Another health care vote? Maybe, maybe not!
Debate about an upcoming health care vote is dominating headlines, so you need to know why this issue isn’t settled yet despite reading stories about continued passing of health care proposals.
This quote most eloquently explains the previous votes and why there is a final vote in the near future:
“Sweeping legislation seemed to be on the brink of passage in January, after both houses approved bills and lawmakers began working out a final compromise. But those efforts were sidetracked when Republicans won a special election in Massachusetts — and with it, the ability to block a vote on a final bill in the Senate.” 1
So, yes, it appears that this Senate vote will be the FINAL vote when it comes to overhauling health care. HOWEVER, throwing a wrench into the works is word that passage of the bill may be possible WITHOUT a final vote. This seems to fly in the face of democracy, but something called a Self-Executing Rule may be used.
Basically, the House (led by Nancy Pelosi) would vote on a final health care package and then say “no need for the Senate to look at this. It’s all good.” Yikes. Form your own opinion on that, but it scares the heck out of me and negates the purpose of a bicameral system.
Read on:
WashingtonPost.com – House may try to pass Senate health-care bill without voting on it
WashingtonPost.com – President Obama makes pitch for health-care reform
House.gov – great explanation of the Self-Executing Rule
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