House Health-Debate Leaves No Child Left Behind

The battle of cute kids is under way on the House floor. First Rep. John Shadegg , an Arizona Republican, held up his months-old granddaughter, Maddy. Mr. Shadegg explained to his colleagues that Maddy had come to the floor because she loves freedom and opposes a government takeover of health care. Maddy seemed unperturbed, and appeared to be quietly contemplating both sides of the debate. Then Rep. Pete Stark , a California Democrat, came to the House floor with his children, Andrew and Hannah. Unlike Mr. Shadegg, he did not translate their thoughts for his colleagues. But he did refer to them in taking issue with the notion that the next generation would pay for the debt incurred by the health bill. “I can assure you these guys aren’t going to have to pay for it in the future,” he said.  That prompted an admonition from Rep. John Salazar (D., Colo.) who was presiding over the debate. “Members on both sides of the aisle are reminded not to use guests of the House as props,” Mr. Salazar ... (link)