Local Government TV

Thursday, July 12, 2012

House Repeals Obamacare ... Again

It's too bad that LV Congressman Charlie Dent and Scranton attorney Matt Cartwright are running against weak opposition, and not each other. I'd love to see those two debate Obamacare and our economy.

The U.S. House has voted more than thirty times now to repeal different aspects of Obamacare. Twice, they've voted to repeal the whole damn thing. Their latest stab at that was yesterday. But without similar action in the Senate, which seems highly unlikely, they're wasting their time.

LV Congressman Charlie Dent, who voted with every other Republican in favor of a repeal, argues that this supposed medical reform will actually unleash 20 new taxes:

"The 2010 health care law contains numerous detrimental policies that not only fail to appropriately address the complex problems of our health care system, but hurt our economy and hardworking American families. Repealing the law would allow Congress to enact meaningful reform measures that reduce cost, expand access and improve quality. Its repeal would also prevent the imposition of over 20 new or higher taxes that will cost Americans $675 billion over the next decade and stifle economic growth. While the political reality is repeal will not occur under this Administration, which still considers the deeply flawed law its signature legislative achievement, Congress must remain committed to repealing and replacing the most problematic provisions with substantial reforms. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress in a bipartisan manner to advance common sense, sustainable reforms that benefit the American people.”

But Matt Cartwright, running for Tim Holden's seat in parts of the Lehigh Valley, thinks Congress should focus on creating jobs. He calls the repeal a "meaningless political game."

"Two weeks ago, the Supreme Court upheld the Constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. In response to the court’s ruling, Republicans in the House of Representatives decided to hold a vote to repeal the health care law completely. The timing of this could not be worse; neither could the flagrant political posturing.

"It is important to realize what a full repeal of this bill would mean. The Medicare prescription “doughnut hole,” would remain open, once again placing the burden of full payment on our seniors. People with pre-existing medical conditions, including cancer patients, could once again be denied the possibility obtaining affordable care. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the federal deficit would increase by $210 billion. 3.8 million Pennsylvanians have already used a free preventative service provided by the Affordable Care Act- this would cease. These popular benefits and many other reforms the ACA brings must not be repealed.

"Beyond being bad policy, this push to repeal the Affordable Care Act is a meaningless political game. During their time in the minority, these Republicans remarked that health care was the wrong priority, and that Congress should be focusing on other job creation measures. Yet during their time in the majority, Republicans have voted thirty-two times to repeal measures contained in this health care law, and they have already voted once for a full repeal. We know that the Senate will not vote to overturn this law. Now is not the time to engage in these types of useless political games- now is the time for bold action.

"Last week, we saw the best of Congress. Working across the aisle, Democrats and Republicans passed a Transportation Bill that promises to create or retain 2.9 million jobs in the construction industry, a sector that has been battered in this recession. The American people are looking to Congress for more of this job-creating legislation. Let’s hope that they will deliver."

Both views are well-stated.

43 comments:

  1. Charlie did what he was told but his allegance to the teabagger philosophy will eventually nail him in this district.

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  2. "I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress in a bipartisan manner to advance common sense, sustainable reforms that benefit the American people"

    ahh, the days when compromise wasn't a dirty word. Now, its lip service. Both parties are guilty, but the Republicans really lead the movement. Unfortunately, now even Democrats--including Cartwright in an interview I read on-line before the primary--are beginning to speak the language in a "two can play that game" kind of way. But what do you expect when extremists demand politicians sign silly "pledges" NOT to compromise, AKA, not to govern responsibly. Heck, I remember the days when Charlie was in the General Assembly running for Congress touting how he worked with the other side of the isle...even if he wanted to, he could/would never do that in today's climate on the Hill. Just lip service now.

    I do not believe Republicans have any intention of meaningful reform.

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  3. This is your blog, Bernie, and I'm not here to tell you how to write your features, however, this entry was much more balanced than your usual replication of Dent's public releases. Just sayin....

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  4. Republicans: no means no

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  5. I wonder if Dents fundraiser in Strategic Health Care (Lobbying Firm) building in DC had anything to do with his vote?

    Nice to know that under GOP care, insurance Companies decide what tests are vital and are covered, not the Physician.

    Remember Ronald Reagan said Medicare was socialized medicine and would destroy this Country. We now see how wrong he was.

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  6. Repealing Obamacare will create jobs that are not currently being created due to the threat of impending Obamacare. Many companies, including mine, are being advised to pare back any hiring by 20% - 25%, as the costs of the law have not been fully determined and most businesses are expected to see large premium increases. Many, like mine, have already.

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  7. 1:00 AM: Compromise does not mean agreeing to the liberal point of view.
    And when something is fundamentally WRONG, there can be no compromise.

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  8. 656. You should stop taking your Business advice from Fox and extreme Conservative talk radio.

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  9. It is time for Congress and Charlie Dent to move on. America is tired of this debate. It was enacted, passed judicial muster and the BS needs to stop.

    Charlie, let's worry about getting the economy moving and getting Lehigh Vallians back to work.

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  10. 8:18 am -

    If you think it's b.s. and want it to stop, then encourage the obstructionist democrats in the Senate to let it come up for a stand alone vote.

    That would settle the issue once and for all. If the bill is as popular as you seem to think, there should be nothing to fear.

    Until that happens, the House should rightly continue to vote bills forward.

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  11. Obamacare is hugely unpopular because everybody knows it will be expensive and result in diminished quality of care; not dissimilar to the VA, but on a larger scale. They lied that it wasn't a tax. It's likely they lied about other critical aspects as well. He's Jimmy Carter with paler, thinner skin.

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  12. Just read an article that stated that their failed efforts to repeal Obamacare have cost the taxpayers nearly 50 million dollars..They know the legislation is going nowhere but they continue to throw taxpayer money away wasting time on legislation that cannot pass..They are a joke..Where are the jobs you promised in 2010 Republicans???

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  13. Repealing Obamacare will create jobs that are not currently being created due to the threat of impending Obamacare. Many companies, including mine, are being advised to pare back any hiring by 20% - 25%, as the costs of the law have not been fully determined and most businesses are expected to see large premium increases. Many, like mine, have already.

    So your company is choosing not to hire people whom they were not going to give health benefits too. Good company you have there. And let's not forget to mention and include in your quantification the tax credits your business will be given to give healthcare coverage to those whom you just wanted to hire and exploit without benefits.

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  14. If you think it's b.s. and want it to stop, then encourage the obstructionist democrats in the Senate to let it come up for a stand alone vote.

    Um, it did come up for a vote and it passed and was signed into law by the President. What are you talking about?

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  15. Obamacare is hugely unpopular because everybody knows it will be expensive and result in diminished quality of care; not dissimilar to the VA, but on a larger scale. They lied that it wasn't a tax. It's likely they lied about other critical aspects as well. He's Jimmy Carter with paler, thinner skin.

    You are referring to the individual mandate which Bob Dole favored in the nineties and Mitt Romney demanded was part of Romneycare in MA. If you call a penalty on freeloaders a tax, so be it. You personal responsibility folks should be dancing a jig that these freeloaders will finally be held to account.

    But that doesn't mesh with your nonsensical attacks on the President.

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  16. "If you like your coverage, you can keep it"

    "Maybe Grandma would be better off with a pill"

    "It's not a tax"

    ----------------------

    Obama sucks

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  17. To Cartwright: If you like this kind of Health care, move to Europe, Russia or China.

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  18. Captain Obvious PicardJuly 12, 2012 at 11:41 AM

    To Anon 10:30 AM, or just become a Congressman like Charlie Dent--HE USES SOCIALIZED MEDICAL CARE, AND YOU SUCKERS PAY FOR IT WHEN YOU RE-ELECTED HIM!!!

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  19. Captain Obvious PicardJuly 12, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    "Anonymous said...

    Just read an article that stated that their failed efforts to repeal Obamacare have cost the taxpayers nearly 50 million dollars..They know the legislation is going nowhere but they continue to throw taxpayer money away wasting time on legislation that cannot pass..They are a joke..Where are the jobs you promised in 2010 Republicans???

    8:58 AM"

    In the offices of SuperPacs that launch factually inaccurate ads, like Americans For Prosperity.

    Oh what, they employ few people, welcome to the world of "I have mine, now FUCK YOU!" Better known as the I.D. stage of life.

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  20. To Cartwright: If you like this kind of Health care, move to Europe, Russia or China.


    Or move to any civilized country in the entire world other than the USA?

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  21. Lots of great responses shooting down the simpleton criticisms here of ACA. Romney himself pushed it through Massachusetts by calling on the personal responsibility angle. He was right and I wish the Obama team would use it and pound it home relentlessly. We DO NOT have the best healthcare in the world folks. Lots of data out there to prove that one. For those touting America is #1 through their own ignorance of facts I say this...get over it and help us fix this thing if being #1 is so important to you. Maybe if we tackle this extraordinarily complex issue using the best of our collective energies and intelligence we could come up with a plan that will really cut costs (which is the elephant in the room) for healthcare while still providing coverage for ALL. Healthcare is a right, let's get on with it.

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  22. I say that the Republicans are boobs for continually wasting time (beyond keeping the topic in the public eye to the point of fatigue), but know full well that Democrats would be doing the same thing if roles were reversed.

    Factcheck.org has proven that both sides are talking out of their asses, yet both "Bases" will continue to enjoy the smell of their own farts and stay committed to their core beliefs.

    Unfortunately politicians will never bite the hands that feed them. So until we find a way to take the food away from those few & privileged hands we're screwed.

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  23. "Yes you can" (keeping the coverage)

    We'll see about that (give it a little time) ...

    :-)

    (Obamacare still sucks, so does Obama)

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  24. 12:12 If Healthcare is in fact a right, as for example, 2nd amendment gun ownership, then by your argument the federal government should buy every one a gun.
    After all, Obama did it for the Mexican drug cartels.....

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  25. Repeat after me :

    "THERE ARE NO DEATH PANELS"

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  26. How many thousands of new IRS agents to collect all the new taxes from Obamacare?

    The Governor or Maine calls Obamacare's Army of new IRS agents "THE NEW GESTAPO" ...

    Wait, Obama said it was not a tax!

    Did Obama lie through his teeth (again)?

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  27. Whatever happened to Obama's pledge to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term?

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  28. 12:12 If Healthcare is in fact a right, as for example, 2nd amendment gun ownership, then by your argument the federal government should buy every one a gun.
    After all, Obama did it for the Mexican drug cartels....


    Healthcare - gun. Same thing. ::RollingEyes::

    And we wonder why nothing ever gets done any more. Watch the movie "Idiocracy."

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  29. The VA offers keen insight into government health care systems. Get ready.

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  30. 2:23 right = right, are there "rights" that the citizenry should proivide to you, and others that are optional? like all libs, when you have no argument, you resort to ad hominem attacks, and posit that you are obviously correct on the face of the argument.
    morons.

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  31. How about we allow states and Commonwealths to allow all insurance companies into our respective communities where they can compete and we can deal with agents for our health care. On top of that we pay for our own insurance. Those of you who want to contiune to feed at the public teat, well, as others noted there are plenty of places you can go for socialized medicine and get to pay a lot more in taxes.

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  32. Honestly Bernie what would be the point of a strong opponent running. The Districts are now so Gerrymandered, that if you have a R in front of your name in the 15th and a D in front of your name in the 17th you are an automatic winner

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  33. Notice that the Rs have dropped the repeal and replace. There never was any effort at real reform by the Rs and now after three years they're finally letting us know the truth. There never was a plan and there still isn't a plan. The Rs probably have a "secret" plan that they'll reveal after the election.

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  34. It's about time these deadbeats stop living off of the insurance premiums I pay and get their own.

    Only the GOP could call Obamacare an attack on liberty, but a vaginal probe is OK.

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  35. Bernie, it is called the Affordable Care Act, even if you want to keep playing the politcal ideology game. If you can't discuss it like an adult, why not just put on a little cap hold a cup and stand next to Charlie's grinding organ.

    THe US healthcare system is based on profit. Becuasee of that it is all about profit, not care. There is no incentativ efor preventative care, just waiting until you need to see three or six specialists. They each get paid for their individual actions, so there is no incentivive for them to share information. The system charges hyperinflated fees and then accepts the lower amount, a very nice and incestuous atrrange,ment. Very much like the old mob operations, when scaminmg insurance comapnies. But in this scam the Insurance compaies are willing partners, everyone makes a buck. The patient is jus tthe vehicle.

    The system we have has private heath insurance scamming 30 cents of every dollar spent for "Administrative costs", wereas other nations, including our own medicare incur about 3-4% adminstrative costs. Why do the proivates incur such high costs? Very high operating costs, high salaries, advertsing,etc.. Hey, you don't think having your name plastered all over a baseball park is free do you? How about sponsering all those Chamber of commerce events. Nice use of health insurance dollars.

    So the system as it is, is incapable of reform becasue reform will mean less cash for the staus quo.

    Wheter you want to call Obama a communist Kenyan muslim or you think that tort reform is the key, until you get your arms around some basic facts, our US system will muddle on ranking near the bottom in overall health of nations, good job!

    Ideology is more imposrtant than health, after I've got mine so screw you.

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  36. Dear American Taxpayers&Workers,

    I want to Thank You for all the FREE CARE I receive in the U.S.
    Medical, Housing, Food Stamps, SSI,
    and Welfare.
    Julio
    P.S.I send all the TAX FREE money that I make in the U.S. HOME!

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  37. "Bernie, it is called the Affordable Care Act, even if you want to keep playing the politcal ideology game. If you can't discuss it like an adult, why not just put on a little cap hold a cup and stand next to Charlie's grinding organ. "

    Gee, I guess HuffPo, ABC News, Washington Post and the Philly Inky must all be playing the political ideology game, too. In the last 24 hours, every one of these objective news sources has referred to the "Affordable Care Act" by the name under which it is most popularly known - Obamacare. In fact, the argument could be made, and quite easily, that the name "Affordable Care Act" is itself a political ideology game. Let's face it. you are either driven by extremism yourself or hatred for me. But you are not driven by the facts.

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  38. "Whatever happened to Obama's pledge to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term?

    2:22 PM"

    Dat was just some shit I said to get elected. And, besides, once I put my never-published Harvard Law Editor brain to it, I discovered that George Bush had made a voodoo doll of me and forced me to spend even more than even I thought I could. Then he paralyzed the really super-duper smart part of me that was going to close the tax loopholes for my puppetmasters and reign in wasteful spending. Yes sirreee, one thing I've learned was that ol GWB is one bad mamma jamma. All the voodoo that dude can do, he's the real Kenyan usurper.

    So, I'm gonna need another four years, since NOBODY could have been prepared for what that sombitch left for me. But if you re-elect me, I'll pay all your bills and give you free shit.

    Promise!

    Your friend and partner in the war on liberty,

    President Barack Hussein Obama

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  39. Rather than get into a pissing match of insults with Anon 5:59, address the main points Bernie. They make sense.

    No real plan addressing health care costs has been put forward and without any real cooperation and governemnt action of some kind, it never will.

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  40. why is it the role of the federal government to address health care costs?
    I reject that core premise. Why is it the concern of government? or, why isn't it the role of thestate? or county to address this?
    it'sn ot about affordable care, it's about power and control

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  41. Whatever happened to Obama's pledge to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term?


    That was before the 22% approval-rating George W. Bush left him with 8% unemployment and a devastated financial system.

    But I suppose Obama should have fixed Bush's epic disaster AND lower the deficit. McCain would have. :)

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  42. How about we allow states and Commonwealths to allow all insurance companies into our respective communities where they can compete and we can deal with agents for our health care. On top of that we pay for our own insurance. Those of you who want to contiune to feed at the public teat, well, as others noted there are plenty of places you can go for socialized medicine and get to pay a lot more in taxes.

    I have very good benefits, thank you. But that could change tomorrow for you or for me. It could change in such a way that you or I couldn't buy our own. People with brains think with foresight (not to mention with empathy for their own family members and friends).

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