Republicans Fret About ‘Slaughter Option,’ Ask for ‘Up-or-Down Vote’

Republicans have grabbed hold of reports that Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) has readied a rule that would allow the House to deem the Senate health care bill passed and start making corrections — something the GOP quickly dubbed the “Slaughter Option” or the “Slaughter Solution.”

“[W]e are hearing reports that the Majority will try and ram this through without a direct vote on the Senate bill,” said GOP Whip Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) in a floor speech. “Madam Speaker, we should take an up-or-down vote on the Senate bill. I yield back.”

That language — “take an up-or-down vote” — belonged to Democrats just a few days ago, when they were spinning the use of reconciliation.