should feel guilty about it but I don’t. I laugh and laugh and laugh………


  126. SlappyBastinado says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  127. Peter C says:

    I’m willing to call it bipartisan to watch the Republicans eat their own. When they purge their few rational elements, they do our work for us.


  128. ncbrickhome says:

    SlappyBastinado says:

    Wheeeeeeeee..money, money, money, Wheeeeeeeeeeee…spend, spend, spend Wheeeeeeeeee..free, free, free, Wheeeeeeeeeeee!

    Too bad for YOU, huh, unamerikkkan PUNK?

    And too bad for all your TREASONOUS heroes, like your

    MESSIAH, Bush!!!

    Go KILL yourself, and let REAL Americans be HAPPY that YOU have gone to be with TRAITOR Ronnie Reagan and your MASTER Satan.

    BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAHA!


  129. SlappyBastinado says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  130. Land of a 1000 Dances says:

    Slappy…….. running out of words?

    “orange ring around the mouth/cheezy puffies” /snark!


  131. Glenn Beck says:

    SlappyBastinado, ignore them. Just remember the 9 principles and the 12 rules. We surround them. I love my country so much. Don’t forget the rally in Washinton this coming tuesday. We’re going to throw tea bags into the Tidal Basin.


  132. Papirini says:

    First, I just want to say good that this bill passed. Not perfect, but definitely a sign that no one is intimidated anymore; and, hopefully the Stupak amendment will be stripped in committee.

    Also…

    SlappyBastinado

    What the &$#@ kind of acid-ridden troll did I wake up to here?


  133. Leftside Annie says:

    I sent the following to Rep. Cao:

    Dear Rep. Cao:

    I normally have nothing good to say to or about Republicans, as I believe they are (for the most part) corrupt or evil (or most likely, both).

    But – that said, thank you for your ‘yes’ vote on the House healthcare bill last night. It was the RIGHT thing to do; your constituents want it and need it, as does the rest of this nation.

    I’m from California (I had to make up an address in order to contact you), and thus, not from your district, but I love New Orleans with my whole heart – and I wanted to take a moment to thank you for doing the right thing. I know it took courage and you’re probably going to take no end of sh*t for it from your R colleagues – but again, sir: BRAVO.

    ~A


  134. Peter C says:

    Good letter, Annie!


  135. Harold Melvin says:

    142, I second that.


  136. Peter C says:

    I too have very little good to say about Republicans. They puzzle me.

    I agree, some are deeply corrupt. These game the system for personal wealth. There are many examples. I wish I felt that Democrats were excluded from that, but living in New Jersey, I cannot.

    I’m concluding, like you, that some are evil. For a long time I resisted this impulse. But, for some few, I cannot escape that conclusion. These few foster hatred and promote war as a means to personal wealth.

    I think the rest of those who vote Republican are primarily scared. They struggle for status in society, and see it as a zero-sum-gain situation. They feel they must repress others to maintain their position.

    My hope is that Obama can reassure these. As they see things improve and the stresses of their lives eased, as they see their prospects brighten and their environment improve, I hope they will re-evaluate their fears and reject those who have exploited their fears. I hope they realize that empowering the wildly irrational has only brought chaos and loss.


  137. Papirini says:

    I notice my comment got voted down by Slappy.

    Guess the truth really does hurt.


  138. Harold Melvin says:

    Papirini, he’s hurting. First Carrie Prejean and now this health care thing. I wish he’d post some more comments. I enjoy his incoherent rants and his flailing around. It’s like the poetry of Levi Johnston.


  139. Leftside Annie says:

    Peter – I was sorely tempted to add “stupid”….but hey… baby steps, man, baby steps. ;o) Trying to give the man kudos for doing the right thing – let’s not insult him *too* much.


  140. Alejandro says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  141. Alejandro says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  142. Harold Melvin says:

    Slappy come back, let us savor your misery just one more time!


  143. Baby Maddie says:

    “rubes”?

    That hurt.


  144. Alejandro says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  145. E.B. White says:

    I think Their “team” “won.” should be Their “team won.”

    But what do I know? I’m just a “rube.”


  146. Fred says:

    Alejandro says:
    Yeah, rube, chump, dupe, fool, gull, patsy, sap, stooge, mark, sucker.

    Yep, republicans are bailing from their party for those reasons. the gop played them, now the gop is dead.


  147. Alejandro says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  148. Alejandro says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  149. Fred says:

    Alejandro, you exhibit anti-social behavior. Are you in a lockup somewhere?


  150. Land of a 1000 Dances says:

    Slappy Alej, look out the window. Isn’t it a beautiful day?


  151. ncbrickhome says:

    Yeah, rube, chump, dupe, fool, gull, patsy, sap, stooge, mark, sucker. AND

    MORON.

    Ca’t describe the RapePublic MESSIAH George W. Bush the TREASONOUS coxucker PUNK without ALL of those…


  152. pags2 says:

    The Republicans complaint about the lack of bipartisanship is preposterous. You cannot negotiate with them because they stated their object was to kill or delay the bill. Furthermore, you can’t negotiate with them because they insist that everything in the bill is their way. I would hope that these votes come back on some of these Republicans and they lose their seats.


  153. SlappyBastinado says:

    This comment has been voted down. Click to read.


  154. Harold Melvin says:

  155. ncbrickhome says:

    REAL Americans WANT Health Care Coverge for ALL Americans.

    REAL Americans KNOW this.

    Of course, not “slappy”!!

    The follower of his TREASONOUS little COXUCKER punk MESSIAH, Geotge W. Bush and his WAR CRIMINALS.

    BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!


  156. one more clue says:

    Grandstand

    Oppose

    Prevaricate


  157. What the GOP REALLY means ... says:

  158. Harold Melvin says:

    Eat

    Drink

    Man

    Woman


  159. conservative guy says:

    Hopefully the senate can kill this pig of a bill.


  160. Max Anax junius -1 says:

    .

    Kucinich: Why I Voted NO

    http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/47568

    Washington D.C. (November 7, 2009) – After voting against H.R. 3962 – Affordable Health Care for America Act, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today made the following statement:

    “We have been led to believe that we must make our health care choices only within the current structure of a predatory, for-profit insurance system which makes money not providing health care. We cannot fault the insurance companies for being what they are. But we can fault legislation in which the government incentivizes the perpetuation, indeed the strengthening, of the for-profit health insurance industry, the very source of the problem. When health insurance companies deny care or raise premiums, co-pays and deductibles they are simply trying to make a profit. That is our system.

    (continued)


  161. linzloo08 says:

  162. jwmuiyaai says:

    lux says:

    ——————————————————————————–

    #95 jwmuiyaai -

    I don’t believe any of the benefits kick off until 2013..at least that’s what I remember from HR 3200..

    crazy right?

    but if you think about that year – you can probably figure out the political reasons for it =)

    possibly they will push that date ahead once it gets passed.. we’ll see.

    November 8th, 2009 at 2:31 am

    Yeah I know what some say is the political reason for it. And I think it sucks that Democrats would delay healthcare for 3 years while 135000 more Americans die for political reasons. More importantly, remember the repug concern about passing healthcare reform because the people would love it so much the repugs would be a permanent minority? Pass it now, implement it now and in 2012 Americans are getting decent healthcare and re-electing the Democrats for providing it. Instead, the repugs have 3 years to harp on how much we are paying and getting nothing for it while Americans are still dying for lack of care. Yes, I get the argument that something is better than nothing. I just don’t think we have to accept that. If the powers that be bring all their pressure on the blue dogs, they will relent. Democrats need to stop worrying about their “friends across the isle” and those in competitive districts. Give the people what they want and they will reward the party that does. People are dying while they wait.


  163. EugeneDebs says:

    SlappyBeggerino

    No pity for you punk. Beg all you want. You will get no pity here. It is obvious you will never grasp the concept of self respect or dignity. You will keep begging all your life. It is your sad fate to be just that stupid and pathetic. Keep begging. We will keep laughing at you and sending your ignorant worthless posts to the sewer and you STILL wont get anymore pity


  164. EugeneDebs says:

    ConservaTROLL

    Kill yourself punk. Everyhuman who has ever met you hates your guts. Just kill yourself



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