rssLieberman Threatens to Filibuster Dems’ Health Bill
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 2:14 pm
- 11 Comments
The strategy to rally all the Senate Democrats behind a public plan hit a brick wall on Tuesday, after Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) announced his intention to filibuster health reform legislation over the provision, Politico is reporting.
Lieberman, who caucuses with Democrats and is positioning himself as a fiscal hawk on the issue, said he opposes any health care bill that includes a government-run insurance program — even if it includes a provision allowing states to opt out of the program, as [Senate Majority Leader Harry] Reid’s has said the Senate bill will.
“We’re trying to do too much at once,” Lieberman said. “To put this government-created insurance company on top of everything else is just asking for trouble for the taxpayers, for the premium payers and for the national debt. I don’t think we need it now.”
TPMDC’s Brian Beutler has more from Lieberman:
“I want to vote for health care reform this year. But I also told [Reid] that if the bill remains what it is now, I will not be able to support a cloture motion before final passage. Therefore I will try to stop the passage of the bill.”
Of note, Lieberman also opposed the comprehensive health care reforms pushed by the Clinton administration 16 years ago, though he came out in vocal support of the vague concept of universal health care during his tough reelection bid in 2006.
As The Hill noted yesterday, Connecticut is home to 72 insurance-industry headquarters.
11 Comments
Comment posted October 27, 2009 @ 2:21 pm
If you bring a snake into your home, how can you be surprised when it bites you?
Pingback posted October 27, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
[...] and Democratic strategists is that Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) is making an empty threat to filibuster his party’s health care bill. But there are short-term consequences for what Lieberman is doing. The National Republican [...]
Pingback posted October 27, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
[...] Snowe — and without Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) — Reid and the Democrats are back at the drawing board on how to rally 60 Senate [...]
Comment posted October 27, 2009 @ 2:57 pm
Senator Lieberman – (202) 224-4041 (860) 549-8463 (800) 225-5605 Let's overload his office till his employees riot against this treason. PLEASE SHARE!
Pingback posted October 27, 2009 @ 4:43 pm
[...] bill unless the public option is removed.For more information…http://www.politico.comShare This Lieberman Threatens to Filibuster Dems’ Health Bill – washingtonindependent.com 10/27/2009 The strategy to rally all the Senate Democrats behind [...]
Comment posted October 27, 2009 @ 5:09 pm
So, overpriced weapons systems the Pentagon doesn't want, to fight a country that no longer exists are “critical.” (Not to mention never ending funding and minimal oversight of wars or anything Pentagon related- especially if it's built in Connecticut).
Offering all Americans more affordable health care coverage… Not so much.
Nice priorities Joe. I'm sure Aetna, BC/BS, CIGNA, UHC, Wellpoint et al., will be quite appreciative.
Pingback posted October 28, 2009 @ 12:04 am
[...] and Democratic strategists is that Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) is making an empty threat to filibuster his party’s health care bill. But there are short-term consequences for what Lieberman is doing. The National Republican [...]
Pingback posted October 28, 2009 @ 12:04 am
[...] Snowe — and without Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) — Reid and the Democrats are back at the drawing board on how to rally 60 Senate [...]
Comment posted October 28, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
Sen Liarman seems just fine with insurance industry price-fixing.Snake in our house indeed!
Comment posted October 28, 2009 @ 5:47 pm
Sen Liarman seems just fine with insurance industry price-fixing.Snake in our house indeed!
Pingback posted August 4, 2010 @ 11:14 am
[...] Caucus: Show us the money!! We want the same goodies that you give Blue Dog Democrats and Independents to vote your way. Do you think we’re in Congress for our own constituents’ [...]
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