BeltwayBlips - Latest Congress News Articles

With victory in House, health care reform moves to Senate

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 13:35:07 +0000

Washington (CNN) - The House of Representatives passed a sweeping health care bill Saturday night with a tight vote of 220-215, making it the biggest expansion of health care coverage since Medicare was created more than 40 years ago. The Affordable Health Care for America Act, or H.R. 3962, restricts insurance companies from denying coverage to anyone with a pre-existing condition or charging higher premiums based on gender or medical history. It also provides federal subsidies to those who cannot afford it and guarantees coverage for 96 percent of Americans, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. However, turning the bill into law remains uncertain. Full story

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All eyes on Reid (Politico)

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 11:09:48 +0000

Politico - With the House’s landmark health vote complete, Harry Reid is facing dissent among Senate Democrats.

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House narrowly passes health care bill

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 08:57:01 +0000

The House of Representatives passed a sweeping health care bill Saturday night with a tight vote of 220-215, making it the biggest expansion of health care coverage since Medicare was created more than 40 years ago.

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One Republican votes for healthcare bill

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Anh 'Joseph' Cao of Louisiana was elected last year to replace Rep. William J. Jefferson, who faced corruption charges. > Anh "Joseph" Cao, a Vietnamese-born former ethics teacher and Catholic seminarian, last winter surprised and delighted Republicans by defeating a longtime incumbent in a heavily Democratic congressional district in Louisiana.

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By a small margin, California voters support same-sex marriage

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

A new poll finds, however, that they don't want to vote on it in 2010. > A small majority of California voters supports the right of same-sex couples to marry, but by a much larger margin, voters oppose efforts to place the issue back on the ballot next year, a new Los Angeles Times/USC poll has found.

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House votes for ban on abortion subsidies

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

An amendment proposed by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), approved 240 to 194, prohibits coverage of abortions in a new government-run health insurance plan. > In a last-minute compromise seeking to secure a majority vote for a healthcare overhaul, House Democratic leaders agreed Saturday to essentially exclude abortion coverage from their bill except for insurance policies paid exclusively with private money.

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Historic healthcare overhaul passes House

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

The 220-215 vote marks the first such victory in decades of efforts to expand insurance coverage. The bill wins a lone GOP vote and loses many Democrats, pointing to challenges awaiting in the Senate. > The House of Representatives on Saturday approved the most sweeping healthcare legislation since the creation of Medicare 44 years ago, giving a boost to President Obama's campaign to guarantee health coverage to almost all Americans.

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House backs anti-abortion amendment (Reuters)

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 06:14:37 +0000

Reuters - The House of Representatives voted on Saturday to tighten a ban against using federal funds to finance abortions under the proposed Democratic healthcare reform legislation.

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Pelosi's day

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 05:19:46 +0000

With Saturday’s vote, Pelosi proves yet again she is the able master of a Democratic Caucus.

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Abortion Was at Heart of Last-Minute Wrangling

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 05:01:44 +0000

The results of that fight were evident as one liberal Democrat after another denounced the health care plan because of abortion restrictions, even though most held their noses in the end and voted for the bill itself.

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House passes historic health care bill, with one GOP vote (McClatchy Newspapers)

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 04:26:00 +0000

McClatchy Newspapers - WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives Saturday passed, by a vote of 220 to 215, historic health care legislation that would require virtually all Americans to obtain health insurance and create a government-run health insurance plan to help them do so.

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BREAKING: House pases health care reform bill

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 04:24:21 +0000

Washington (CNN) - The House of Representatives on Saturday night passed a sweeping health care bill bya vote of 220-215. Full story

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Amendment introduced by House Minority Leader fails

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 03:57:31 +0000

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House passes amendment prohibiting abortion funding

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 03:30:33 +0000

Washington (CNN) - The House of Representatives on Saturday night passed an amendment to pending health care legislation that prohibits federal funds for abortion services in the public option and in the insurance "exchange" the bill would create. The vote passed 240-194. The amendment was introduced by anti-abortion Democrats. Its consideration was considered a big win for them and for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which used its power - especially with conservative Democrats in swing congressional districts - to help force other Democratic leaders to permit a vote that most of them oppose. The prohibition, introduced by Democratic members, including Rep. Brad Ellsworth, D-Indiana, and Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Michigan, would exclude cases of rape, incest or if the mother's life is in danger. Republicans strongly supported the measure. The GOP accounted for 174 of the votes in favor of the amendment, with 1 Republican voting "present." On the Democrat's side, 64 voted for the ...

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U.S. House backs anti-abortion amendment

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 03:24:41 +0000

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Saturday to tighten a ban against using federal funds to finance abortions under the proposed Democratic healthcare reform legislation.

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U.S. House backs anti-abortion amendment (Reuters)

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 03:24:41 +0000

Reuters - The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Saturday to tighten a ban against using federal funds to finance abortions under the proposed Democratic healthcare reform legislation.

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House passes historic health bill (Politico)

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 03:18:26 +0000

Politico - The House of Representatives passes the $1.2 trillion health care legislation late Saturday evening.

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House Democrats promise health-care victory as Republicans remain opposed to bill

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 02:50:27 +0000

Hours after President Obama exhorted Democratic lawmakers Saturday to heed the call of history, House leaders vowed to deliver a late-night victory on a broad restructuring of the nation's health insurance system aimed at ensuring that every American has access to comprehensive and affordable cov...

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Republicans seek a path to revival

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 02:50:27 +0000

One year after hitting bottom in the aftermath of President Obama's election, Republicans have taken their first concrete steps toward recovery. But they remain an embattled and divided force, facing an electorate still skeptical about their capacity to govern and embroiled in a struggle between ...

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Historic House reform vote begins (Politico)

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 02:36:49 +0000

Politico - House of Representatives began a series of historic votes Saturday night on legislation that would provide health coverage to almost every American.

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DHS readies plan to track foreigners flying from U.S.

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 01:31:22 +0000

The Department of Homeland Security is finalizing a proposal to collect fingerprints or eye scans from all foreign travelers at U.S. airports as they leave the country, officials said, a costly screening program that airlines have opposed.

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Featured Advertiser

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 01:31:22 +0000

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U.S. optimistic about new nuclear weapons treaty with Russia

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 01:31:22 +0000

After months of negotiations with Russia, Obama administration officials are hopeful about a breakthrough -- possibly this week -- that would enable the two sides to sign a successor to their most extensive nuclear weapons treaty before it expires Dec. 5.

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After 8 Years, Work Starts at a Sept. 11 Site

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:16:23 +0000

Construction of a permanent memorial is under way at the crash site in Pennsylvania of United Airlines Flight 93.

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House Democrats confident on healthcare vote (Reuters)

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:08:17 +0000

Reuters - The U.S. House of Representatives headed to a final vote on a sweeping healthcare overhaul on Saturday, with Democratic leaders confident they can secure the 218 votes needed for a narrow victory.

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House Democrats confident on healthcare vote

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:08:17 +0000

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives headed to a final vote on a sweeping healthcare overhaul on Saturday, with Democratic leaders confident they can secure the 218 votes needed for a narrow victory.

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Pelosi Says House Will Pass Health-Care Legislation (Bloomberg)

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:02:47 +0000

Bloomberg - Nov. 7 (Bloomberg) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said her chamber today will pass legislation on the most far-reaching changes in U.S. health-care policy in four decades as President Barack Obama urged Congress to ârise to this moment.â

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Hundreds protest health bill amid looming vote

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 00:00:21 +0000

Washington (CNN) - Foes of the House Democrats' health care bill rallied outside the Capitol Saturday afternoon, hours before what many of them anticipate will be a setback for their position - approval of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's bill. "It may pass out of the House tonight. We do realize that," Jenny Beth Martin, event organizer for the Tea Party Patriots, said. "But there is the Senate still. And we are going to leave no stone unturned and fight the government taking over our health care." Chanting "Kill the bill" and "Hell, no" throughout the nearly 90-minute rally, the few hundred attendees kept up their opposition despite having a much lower turnout than a similar rally held on Thursday. More than a dozen Republican lawmakers spoke to the protesters and encouraged them to keep up the fight by speaking to wavering Democrats and their families, friends and neighbors about the legislation. "We are here for one purpose: Kill the bill!" said Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee. ...

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House Health-Debate Leaves No Child Left Behind

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 22:10:45 +0000

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 arent 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 ...

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GOP's Graham steps out on a limb on climate change (McClatchy Newspapers)

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 21:11:00 +0000

McClatchy Newspapers - WASHINGTON — When it comes to combating global warming, Sen. Lindsey Graham is right where he loves to be — ahead of the curve, in the mix on a major issue, at the table for high-level, bipartisan talks behind closed doors.

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Wilson: Blue dogs or lap dogs?

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 21:02:02 +0000

Several speak to protesters and actively bait Blue Dog Democrats, most of whom remain undecided on bill.

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Baby Talk in the Health Debate

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 21:01:20 +0000

Naftali Bendavid reports from the Capitol Critics sometimes suggest that someone on the House floor is acting like a baby. At one point in today’s heated health care debate, it was literally true. Rep. John Shadegg , an Arizona Republican, held up his granddaughter Maddy, who appeared to be several months old, as he attacked the Democrats’ health bill. “Maddy believes in freedom,” Mr. Shadegg said, as his granddaughter reached toward the microphone. “Maddy likes America because we have freedom.” He added, “She came here to say she doesnt want the government to take over health care She doesn’t want a health care bill that will cost $1.5 trillion.” And he said that if the bill passes, Maddy knows her mother will lose her health insurance. Maddy was remarkable well-behaved, holding a plastic toy and not shouting or calling out, unlike some of the House members at other points during the debate. When Rep. Henry Waxman (D., ...

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Republicans Stress Jobs in Health-Care Debate

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 19:47:29 +0000

Peter Landers reports on health care. Republicans are seizing on Friday’s unemployment report to step up attacks on the Democrats’ health-care bill. In statements on the floor of Congress today, Republican lawmakers repeatedly referred to the rise of unemployment above 10% to make the case that Democrats have “misplaced priorities,” in the words of Rep. Joe Wilson (R., S.C.). Rep. Eric Cantor , the Republican minority whip, said at a news conference that the Democratic plan would “impose higher taxes on small business while were expecting them to create jobs.” Small-business groups say the tax on married couples earning more than $1 million could hit some business owners. They also oppose penalties the bill would impose on businesses with payroll of more than $500,000 that dont offer employees health coverage. Another frequently repeated phrase was “government takeover” which is what Republicans say will happen to the health-care ...

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Boehner: 'We're going to do everything we can to try to stop' the bill

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 17:45:04 +0000

House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) fired a warning shot at Democrats this morning, saying “we’re going to do everything we can to try to stop” the bill from passing.

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Pelosi Says House Will Pass Health-Care Legislation (Bloomberg)

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 17:39:39 +0000

Bloomberg - Nov. 7 (Bloomberg) -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said her chamber today will pass legislation to make the most sweeping changes in the U.S. health-care system in four decades.

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House begins debate on health care legislation

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 17:20:52 +0000

Washington (CNN) - In a special Saturday session, the House of Representatives began debating health care legislation crafted by House Democrats, as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle considered an amendment to the bill that would put restrictions on abortion funding. President Barack Obama made a rare visit to Capitol Hill earlier in the day to meet with members of the House Democratic caucus and push forward proposed the health care measure. But the contentious issue of abortion is threatening to delay Saturday's scheduled vote on the nearly $1.1 trillion bill by the full House of Representatives and possibly push it back to Sunday, according to two Democratic sources. In a late night development, anti-abortion Democrats scored a major victory by persuading Democratic leaders to allow them to offer an amendment during the debate Saturday that would ban most abortion coverage from the public option and other insurance providers in the new so-called "exchange" the legislation would ...

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House Starts Debate on Health Bill

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 17:20:35 +0000

The House of Representatives began debate on a bill overhauling the health-care system after Democrats early Saturday cleared an abortion-related impasse that had threatened to block the vote.

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Pelosi: Pro-choice Dems will sign on

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 15:31:27 +0000

She's confident pro-choice Dems will support the bill.

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House set to open healthcare debate (Reuters)

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 14:44:36 +0000

Reuters - With a close vote looming, the U.S. House of Representatives was set to open debate on Saturday on a sweeping reform bill that would spark the biggest healthcare changes in four decades.

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Democrats secure abortion funding deal on eve of expected health vote

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

Pelosi and others work into the night to try to clear roadblocks on the healthcare overhaul bill. > With a historic floor vote looming on their healthcare bill, House Democratic leaders secured an 11th-hour compromise late Friday night to settle a long-simmering debate over how to restrict federal funding for abortion.

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Cantor Calls for Inclusive Party, Criticizes Limbaugh Rhetoric (Bloomberg)

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Bloomberg - Nov. 7 (Bloomberg) -- The second-ranking Republican in the U.S. House, Eric Cantor, criticized some comments by talk-show host Rush Limbaugh as inappropriate and said his party needs to be inclusive.

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GOP senators want to query attorney general on reporter-shield legislation

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee want to question Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. about his support of a compromise reporters' shield law before they vote on it, according to congressional sources.

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Pelosi Faces Competing Pressures on Health Care

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 04:27:39 +0000

Speaker Nancy Pelosi raises funds in part to help re-elect her most vulnerable members, many from Republican-leaning districts leery of liberal health care proposals.

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House Democrats scramble for healthcare votes

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 03:03:48 +0000

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives scrambled on Friday to allay lingering concerns about a broad healthcare overhaul and said a landmark vote planned for Saturday could slip a day or more.

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House Democrats scramble for health-care votes (Reuters)

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 03:03:48 +0000

Reuters - Democratic leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives scrambled on Friday to allay lingering concerns about a broad healthcare overhaul and said a landmark vote planned for Saturday could slip a day or more.

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House Republicans plan to vote unanimously against health-care measure

Sat, 7 Nov 2009 02:43:06 +0000

The 177 Republicans in the House of Representatives plan to unanimously oppose health-care legislation that would constitute the biggest expansion of insurance to Americans in decades, illustrating the huge divide that remains between the two parties on key issues and setting up a major debate in...

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Abortion key to health vote

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 23:17:00 +0000

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro, Mike Viqueira, and Luke RussertDems "intend" to bring the health reform bill to a vote tomorrow. As many as 20 to 30 votes could hinge on abortion. Fix abortion, bill passes, one Democrat said. Many of these members are waiting for a yay or nay from the Conference of Catholic Bishops on the abortion language. Moderates Bart Stupak (D-MI) and Brad Ellsworth (D-IN), two of the central figures in this abortion fight, are currently in the Speaker's office....( read more )

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Hoyer: Health Vote May Be Delayed

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 23:03:43 +0000

The House majority leader said Democrats haven't yet lined up enough votes to pass their health-care bill and may push the vote back to Sunday or later.

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Clinton addresses policy forum

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 23:01:00 +0000

From NBC's Ali Weinberg and Wendy Jones Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today addressed the first public policy forum of NoLimits.org, an education foundation focusing on issues like work-family policies, healthcare reform and human rights. The nonpartisan group was founded by Ann Lewis, whose brother is House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank . Clinton said she recognized many friends in the audience, including her best friend from sixth grade, as well as many whom she met "in the cauldron of the 2008 election." She called Lewis Rep. Frank's "long-suffering sister," joking about Lewis's reaction to Frank's speech earlier at the forum: "He did great but his shirt was untucked!" Although the speech was devoted mostly to Clinton's experience thus far as Secretary of State, she did comment on some of the day's news, expressing optimism about the House passing its health care bill tomorrow. ...( read more )

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Hutchison in Fort Hood spotlight

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 22:57:42 +0000

Kay Bailey Hutchison has emerged as the most visible official in the wake of the shooting at Fort Hood.

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