Democrats will have votes for health bill, Obama aide says

I understand "reconciliation" and am opposed to its use with regard to this health-care-reform legislation. The White House IS, because they don't seem to care what the American people want, going to go this route. The party will pay for it's arrogance this Fall. In the mean time, I still don't think the legislation will pass, even attempting to use reconciliation.

There have been many bills passed using this method in the past and while I haven't approved of some of the bills I've never questioned the method. Former President Bush got ALL of his tax cuts for the rich passed through reconciliation, something with which I disagreed at the time but I also realized he was President and his party had the majority in the House and Senate so that's how it goes - majority rules. There are some parts of the health care bills which won't be able to be done through reconciliation, at least that's what I understand. Also, I don't think they can actually add anything totally new that wasn't included in the original bill since that's what was already passed with 60 votes. Another thing I also understand to be the case is that when a bill such as this one is passed through reconciliation it will only be temporary and will have an "expiration date", as the tax cuts did. Basically, I think it wont be the "end of the world" even for those who are vehemently opposed to it because it's not carved in stone by any means. Some of the provisions won't go into effect for a few years but some will kick in immediately and I say anything that will help some of those who are currently doing without badly needed health care is worth it. It seems to me that both parties will be putting themselves out there and taking their chances on what the voters will decide in November or whenever they come up for reelection, if they choose to run. I'd guess that if something passes and it turns out to be something horrible that simple majority will change hands the next election and it can be repealed. Annie

The point is to get Health Care passed and then it can be expanded. Like Social Security it will be one of those things that is untouchable by future elected officials. It is about getting power and holding it.

Just another way to force us to ghae obama care which no one wants! he sure is a sneaky so and so

While I understand reconciliation, I know that sometimes it is appropriate. In something as big as this bill however, I think there should be more support. If it is such a great thing, why can't they get the votes?

If they choose the reconciliation method, they will have to go line by line and pass only those things that can be described as budget related items. Who knows what could eventually end up getting passed? I am hoping they don't pass anything because if they get a mere framework they can always put in things they want in other sessions of congress. A national healthcare bill is a bad idea for the USA and I hope the dems will soon give up their foolishness on this.

This is BS. It was BS when the republicans did it...it is BS now. Reconcilation is being abused by both sides. I hope they are prepared for the backlash that is going to come their way if they actually do use reconcilation. It is going to be big and bad.